Why are work in process (WIP) limits necessary in the Program Kanban?

Work in process (WIP) limits play a crucial role in the Program Kanban by preventing large queues from building up. This is important because excessive work in progress can lead to inefficiencies, increased lead times, and reduced quality. When too many items are in progress at the same time, it becomes challenging for teams to focus, prioritize, and complete work effectively. By implementing WIP limits, teams can maintain a manageable amount of work, which encourages a steady flow, enhances focus, and improves collaboration. This contributes to maximizing efficiency and ensuring that work moves through the system smoothly, ultimately leading to quicker delivery and better overall outcomes.

Establishing WIP limits helps teams visualize their capacity and manage their workflow more effectively, ensuring that they are not overwhelmed and can adhere to agile principles such as incremental delivery and continuous improvement.