Overview

A successful kanban will not happen without team implementation. Therefore, before you begin the process of developing and deploying kanban scheduling, get rid of any Lone Ranger ideas:

• Yes, you can calculate the size of the kanban by yourself.

• Yes, you can design a scheduling signal by yourself.

• Yes, you can design awesome visual management aids by yourself.

• No, you cannot make the implementation a success by yourself.

Success will require the use of a team to develop buy-in and to ensure all unique aspects of the operation get tied into the kanban design. To ensure this happens, bring the team together at the planning stage to participate in all the steps of the deployment process. Do not expect to have the support and cooperation of the stakeholders, if you just tell them what they are going to do and how the kanban will work.

Additionally, as anyone with experience in working with cross-functional teams knows, the probability of developing a superior product goes up dramatically by seeking and using everyone's expertise. The team will identify the issues they currently face some you know about and some you never dreamed of. They will also probably have a suggestion or a "why can't we" idea that will nullify these issues.

Finally, members of the team can help in explaining the design to their coworkers later in the deployment process. They will help the communication process and can reduce "flavor of the month" fears. The team members can also smooth over any...