We’ve observed that participants find it relatively easy to visualise their workflows and implement necessary feedback cycles. However, many struggle with limiting parallel work, which often results in a lack of flow within their Kanban systems and fails to reduce complexity effectively.
• Risk of Idle Time: If WIP limits are set too low, team members may experience idle time, which can lead to reduced productivity.
• Time Waste in Setting Optimal Limits: Determining the right WIP limits can be especially difficult in complex workflows. Teams often need to experiment and adjust repeatedly, which is time-consuming and may initially disrupt productivity.
• Challenges in Finding the Right Balance: Establishing effective WIP limits often requires trial and error. This iterative process may cause temporary workflow disruptions and reduced effectiveness, leading to resistance during implementation.