Managing WIP Limits in Scrum with Kanban
Work In Progress (WIP) limits are crucial in Kanban for maintaining an efficient workflow, but situations may arise where urgent, high-priority items need to be addressed even when the team is at their WIP limit.
Exam Question
The team needs to work on a high priority urgent unplanned item, but they are at their WIP limit.
True or False: They should change the WIP limit at their Daily Scrum to enable them to pull in that item.
A. True
B. False
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
Correct Answer
B. False:
The purpose of WIP limits in Kanban is to maintain a controlled and sustainable flow of work, ensuring that the team is not overwhelmed and that work is completed efficiently. Changing the WIP limit in response to an urgent item undermines this principle. Instead, the team should look for ways to free up capacity within the existing WIP limits, such as by completing or moving existing work items, before considering adjusting the limit. Adjusting WIP limits should be a deliberate decision, typically made during retrospectives or other planning sessions, rather than as a reactive measure during the Daily Scrum.
Key Points on Managing WIP Limits
- Maintaining Flow: WIP limits help maintain a steady flow of work and prevent the team from becoming overloaded. Adjusting them impulsively can disrupt this balance.
- Alternative Approaches: Before changing WIP limits, the team should explore other options, such as prioritizing the completion of current work or reassigning tasks to create capacity for the urgent item.
- Deliberate Changes: Any changes to WIP limits should be made thoughtfully and based on a broader assessment of the team’s workflow, typically during retrospectives or similar sessions, not in response to a single incident.
Relevance to the PSK I Exam
Understanding the role of WIP limits and how to manage them effectively, particularly in high-pressure situations, is important for the PSK I exam. This knowledge demonstrates the ability to maintain workflow efficiency and make strategic decisions under pressure.
Key Takeaways
- WIP limits should not be changed impulsively in response to urgent items; instead, explore other ways to manage work within existing limits.
- The purpose of WIP limits is to control the workflow and prevent overload, which can be compromised if limits are adjusted too frequently.
- Changes to WIP limits should be made thoughtfully during retrospectives or other planning sessions, not as a reactive measure.
Conclusion
WIP limits are designed to keep the team’s work sustainable and manageable. In the face of urgent, high-priority work, the team should first explore options within the existing WIP limits before considering any changes. For more information on preparing for the PSK I exam, visit our Professional Kanban PSK I™ Exam Prep.
