This document discusses how Kanban software from Kerika can help manage processes more effectively than traditional paper-based systems. It notes that paper lags behind reality, as distribution is difficult and process documentation is often abstract. Kanban allows processes to be captured as visual templates with task cards that can include detailed instructions and files. These templates can then be shared in real-time with coworkers to collaborate on processes and get feedback, enabling continuous and faster improvement compared to annual updates.
Hi, and welcome to this presentation on “Kanban in a Can”
My name is Arun Kumar; I am the founder and CEO of Kerika which has developed the worlds only task board that’s designed specially for distributed Lean and Agile teams.
Today’s talk, which is mostly a demo, by the way, is about capturing, visualizing and optimizing your everyday processes, something that is essential in every state agency that is embracing Lean Government.
All three elements of this are essential:
Capturing: how many of your organizational processes are accurately described? And by “accurately”, I mean described in the way they are actually done, as opposed to the official way they are supposed to be done.
Visualizing: can you literally visualize your process? (Or is it written in some impenetrable manual or, worse-yet, written in some official legalese that covers your ass but stops everyone else from actually understanding and using your process!
Optimizing: how easily can you optimize your process? How often? (This will depend upon the time needed to disseminate your new process.)
This is the old way of managing organizational processes. Also, the worst way.
No one reads these three-ring binders. As you all know, because you don’t read them either!
This is an improvement, but only up to a point. By creating PDF versions of your three-ring binder all you have done is put “paper on glass”: you shifted the burden of printing to your users.
This is definitely an attempt to visualize, but we can see why actual sticky notes, while great for brainstorming, aren’t a persistent, reliable way of capturing your workflows.
Instead, we need to consider a more online solution, something like this…