Which statement is true about work in process (WIP) limits?

Question

Options

• AHigher WIP limits provide richer feedback
• BHigher WIP limits result in lower utilization
• CLower WIP limits improve flow
• DLower WIP limits result in fewer Stories being completed

• A
  5% (1)
• C
  90% (18)
• D
  5% (1)

Explanation

Lower WIP limits improve flow because they reduce the amount of work actively in progress at any given time, which minimizes context-switching, reduces wait times, and helps work move through the system faster - a core principle of Lean and Kanban thinking.

Why the distractors are wrong:

• A is backwards: lower WIP limits generate richer, faster feedback because items complete sooner and problems surface earlier.
• B is backwards: higher WIP limits tend to increase (or overload) utilization, not lower it - more items competing for the same capacity creates bottlenecks.
• D is a trap: lower WIP limits may mean fewer items in progress at once, but they actually lead to more Stories completed over time due to improved throughput and reduced delays.

Memory tip: Think of a highway - fewer cars (lower WIP) means traffic flows smoothly and everyone arrives faster. More cars (higher WIP) causes gridlock where nothing moves. "Lower limits = better flow" maps directly to that image.

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