WIP Limit

Definition of WIP Limit

WIP Limit is the maximum number of work items allowed in a specific context of a process to optimize flow.

Pronunciation Spelling

WIP LIM-it

Example Sentence

Enforcing WIP limits improves focus and lowers cycle times.

Significance

Agile practitioners should be familiar with the term “WIP Limit” as it’s crucial for managing workflow efficiency. WIP (Work in Progress) Limit refers to the maximum amount of work items that can be simultaneously handled in a specific stage of a workflow. Understanding and implementing WIP Limits helps prevent overburdening, reduces multitasking, and focuses the team’s efforts on completing tasks before taking on new ones. It enhances flow, identifies bottlenecks, and encourages continuous improvement in the team’s productivity and delivery throughput.

Additional Resources

• What Is Kanban? An Overview of the Kanban Method
• Kanban Guide
• The Kanban Guide for Scrum Teams
• Do Less to Do More: WIP Limits in Kanban
• 4 Key Flow Metrics and How to Use Them in Scrum’s Events
• Practical Kanban: From Team Focus to Creating Value
• When Will It Be Done?: Lean-Agile Forecasting to Answer Your Customers’ Most Important Question
• Kanban: Successful Evolutionary Change for Your Technology Business
• Head First Agile: A Brain-Friendly Guide to Agile Principles, Ideas, and Real-World Practices