Kanban in an IT Operations setting

A while back, I participated in a discussion about the application of Kanban in an IT Operations setting. Here are some of my thoughts on the matter:

I strongly believe there are three keywords to keep in mind when thinking about process design:

• Practicability – What is the learning curve for using the process?
• Repeatability – How well is the process documented?
• Measurability – How well are we actually using the process?

The process must be simple enough that you want to use it. It should be documented well enough that someone from the outside can understand it. KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) must be well-defined, and build up under CSFs (Critical Success Factors). Finally, any cumbersome and elaborate process will not be followed, as other ways to work will be chosen and used.

Kanban, Scrum and Lean are all interesting process tools, and can all undoubtedly have a place in IT Operations, as well as in IT Development. Like Ole Kirk Christiansen, I believe that the best will do. That said, we must not let the search for perfection become the enemy of that which is good enough. If you find a tool that might work in the here and now; start using it. If it turns out not to be expedient, find something else. Above all; do not be afraid to try something out, only to see it fail. Instead; fail quickly!