¿Qué es la gestión de proyectos Lean y en qué se diferencia de la metodología ágil?

A menudo malinterpretada como un subconjunto de la metodología ágil, la metodología lean es distinta, ya que tiene sus propios objetivos principales: eliminar el despilfarro y mejorar el flujo operativo. La metodología lean hace hincapié en el respeto por las personas al implicar a los empleados en una cultura de mejora continua.

El objetivo final es crear un sistema que maximice el valor y, al mismo tiempo, minimice el consumo de recursos. Las metodologías y los principios fundamentales de la gestión de proyectos lean ayudan a los equipos a centrarse en la reducción del despilfarro y la mejora continua de los procesos.

La metodología lean frente a la ágil y DevOps

Cada una de las tres principales metodologías de gestión de proyectos tiene puntos fuertes y débiles. En la siguiente tabla se comparan y contrastan los puntos fuertes y desafíos de la metodología lean con respecto a los de las metodologías ágil y DevOps.

¿Cuáles son los principios fundamentales de la metodología lean y de la metodología ágil?

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Lean project management principles focus on identifying and pursuing ways to reduce or eliminate waste and increase efficiency across every project planning phase, including resource planning and capacity planning. This approach offers several significant benefits, including improved productivity, reduced costs, enhanced quality, and increased customer satisfaction.

Teams must consider critical principles to implement Lean methodologies effectively in their project processes. Below are five core principles integral to the Lean project management methodology.

Identify value

Every effort should identify and prioritize customer needs and the perceived value of each project element, ensuring that resources and deliverables are focused on the most critical activities.

Map value streams

Once you’ve established a project timeline, the next step is to visualize and analyze workflows. The goal is to identify and eliminate muda (Japanese for “waste” or “wastefulness”), mura (irregularity or variability), and muri (overburden or excessiveness). Well-mapped value streams can shorten your project timeline by eliminating unnecessary or duplicative steps.

Optimize flow

Once you’ve mapped your value streams, you and your colleagues should focus on methods to streamline processes and improve workflows. This will help reduce cycle times and improve efficiency. Visual process mapping can help identify possible bottlenecks or opportunities for improvement. Other options include automation, templates, and consistent procedures to simplify and consolidate tasks to eliminate unnecessary steps.

Establish pull

So-called “pull-based systems” initiate work based on actual demand instead of creating work based on forecasts or speculation about what customers want. This approach can help you minimize inventory and avoid overproduction.

Drive continuous improvement

“Kaizen” is a combination of two Japanese words that translate to “good change” or “improvement.” Among Lean practitioners, “kaizen” is synonymous with “continuous improvement.” Over time, successful Lean project management efforts can foster a culture of continuous improvement through small, incremental changes that enhance overall project outcomes.

Various tools and techniques can help you and your colleagues make Lean project management work for your business. Examples include kanban, visual workflow management, value stream mapping, and root cause analysis.

Another helpful tool for organizing, developing, and maintaining productive work environments is the “5S” methodology (sort, set in order, shine, standardize, and sustain). Depending on project specifics and how your teams work best, combining these tools and techniques can help improve your Lean project management efforts and their results.

Use Jira as your free Lean project management tool.

Integrating Lean principles into project planning and execution can strengthen efficiency, resource allocation, and project outcomes. It can also improve the satisfaction of your customers and your project team members.

The best way to implement Lean principles is to explain their benefits to your teams. Follow this up with careful selection of an appropriate project while adhering to the above principles, and you and your team can successfully demonstrate and deliver the benefits of Lean project management.

Use first successes to adjust and modify your approach, focusing on incremental changes that drive continuous improvement. Remember to communicate regularly and transparently with your project teams and stakeholders.

Lean project management can help your business streamline and optimize multiple operational processes and workflows. Lean project management software can help you achieve these goals efficiently and consistently.

Jira can ease and speed up your Lean project management implementations by enabling and encouraging collaboration among your teams and colleagues. Jira lets you customize and automate the most complex workflows, allowing you to keep your projects on track and schedule.

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