What is the commitment point in a kanban board?

The commitment point in a kanban board refers to the moment when a work item is formally recognized as being part of the active workflow. This usually happens when an item moves from the backlog to the board, indicating that the team is committing to work on that item. This is significant because it marks the transition of the item from a potential task—awaiting prioritization and action—to an active task that is available for team members to take on and progress through the workflow.

In kanban methodology, the commitment point is crucial for visualizing work in progress and managing flow. By clearly defining when work begins, teams can better manage capacity, track progress, and optimize their workflow processes. Furthermore, understanding this point helps in setting the right expectations around work completion and delivery.