Enhancing Storm Restoration Project Management: Integrating Kanban Boards into the Waterfall Method: A Visual Workflow Approach to Improve Grid Recovery Efficiency

Storm restoration projects demand exceptional coordination and transparency. This is especially true due to the unpredictable and urgent nature of weather-related grid failures. While the waterfall project management model provides a structured and sequential framework ideal for pre-storm planning, it often lacks the adaptability and real-time visibility required during emergency operations. This paper explores the strategic integration of Kanban boards into the traditional waterfall method to enhance project execution during storm restoration efforts. Kanban introduces a visual workflow system. It enables utilities and contractors to monitor task progress, spot bottlenecks, and reallocate resources more efficiently. By bridging long-term planning with real-time operational awareness, this hybrid approach improves crew coordination, shortens restoration timelines, and supports critical infrastructure resiliency. The integration of Kanban boards into storm recovery workflows aligns with national priorities for modernizing grid restoration practices and fortifying emergency response frameworks in the face of escalating climate-related threats.