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# Kanban Pull Criteria: The Simple Rule for Ready Work
- URL: https://sufimohamed.com/pull-criteria/
- Published: 2026-02-10T13:42:09.000Z
- Updated: 2026-02-10T13:42:09.000Z
- Description: Pull criteria in Kanban are a task's requirements before proceeding to the next stage.
- Author: Sufi Mohamed
- Tags: Agility

Pull criteria in Kanban are a task's requirements before proceeding to the next stage (Anderson, 2010). This method efficiently manages work-in-progress and steady workflows because only ready tasks are moved forward.

Kanban uses pull criteria to improve quality control and workflow efficiency. Specifying readiness conditions ahead of time helps prevent bottlenecks and overload. This method manages workloads, minimizes errors, and maintains standards. As a result, projects are delivered more consistently, resources are more efficiently managed, and outcomes are overall improved.

A lack of pull criteria can have several negative consequences for Kanban. The implementation of clear guidelines can simplify the workflow, allowing tasks to progress prior to their completion. A bottleneck may develop if team members become overburdened.

It is also possible to advance incomplete or poorly done work without proper checks, resulting in the need to revisit and correct these tasks a second time. When pull criteria are not in place, resources are wasted, projects are delivered inefficiently, and project outcomes are less effective.

Defining and aligning pull criteria with the team's workflow is crucial for success. The rigidity or vagueness of these guidelines may lead to inefficiencies and quality issues. A lack of flexibility can result in unnecessary delays and frustration, leading to workflow bottlenecks.

Furthermore, static pull criteria may become obsolete quickly if the team's processes or the nature of the project frequently change. The team's objectives should be regularly reviewed to ensure the pull criteria stay relevant and practical.

## References

Anderson, D. J. (2010). *Kanban: Successful evolutionary change for your technology business*. Blue Hole Press.

## Related reading

- [Kanban Classes of Service: Prioritise Like an Expert](https://sufimohamed.com/service-classes/)
- [Cycle Time vs Lead Time: What You Need to Know](https://sufimohamed.com/cycle-time-and-lead-time/)
- [Minimum Viable Teams: Small Teams, Remarkable Results](https://sufimohamed.com/minimum-viable-teams/)

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