Kanban and Gantt Chart

How can you both monitor the overall project progress and keep track of each detailed task on a daily basis? This is why many teams turn to Gantt charts and Kanban as two key tools for work visualization. In fact, each method has its own strengths: Gantt charts excel at planning and tracking progress over time, while Kanban helps manage workflow and optimize team productivity. However, instead of choosing only one, many businesses today are combining both Gantt charts and Kanban to gain a comprehensive view while maintaining flexibility during execution. So, what benefits does this combination bring, and how can it be applied?

I. Kanban and Gantt Chart  – Two popular visualization methods for project management

In the world of project management, two tools are most frequently mentioned: the Gantt chart and the Kanban board.

• Kanban boards is also a method to help visualize projects and work, but focuses more on the workflow, clearly showing the status of each task such as in progress, completed or stuck.
• Gantt charts visualize project progress through a timeline, showing how the entire project will unfold, which milestones are crucial, and how tasks relate to one another.

Each method has its own advantages. However, when used separately, they often leave gaps in comprehensive project management.

II. Pros and pons of using each method individually

Kanban – Strong in task tracking, weak in progress forecasting

CollabXP Kanban screen

Kanban makes teamwork transparent, helps quickly identify bottlenecks, and improves workflow. But if used alone, it becomes difficult to estimate precisely when a project will be completed or whether important milestones will be delayed.

Gantt Chart – Strong in overall view, weak in flexibility

Gantt Chart CollabXP screen

Gantt charts allow managers to forecast progress, allocate resources, and monitor task dependencies. However, when teams require flexibility, such as in Agile projects, Gantt charts can appear rigid, since changing even a small task may require adjusting the entire timeline.

III. How do Kanban and Gantt Chart complement each other in work?

Kanban complements Gantt Charts

• Flexibility: Gantt charts often follow a rigid timeline. When changes occur, updating multiple items can be complex. Kanban adds flexibility, making it easier to add, remove, or adjust tasks according to actual conditions.
• Tracking real-time progress: A Gantt chart may show which milestone the project is at but struggles to reflect precisely where a small task is stuck. Kanban fills this gap by visualizing the real-time status of every task.
• Continuous improvement: Kanban is rooted in the philosophy of “small but continuous improvements,” something Gantt charts emphasize less. This helps teams respond more quickly to changes rather than merely following a fixed plan.

Gantt Charts complement Kanban

• Long-term vision: Kanban is strong in managing day-to-day tasks but often lacks an overall timeframe. Gantt charts address this by providing a schedule, helping teams not only “work daily” but also understand where they are heading.
• Task dependencies: Kanban does not clearly display task dependencies. Gantt charts fill this gap by indicating which tasks must be completed first and which can be done simultaneously. This is especially crucial for projects involving multiple departments.
• Resource management: Kanban focuses on task status, while Gantt charts make it clearer who is doing what and for how long, thereby ensuring more efficient workforce allocation.

IV. Why combine Kanban and Gantt Chart?

In reality, no tool is perfect for every situation. Kanban and Gantt Chart were designed to address different challenges: one provides a strategic view, while the other focuses on operational execution. When combined, they allow you to both control overall project progress and track workflow details.

For example, a software development project might use Gantt charts to define major phases such as “requirement analysis,” “testing,” and “release.” At the same time, each sprint can be executed through Kanban so developers can clearly track the specific tasks to be completed each day.

Combining Kanban and Gantt Charts to Optimize Work Efficiency

V. 7 Ways to combine Kanban and Gantt Chart in project management

1. Plan the overall roadmap with Gantt charts, execute details with Kanban

Gantt charts help shape the project roadmap. Teams can then carry out each item with Kanban, ensuring alignment with the plan while remaining flexible to adjustments.

2. Use Kanban for daily progress tracking, sync with Gantt to control deadlines

Any task status changes on Kanban can be automatically updated into the Gantt timeline. This allows managers to see both the big picture and the actual situation.

3. Align Gantt chart milestones with Kanban columns to avoid oversights

Each milestone in the Gantt chart can be directly linked to a Kanban column. This ensures teams know exactly what stage they are in and what must be completed to reach the next milestone.

4. Manage task dependencies with Gantt, manage WIP with Kanban

Gantt charts display dependencies (task A must be completed before task B starts). Kanban limits work-in-progress (WIP) to prevent overload. Combining the two keeps projects on schedule while maintaining team productivity.

5. Visualize bottlenecks in Kanban and reflect them in the Gantt timeline

If a Kanban column becomes congested, managers can review the Gantt chart to evaluate its impact on deadlines and adjust promptly.

6. Integrate software that supports both modes

Some tools now allow switching flexibly between Gantt and Kanban. This gives teams both a simple visual board and a detailed timeline without maintaining two separate platforms.

7. Apply in Agile/Scrum: sprints with Kanban, roadmap with Gantt

In Agile organizations, short sprints are executed using Kanban for flexibility, while the long-term roadmap still relies on Gantt to ensure the project stays on course.

VI. Practical application in Vietnamese enterprises with CollabXP

In CollabXP’s workflow, Kanban is used to track daily tasks and coordinate flexibly. However, Kanban often lacks an overall view of timelines and deadlines. Gantt Chart complements this by providing a comprehensive plan that clearly defines timelines. When combined, the two methods support each other: Kanban keeps the team working flexibly and adaptably, while Gantt Chart ensures that every step stays within the defined schedule. As a result, CollabXP enables teams to operate smoothly while maintaining clear control over overall progress.

Conclusion – Comprehensive visualization, convenient management, and effective operations

Combining Gantt charts and Kanban within a management system such as ERP enables businesses to tackle two challenges simultaneously: managing overall project progress and monitoring daily tasks. This approach is well-suited to today’s volatile business environment, where transparency and adaptability determine project success.

If you are looking for a project management solution, CollabXP is ready to accompany you. We aim to support both Vietnamese and international businesses in managing projects and tasks more clearly, so that every step is assured and effective.