Key Findings from the 2021 Kanban State Report

Source: Agilean Author: Xiong Xiaolong

In early 2022, the 2021 Kanban State Report was released. The survey was jointly conducted by Kanban University, Kanbanize, and SwiftKanban.

As the exclusive Chinese partner of David Anderson’s Kanban method, Agilean promptly translated the report.

This article provides a quick interpretation of the report’s core points. To obtain the full Chinese translation, reply with “Kanban Report” in this public account.

From the first report, we summarize the following key observations to help you quickly understand the findings.

1. The Kanban method is naturally applied across many industries.

2. Teams using lane‑based boards are the most common.

Among teams that use Kanban, 37% employ intermediate boards with lanes, while two‑layer boards account for 24%.

3. The vast majority use digital tools.

Kanban practitioners have become accustomed to digital tools for managing work items, standardizing workflows, and handling blockages.

4. A major advantage of Kanban: evolutionary change.

Starting now, small steps lead to significant, sustainable results.

Start with what you are doing now. Kanban is an evolutionary method. The key message “Start with what you are doing now” resonates with our knowledge system, making Kanban the “best integrator.” Unlike frameworks or methodologies that require a “conversion” to “install,” Kanban progresses incrementally, achieving major, sustainable outcomes. 44% of respondents began from Scrum. Kanban is an excellent way to improve Scrum, but it should not be framed as Kanban vs. Scrum; Scrum is not a prerequisite for Kanban.

5. Visualize everything.

The main reason for adopting Kanban is to improve work visualization, and the biggest benefit is increased flow visibility.

6. Which Kanban tool to use?

Jira is the most used tool among respondents, yet nearly half would not recommend it.

Translator’s note: The voting options were influenced by the organizers and only included foreign Kanban tools. Domestic tools such as our own zero‑code digital management platform “Zhiwei,” which embeds lean management concepts, also offer excellent electronic Kanban features.

7. Appropriate training helps Kanban implementation.

Follow the public account and reply “Kanban Report” to download the complete Chinese translation of the first Kanban State Report.

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