The Kanban Maturity Model (KMM) Explained
The Kanban Maturity Model (KMM) shows how organisations evolve from ad-hoc work to fit-for-purpose, strategically aligned services. Here are the seven levels, the practices behind them and a practical way to move up one level at a time.
Quick answer: The Kanban Maturity Model (KMM), by David J. Anderson and Teodora Bozheva, describes seven organisational maturity levels: 0 Oblivious, 1 Emerging, 2 Defined, 3 Managed, 4 Quantitatively Managed, 5 Optimizing and 6 Congruent. Each level has transition and core practices; organisations use the model to assess where they are and choose the next practices to adopt.
1. Key Takeaways
- KMM has seven levels, 0 to 6.
- Levels: Oblivious, Emerging, Defined, Managed, Quantitatively Managed, Optimizing, Congruent.
- Level 3 (Managed) means consistent, fit-for-purpose service.
- Each level has transition and core practices.
- Evolve one level at a time – no big-bang change.
2. What Is the Kanban Maturity Model?
The Kanban Maturity Model is a framework by David J. Anderson and Teodora Bozheva that maps Kanban practices to seven levels of organisational maturity.
It builds on the Kanban Method and on ideas from CMMI, and is published by Kanban University. Its goal is to help organisations become fit for purpose – and stay that way – without overreaching.
3. The 7 KMM Levels
The KMM levels run from 0 Oblivious to 6 Congruent; most teams new to Kanban sit at level 1 or 2.
4. KMM Practices by Level
Practices grow from personal and team boards at level 1 to classes of service and service delivery reviews at level 3 and portfolio practices above.
Plan your next maturity level
Colour-coded lists, cards with images, checklists and due dates – on Android, iPhone, tablet and desktop.
Free to use
5. How to Use the KMM
Assess current practices, find your level, choose the next transition practices, make them visible and re-assess regularly.
- Assess current practices
- Find your level
- Choose the next transition practices
- Make them visible
- Re-assess regularly
6. What Higher Kanban Maturity Brings
Higher Kanban maturity brings predictable delivery, happier customers, better economics and less reliance on heroics.
7. KMM Board Examples
Here are three Kanban maturity boards built in PlanBoards.
KMM roadmap – Team Orion
One column per level with the practices to adopt as cards.
Maturity improvement plan
Gaps, Next (WIP 2), Trying and Adopted – with the assessment results.
Service delivery – level 3
Expedite, Committed, In Progress (WIP 4) and Delivered with classes of service.
8. FAQ
These are the questions people ask about the Kanban Maturity Model.
What is the Kanban Maturity Model?
A framework that maps Kanban practices to seven levels of organisational maturity.
Who created the KMM?
David J. Anderson and Teodora Bozheva, published by Kanban University.
What are the KMM levels?
0 Oblivious, 1 Emerging, 2 Defined, 3 Managed, 4 Quantitatively Managed, 5 Optimizing and 6 Congruent.
What level should a team aim for?
Level 3 – consistent, fit-for-purpose service – is a strong goal for most teams.
How is KMM related to CMMI?
It borrows the idea of maturity levels from CMMI but focuses on Kanban practices and business outcomes.
Can you skip KMM levels?
No – the model recommends evolving one level at a time.
Can I track KMM practices in PlanBoards?
Yes – one column per level or a gap-to-adopted board, free to use.
9. Sources and Further Reading
These are the sources behind this guide.
- Kanban University. Kanban Maturity Model brochure.
- InfoQ. Book review: Kanban Maturity Model.
- David J. Anderson & Teodora Bozheva. Kanban Maturity Model: Evolving Fit-for-Purpose Organizations.
- Wikipedia: Capability Maturity Model Integration
Related pages: Features · SME & Projects · Sharing Cards
Mature one practice at a time.
Android, iPhone, tablet and desktop.
Free to use