In the Program Kanban, why are work in process (WIP) limits necessary?

Work in process (WIP) limits are essential in the Program Kanban because they help teams maintain an efficient flow of work by preventing large queues from forming. By setting a maximum number of work items that can be in progress at any given time, teams are encouraged to focus on completing existing tasks before starting new ones. This practice allows for better visibility into the workflow, enables quicker identification of bottlenecks, and promotes more effective resource allocation.

Maintaining WIP limits directly contributes to a smoother, more predictable delivery process, as it protects against overwhelming the team and ensures that work items move through the system efficiently. This approach not only enhances productivity but also fosters better quality outcomes, as teams can devote the necessary attention to fewer tasks at a time.