People are constantly looking for ways to streamline their processes, maximize their productivity, and manage their workflows. Kanban is a popular process How to Manage Tasks Using the Japanese Kanban Technique How to Manage Tasks Using the Japanese Kanban Technique Kanban is a Japanese recipe for getting things done. It is an organization technique originally developed for the Toyota production line. We show you how you can implement it for yourself or on your team. Read More
Developed by a Toyota engineer, it originated in the manufacturing sector. However, many technology companies now use Kanban to meet development goals.
Task prioritization is one of the main concepts of Kanban. Think of the constant influx of user requests after a software release. In that scenario, people using Kanban visualize the workflow. How can visual to-do lists boost your personal productivity? How can visual to-do lists boost your personal productivity? Do you like visual to-do lists, or do linear lists make you more efficient? We take a look at five visual tools that make your daily planning more interesting. Read more about Kanban boards. They also take a team approach to prioritize each user request or other responsibility. Since Kanban is flexible, there are no set deadlines for task completion. Also, reprioritization often occurs.
There are many benefits associated with Kanban. They include increased productivity for entire teams and a reduced incidence of wasted resources. Individuals also report increased focus. Sounds great right?
Below, we'll look at several Chrome extensions to help you understand Kanban. They will make it easier for Kanban to be part of your daily life.
Tired of sorting through a perpetually chaotic Gmail inbox 9 Instant Ways to Turn Your Emails into Tasks 9 Instant Ways to Turn Your Emails into Tasks You can't help but-to-write emails ending up in your inbox , but you can turn them into tasks to manage them better. Here are some tips for turning emails into tasks. Read more ? Kanban reveals the most viable priorities..
Drag is an app that lets you apply organization principles to Gmail. Its developers believe that there is a close relationship between emails and to-do lists. In fact, many of your assigned tasks may originate from emails. Turn that homework into a Kanban board in Gmail.
The app also offers drag team tables, also known as team inboxes. While using them, you can collaborate with others. Put tasks in groups, make comments and respond to emails. A free version of this Chrome extension offers drag and drop functionality and a table. This version allows a dashboard with up to three columns.
There are also paid versions of Drag. They allow you to add tasks to Gmail, create checklists, and create unlimited boards with no column restrictions.
Download: Drag for Chrome (Free, Premium from $4/user/month)
In addition to working with Chrome, this Kanban-based app enhances G-Suite, the version of Gmail and Google Drive for business. Relying on teams from top brands like eBay and Netflix, this app maximizes teamwork. Make charts with Kanban lists and cards to visually manage tasks. A built-in time tracking feature lets you measure the time spent getting things done.
Download: Kanbanchi for Chrome (Free with premium plugins)
Like the apps above, Trello allows you to create Kanban boards with lists and cards for a visual workflow. Add comments and files to each card to provide more details or discuss a topic. To reduce lengthy project meetings, designate boards for project updates. 5 Exclusive Trello Tips for Project Management. 5 Unique Trello Tips for Project Management. Trello is a Kanban-inspired tool for project and task management. We'll show you five lesser-known features to save time when managing projects with Trello. Read more . They allow people on a team to see what's happening in an organization as it happens.
After adding the Trello extension to the Chrome browser, there is no need to go to Trello to write new cards. Just stay in the browser. Do you need to access a table? Do it in the address bar as if you were doing a Google search.
Download: Trello for Chrome (Free, Premium from $9.99/user/month)
This extension has a non-descript name, but it is the preferred tool for brands like Expedia and Xerox. Colorful cards on a virtual Kanban board allow you to plan your processes. Choose between mouse drag-and-drop functionality or use a touch-sensitive tablet. Put constraints on work in progress to avoid bottlenecks as well.
Built-in analytics let you monitor and improve efficiency. Track multiple projects on one board as needed. Based on data from previous work, the tool predicts the completion dates of ongoing tasks in progress. This analytical feature is useful if you have many similar or repetitive routines.
In addition to Chrome support, the Kanban tool works with Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, and Box.
Download: Kanban Tool for Chrome (Free trial, Premium starting at $5/user/month)
You may know this app and its companion Chrome extension as tools for marketers. However, it does have benefits to enjoy regardless of your line of work. It is another possibility that Kanban brings to Gmail..
Drag and drop emails into subject lists sorted by priority level. You can then quickly tackle them and get closer to Inbox Zero. Can't reply to an email right away? Without worries. Drag it to a to-do list and remind yourself to write later.
Sortd features a smart layer Turn Gmail into a Trello-like task board With Sortd Turn Gmail into a Trello-like task board with Sortd In the modern workforce, your email often becomes your to-do list. Well, now you can get Trello-style organization in Gmail with a new Chrome extension, Sortd. Read More Turn it on and off as needed, depending on your work day and what it entails. You can even edit the subject lines of emails, giving them task-oriented titles. The app also offers a watch list. Add items so you don't forget to approach people. You can follow up with them to build relationships, seek advice, or both.
Download: Sortd for Chrome (Free, $2 and $5 Premium)
Like many people, you may find it difficult to visualize progress on multiple projects at once. Breeze facilitates that need by allowing you to quickly create dashboards that break down specific details.
For example, you can make Kanban cards for each step in a process and assign tasks to multiple people. Also, view the amount of time between assignment distribution and completion.
Are you a freelancer or someone who runs a business with a few employees? Let Breeze take the guesswork out of doing what it takes to work through a growing to-do list. Internal metrics allow you to spot tasks that took too long and then make positive changes.
As you work with the Chrome extension, try out useful tools like the calendar and time tracking functionality. Then you can meet deadlines and ensure smart and efficient use of your business days.
Download: Breeze for Chrome ($29-$249 free Breeze app)
Kerika's task boards allow you to discover various things about a project with a single glance. See the date of the last modification, plus the number and names of the users with access.
As well as providing a place for homework, Kerika has virtual whiteboards that make brainstorming sessions easy. She also provides built-in chat boxes for all ideas and responsibilities. So weighing something specific is a painless process.
What about attachments for projects? Kerika has those cutlery too. Compatible with Google Drive and Box, Kerika automatically uploads project attachments to those services for you. All team members who receive them get read and write privileges.
While using the Chrome extension, you see chats as emails. Reply from your inbox and see how the post appears on a Kerika board. You can also set smart notifications. They keep you up to date on progress without sending irrelevant content.
When working with Kanban boards containing hundreds of cards, use the tagging and search features to find what you need in seconds. You can even export Kanban boards from Chrome to Excel.
Download: Kerika for Chrome (Free, Premium from $7/user/month)
These feature-rich Chrome extensions (and apps) are ideal for wrapping your head and workflow around Kanban concepts.
Give them a try if you've been planning to incorporate Kanban into your routine for a while. They're also great if you only recently learned about Kanban. Either way, they satisfy your curiosity and let you see how Kanban could maximize productivity.
Will you try this week? What tool will you use? Tell us in the comments below..
