Do you sometimes think you don’t have enough time and have lots of things to do? This is what modern work looks like. But here’s the good news: Just in Minute and KANBAN are two proven strategies that can totally change how you accomplish your work and deliver results. Let’s look at these strategies and find out how they help you work better.
What is “Just in Minute”?
Origin and Concept
The ‘Just in Minute’ approach tries to make responses as fast as possible. You can see it as JIT, but with an even faster response time. While JIT gets the right thing to people when they ask for it, Just in Minute strives to do it as fast as possible.
It’s all about rapid response. If you are dealing with client email, assembling parts, or looking at support tickets, the priority is acting immediately.
How It Differs from Just-in-Time
Just-in-Time = Optimize inventory and minimize waste.
Just in Minute = Optimize time and eliminate delay.
Instead of waiting for the “right” time, Just in Minute says, “Let’s do it NOW.”
- Imagine a chef who only orders ingredients right before they need to cook a meal. That’s the essence of JIT!
- Goal: Minimize inventory by receiving materials only when they are needed for production.
- Benefits: Reduced storage costs, fresher materials, potentially less waste.
- Challenges: Requires a reliable supply chain, accurate demand forecasting, and a well-coordinated production process.
What is KANBAN?
Historical Background
KANBAN is a Japanese word that, in English, means “signboard” or “visual signal.” Toyota used and popularized it as a scheduling method for better production. Now, it is used in different areas like software and healthcare.
Meaning Behind the Term
In essence, KANBAN helps you to visually organize your tasks, so you can improve your workflow. You use a kind of stick note system that clearly shows where tasks are between starting and completing them, whether online or on paper.
- Think of Kanban as a visual system for managing tasks, like sticky notes on a whiteboard.
- Goal: Improve workflow efficiency and limit work in progress (WIP) to avoid bottlenecks.
- Mechanics: Uses cards on a Kanban board to represent tasks. Cards move through stages like “To Do,” “In Progress,” and “Done.”
- Benefits: Improved visibility of workflow, easier identification of bottlenecks, promotes collaboration.
- Challenges: Requires ongoing monitoring and adaptation of the Kanban board as needed.
In a Nutshell:
- JIT focuses on minimizing inventory.
- Kanban focuses on optimizing the flow of work.
Core Principles of Just in Minute
Speed and Responsiveness
It means reacting immediately whenever attention is needed. Startups, customer teams, and those who have deadlines love it.
Eliminating Time Waste
Every second counts. Waiting for meetings or approvals makes Just in Minute remind you to check if this is something you need right now. If not, cut it.
Core Principles of KANBAN
Visualizing Workflow
With KANBAN, you first set up a board with easy labels such as “To Do,” “In Progress,” and “Done.” Each task is a card. Using this visual system keeps your team’s mind clear and makes it easier for them to concentrate.
Limiting Work in Progress (WIP)
Managing all at once is hard, so try to stay focused on a couple of tasks. According to KANBAN, WIP limits let you focus on only a few things at any point in your workflow. This way, you don’t get overwhelmed and you can lower the chances of burning out.
Managing Flow
Flow is how quickly tasks travel from place to place on your board. A smoother flow results in a more efficient process. KANBAN can find bottlenecks, and it helps to clear them quickly.
How Just in Minute Complements KANBAN
Here’s the magic: Just in Minute = Speed, KANBAN = Structure.
KANBAN helps you manage your tasks, while Just in Minute helps you work as fast as possible. You move through tasks much like a race car goes along a well-marked track.
Real-World Applications of Just in Minute
In Manufacturing
Factories use this method to respond instantly to production issues, minimizing downtime and ensuring quick problem-solving.
In Customer Service
Support teams using Just in Minute aim to answer customer queries in under a minute. This leads to higher satisfaction and loyalty.
Real-World Applications of KANBAN
In Software Development
Agile teams rely on KANBAN boards to track features, bugs, and improvements. It helps prioritize tasks and avoid overload.
In Inventory Management
Warehouses use KANBAN cards to reorder stock only when needed, keeping inventory lean and operations cost-effective.
Benefits of Using Just in Minute and KANBAN Together
Speed + Structure
Together, these tools create a balanced system—fast reactions with clear priorities.
Flexibility and Predictability
Flow and planning in KANBAN make things predictable. With Just in Minute, you’re able to stay flexible in dynamic situations.
Implementing Just in Minute in Your Workflow
Assessing Time Bottlenecks
Look at where delays usually occur—is it in approvals, task handoffs, or decision-making? Tackle these spots first.
Building a Culture of Urgency
Make speed a core value. Empower your team to act fast and trust their decisions without waiting for endless sign-offs.
Setting Up a KANBAN System
Tools You Can Use
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Trello
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Jira
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Monday.com
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Asana
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ClickUp
Pick what works best for your team’s size and workflow.
Designing Your KANBAN Board
Start simple:
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To Do
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In Progress
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Review
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Done
Then tweak it as you go.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Multitasking vs. Flow
The temptation to juggle too much is real. WIP limits help resist this urge and keep the flow steady.
Keeping the Momentum
Just in Minute can burn people out if not managed well. Use it wisely—on high-impact tasks—not every single email.
Case Study: Combining Just in Minute and KANBAN
They applied both methods within their company. They introduced a KANBAN board for building products and put Just in Minute into use for their customer support.
Results?
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50% reduction in customer response time
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35% increase in task completion rate
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Happier customers and a more efficient team
Future Trends in Lean and Agile Processes
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AI-powered KANBAN boards that auto-prioritize tasks
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Real-time workflow analytics
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Voice-command productivity tools
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More hybrid models combining lean + agile
The world is speeding up. These tools help you keep up—and even stay ahead.
Conclusion
Given how quickly things happen today, having tools like Just in Minute and KANBAN is a must, not just an option. No matter if you’re heading a startup, taking care of a project, or just trying to get through your day, using speed and structure together is the best way forward. Stop waiting. Start doing.
And get better results—minute by minute.
FAQs
1. What’s the main difference between Just in Time and Just in Minute?
Just in Time focuses on efficiency in delivery; Just in Minute focuses on immediate execution.
2. Is KANBAN only for software teams?
Not at all! It’s used in manufacturing, healthcare, education, and more.
3. How do I avoid burnout with Just in Minute?
Use it selectively—focus on high-priority tasks rather than applying it to everything.
4. Can I use a physical KANBAN board instead of digital?
Absolutely! Whiteboards, sticky notes, and magnets work just as well in smaller teams or solo setups.
5. How long does it take to set up a KANBAN system?
Usually, less than a day. The key is starting simple and iterating over time.
These approaches can be complementary. While JIT aims for lean inventory, Kanban helps ensure a smooth flow of work through the production process using the available materials.