The CIPSA Kanban Framework is unique and completely different, there can be certain mis-interpretations about this framework. This post informs – what CIPSA Scaled Kanban is and what it’s not.
Some of the below differences can be applicable for the CIPSA Scrum Framework.
Now, let's see the unique aspects of Kanban at Scale with CIPSA, one-by-one.
CIPSA Scaled Kanban – What It's and What It's Not!
1. Not Speed, but Flow: CIPSA Scaled Kanban is not about working faster. CIPSA Scaled Kanban is about managing flow effectively and efficiently across multiple teams.
CIPSA Scaled Kanban doesn’t mean pulling all the work items and rushing you work at every opportunity. It focuses on smooth, predictable flow across teams to maximize delivery efficiency.
2. Not Sprint, but Release: CIPSA Scaled Kanban is not about Sprint(s). CIPSA Scaled Kanban is about Release(s) based on a cadence.
CIPSA Scaled Kanban doesn’t rely on fixed-length iterations like Sprints as in Scrum. Rather, it enables flexible releases aligned to cadence and flow readiness. Cadence is set by the execution of the meta-events in CIPSA Scale Kanban.
3. Not Static, but Dynamic: CIPSA Scaled Kanban is not about static boards. CIPSA Scaled Kanban is about dynamic, evolving systems with dynamic board reflecting actual value streams.
Boards are living systems that evolve to reflect real, changing value streams while using the CIPSA Scaled Kanban framework. Hence, when you with CIPSA Scaled Kanban approach, it’s not limited to static Kanban boards that rarely change.
4. Not Ceremony, but (Right) Metrics: CIPSA Scaled Kanban is not driven by ceremonies. CIPSA Scaled Kanban is driven by flow metrics and just-in-time (JIT) demand.
While Scrum is semi-JIT approach, Kanban is a full-JIT approach. Work is pulled based on flow metrics and just-in-time demand, not scheduled rituals. CIPSA Scaled Kanban is not rigidly dependent on recurring ceremonies to drive progress.
5. Not Output, but Throughput: CIPSA Scaled Kanban is not about maximizing output. CIPSA Scaled Kanban is about optimizing throughput (a Kanban metric) and cycle time (another metric) for customer value.
The aim in CIPSA Scaled Kanban is to improve the key Kanban metrics—like throughput and cycle time. The goal is to deliver true value. It’s not about churning out as many tasks as possible.
6. Not Batch-Planning, but JIT Pulling: CIPSA Scaled Kanban is not about batch planning with timeboxes. CIPSA Scaled Kanban is about flow-based-planning and just-in-time pulling of work items.
With CIPSA Scaled Kanban, work is planned and pulled as needed, supporting continuous flow and agility. Remember, as I said earlier, Kanban is a full JIT approach. You don’t plan large batches of work into fixed timeboxes.
7. Not Iterations, but Flow: CIPSA Scaled Kanban is not about iterations or Sprints - it's not based on them. CIPSA Scaled Kanban is about continuous delivery with real-time progress visualization.
Instead of fixed iterations like Sprints, CIPSA Scaled Kanban enables real-time progress and delivery, with work flowing continuously.
8. Not Complexity, but Simplicity: CIPSA Scaled Kanban is not about complexity. CIPSA Scaled Kanban scales to any complex domain where flow and coordination critical.
The CIPSA framework is very simple, so also the CIPSA Scaled Kanban. It's not at complex, but easy to adapt and adopt. It scales simply and effectively across any complex domain where coordination matters.
9. Not Team-Cadence, but Rhythm at Scale: CIPSA Scaled Kanban is not just about team-level cadence. CIPSA Scaled Kanban synchronizes rhythm across teams through scaled meta-events based on cadence.
CIPSA Scaled Kanban synchronizes cadence across teams via meta-events for alignment. It doesn’t stop at individual team rhythms or workflows.
10. Not Tool-Dependent, but Tool-Agnostic: CIPSA Scaled Kanban is not dependent solely on MS Project Agile software tool. CIPSA Scaled Kanban can work any capable software tool that supports Kanban scaling features.
Table Representation
For CIPSA Scaled Kanban, one can put the "what it's not and what it's" into a table. It'll come as shown below. It's also easier to remember considering Kanban at Scale.
Conclusion
CIPSA Scaled Kanban works with any robust software that supports scaled Kanban features and functionalities. It’s not locked into one tool like MS Project Agile. Any software supporting scaling features can be used.
CIPSA Scaled Kanban is not merely a scaled-up version of team-level Kanban. Rather, it's a thoughtfully designed flow-based framework built for delivering value across complex, multi-team environments. As I’ve written earlier, it's minimal in nature, but has maximum impact.
CIPSA Scaled Kanban promotes continuous delivery, cross-team alignment, and adaptive planning. These make it a practical and scalable solution for any domain where flow, coordination and customer value truly matter.
The CIPSA Framework Guide is free to download and use.
For in-depth understanding with detailed hands-on practical, consider becoming a CIPSA. To refer to the FAQs, click here.
CIPSA Sample Videos:
[1] CIPSA Sample Video List (Choose a video to play)
[2] CIPSA Video Playlist (Complete playlist - play all)
CIPSA Sample Questions:
[1] CIPSA Certification Sample Questions (Part - 1)
[2] CIPSA Certification Sample Questions (Part - 2)
References
[1] NEW Scaled Agile Certification Course: Certified In Practical Scaled Agile (CIPSA)
[2] Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - CIPSA Certification
[3] New Practical Scaled Agile Framework – The CIPSA Framework Guide
[4] Understanding the CIPSA Kanban Framework – Practical, Hands-on Kanban at Scale
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