As more and more companies are adopting agile methodologies to manage their projects, it’s crucial to know about Kanban agreements. A Kanban agreement, also known as a service-level agreement (SLA), is a critical document that establishes the expectations and responsibilities of the different stakeholders involved in Kanban project management.
Kanban is a lean approach that focuses on improving the flow of work by visualizing the work process, limiting work in progress, and continuously improving. A Kanban board is used to track the status of tasks or work items, visualize progress, and identify bottlenecks. The Kanban agreement establishes the terms of the service that the Kanban team will provide to its stakeholders.
The Kanban agreement helps to define the scope of the work, establish expectations regarding the quality and timing of deliverables, and ensure that everyone involved in the project is on the same page. It sets the groundwork for a healthy and productive collaboration between the Kanban team and its customers.
The Kanban agreement should include the following elements:
1. Service description: A clear definition of the service to be provided by the Kanban team.
2. Service level targets: A statement of the expected levels of service, including performance metrics such as lead time, cycle time, and throughput.
3. Service hours: The hours during which service will be provided, including any schedules for maintenance and downtime.
4. Escalation process: A process for handling issues that may arise during the project, including how and when to escalate issues to higher-level stakeholders.
5. Roles and responsibilities: A clear delineation of the roles and responsibilities of the different stakeholders involved in the project.
6. Service fees: The fees or charges associated with the service provided by the Kanban team.
The Kanban agreement is an essential document that helps to foster a productive collaboration between the Kanban team and its customers. It establishes clear expectations, roles, and responsibilities, and provides a framework for addressing issues that may arise during the project. By signing a Kanban agreement, both parties can work towards a common goal and ensure the success of the project.