Work In Progress Limits
Updated 2026-08-09
INTRODUCTION
English translation pending.
CORE DEFINITION
Work In Progress limits restrict the number of tasks worked at the same time, for example allowing each person no more than three concurrent tasks. As an antidote to the multitasking trap the limit reduces context switching, raises flow efficiency and makes the bottleneck visible, since whoever is full is the blockage.
SCAFFOLDING EFFECT
Reduce cognitive load
- Cap the concurrent work: set a hard limit for each stage and each person. - Pull and never push: stop taking new work in until a real slot opens. - Read the blockage: the stage that is always full is your true bottleneck.
Anchor fast decisions
Limiting the count of work in progress, for example no more than three tasks per person, cuts context switching, lowers inventory and lifts flow efficiency, and it makes the bottleneck visible since whoever is full is the blockage. The idea descends from the lean view that inventory is debt.
MINIMUM ACTION
In progress 0/1Practice this model in one real situation:
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Source support: Explicit
- en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kanban_(developmentverified
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