Kanban vs SCRUM

When it comes to project management and software development, two popular Agile methodologies often come into play: Kanban and SCRUM. Both approaches have their strengths and are widely used in various industries. Understanding the key differences between Kanban and SCRUM can help teams decide which method is best suited for their specific needs and goals.

Kanban is a visual workflow management system that emphasizes flexibility and continuous delivery. Kanban boards are used to visualize work items and their progress as they move through different stages of development. Each work item is represented by a card, which can be moved across the board from one column to another.

On the other hand, SCRUM is an iterative and incremental Agile framework that focuses on delivering value through small, cross-functional teams. SCRUM divides work into fixed time periods called sprints, typically lasting two to four weeks. At the beginning of each sprint, the team plans the work to be done and creates a backlog of tasks. Daily stand-up meetings are held to track progress, address challenges, and ensure transparency within the team.

Personally, I have experience working with both methodologies, and I prefer Kanban over SCRUM - not because Kanban is superior, but because many teams are not ready to effectively implement SCRUM. In Israel, for example, SCRUM has become a buzzword for many companies, but often they merely "declare" that they use SCRUM without actually following the principles.

Here is an example of SCRUM in name only. A company had been frequently requesting employees to work extra hours and stay late. Then the team compensated by habitually arriving late. So management instituted daily “scrum” meetings at 9:30 am to force employees to come early anyhow.

I worked for a company that also declared working with SCRUM and was doing daily meetings ?without any board and other SCRUM practices only for reason to make the team stay at work a half night before weekend. I hope these companies’ behaviors are already in the past.

So, when should teams use Kanban instead of SCRUM? Here are a few scenarios where Kanban can be a better fit:

1.????Continuous flow: If your team works on projects that require a constant and uninterrupted flow of work like support and maintenance work, Kanban can be advantageous. Kanban's flexible nature allows for tasks to be completed and delivered as soon as they are ready, without waiting for the next sprint cycle.

2.????Variable priorities: Kanban is suitable when priorities frequently change or when there is no fixed deadline for the project. With Kanban, teams can easily reprioritize work items as needed without disrupting the overall workflow.

3.????Teams with diverse skill sets: Kanban is well-suited for teams with members who have different areas of expertise. As work items can be picked up by anyone with the relevant skills, Kanban promotes a collaborative environment and encourages knowledge sharing.

It's important to note that these guidelines are not set in stone, and the choice between Kanban and SCRUM ultimately depends on the unique circumstances of each project and team. Some teams may find a hybrid approach that combines elements of both methodologies to be the best fit for their needs.

In conclusion, Kanban and SCRUM are two popular Agile methodologies that offer different approaches to project management. Teams should consider factors such as workflow requirements, project priorities, and team dynamics when deciding between Kanban and SCRUM. By understanding the strengths and characteristics of each method, teams can make an informed decision that aligns with their goals and maximizes productivity.

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I've written another post about Kanban where I emphasize some features of Kanban most companies are not aware of.

I would love to hear about your experiences with Kanban and SCRUM in the comments section.

#agile#kanban#scrum