Setting Task Limits: WIP (Work-in-Progress) Explained

Technology

When managing tasks in any project, bottlenecks can slow progress and make it difficult to identify where attention is needed most. That’s where Work-in-Progress (WIP) Limits come in.

By setting clear limits on how many tasks can be in progress at any given time, WIP Limits help you manage workload effectively, ensuring smooth task flow across your projects.

Let’s break down how WIP Limits work and how they can improve your team’s efficiency.

What Are WIP Limits?

This Kerika board settings view illustrates the ease of enabling and utilizing WIP Limits to create a balanced workload. You can see how setting limits on "In Progress" tasks, as depicted here, improves the task flow and prevent team overload, leading to more productive project management.

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WIP Limits set a cap on the number of tasks allowed in specific columns on your board. For example, if a column is titled “In Progress,” you can set a limit of 5 tasks, ensuring the team doesn’t overload themselves or lose focus.

This method aligns with lean project management practices, helping teams balance capacity and avoid unnecessary delays.

How to Set WIP Limits

  1. Open the Board Settings: Click on the gear icon in the top-right corner of your board to access the board settings.
  2. Enable WIP Limits: Under the Settings tab, toggle the “Work-in-Progress (WIP) Limits” option to activate it.
  3. Set Column-Specific Limits: Go to the Columns tab and assign specific WIP Limits to each column based on your team’s workload.

Why WIP Limits Work

  1. Prevent Overload: Limiting tasks ensures your team focuses on what’s already in progress before starting new ones.
  2. Identify Bottlenecks: When a column reaches its WIP Limit, it’s a signal that tasks need attention before more can be added.
  3. Improve Task Flow: WIP Limits help your team work efficiently, moving tasks through the pipeline without overwhelming any stage of the process.

Real-World Benefits

  • Balanced Workload: Teams stay focused and productive without the stress of too many tasks piling up.
  • Improved Collaboration: Clear limits encourage teams to finish tasks collaboratively before starting new ones.
  • Better Task Prioritization: Focus shifts naturally to high-priority tasks to keep the workflow moving.

Conclusion

Work-in-Progress Limits bring structure and clarity to task management, making it easier to identify bottlenecks and maintain a steady workflow.