When managing projects using Agile, two popular frameworks often come up: Kanban and Scrum. Both focus on improving team collaboration, productivity, and efficiency, but they work in different ways. Understanding the differences between Kanban and Scrum is important for picking the right framework for your team. In this blog, we’ll explain the key differences, benefits, and how to use each framework.
What is Kanban?
Kanban is a simple, visual framework that focuses on continuous delivery. It uses a board with columns to represent different stages of work. Each task is represented by a card, and these cards move across the board as work progresses. The goal of Kanban is to make sure tasks flow smoothly through the system without delays.
Kanban is flexible. Teams pull in work as they have the capacity to do so, rather than committing to a set number of tasks in advance. This allows for quick adaptation to changing priorities.
What is Scrum?
Scrum is another Agile framework, but it works in fixed time periods called sprints, which usually last 1-4 weeks. At the start of each sprint, the team picks a set of tasks to complete, and the goal is to finish all those tasks by the end of the sprint.
Scrum has specific roles: the Scrum Master (who helps the team follow the process), the Product Owner (who manages the task backlog), and the Development Team (who does the work). Scrum also uses events like Daily Standups, Sprint Planning, and Sprint Retrospectives to keep the team focused and improve their processes.
Key Differences Between Kanban and Scrum
- Structure and Process
- Kanban is flexible with no fixed timeframes. Teams pull in work as needed and focus on keeping tasks moving smoothly.
- Scrum uses fixed sprints where teams commit to completing a set of tasks within a specific time period.
- Work Scheduling
- Kanban lets teams pull in work when they have the capacity to do so, without a set timeline.
- Scrum has a clear structure with tasks pulled from a backlog at the start of each sprint. No new tasks are added until the next sprint.
- Roles
- Kanban doesn’t define specific roles. It’s flexible and can work with any team structure.
- Scrum has defined roles, like the Scrum Master and Product Owner, which help keep things organized.
- Metrics
- Kanban measures things like cycle time (how long it takes to complete a task) and throughput (how many tasks are completed in a given time).
- Scrum measures velocity (how many tasks or story points a team completes in a sprint) to help plan future sprints.
- Flexibility
- Kanban is more flexible, allowing teams to change priorities and adapt quickly.
- Scrum is less flexible, as teams commit to completing a set number of tasks during a sprint, and no new tasks are added once it starts.
Benefits of Kanban
- Continuous Flow: Kanban allows work to keep flowing smoothly without interruption, so tasks can be worked on as soon as there’s capacity.
- Flexibility: It’s ideal for teams with ongoing or changing work, as there are no fixed timeboxes.
- Visual Management: The Kanban board helps everyone see the status of tasks at a glance, improving communication.
- WIP Limits: By limiting how many tasks can be worked on at once, Kanban helps teams stay focused and not take on too much work.
Benefits of Scrum
- Predictability: The fixed timeframes (sprints) help teams plan and predict how much work can be done.
- Clear Roles: Scrum’s defined roles (like the Scrum Master and Product Owner) ensure that everyone knows their responsibilities.
- Regular Feedback: With events like Sprint Reviews and Retrospectives, Scrum encourages regular feedback and improvements.
- Focus: Scrum ensures that the team stays focused on the tasks for the sprint, without distractions from new work.
Which Framework to Choose?
Choosing between Kanban and Scrum depends on your team’s needs:
- Choose Kanban if you need flexibility, continuous delivery, or have ongoing work that isn’t tied to a fixed timeframe.
- Choose Scrum if your work can be broken into chunks, needs clear goals, and benefits from regular, timeboxed iterations.
Conclusion
Both Kanban and Scrum offer valuable ways to manage projects, but they work in different ways. Kanban is better for flexible, ongoing work, while Scrum is ideal for teams that want structured, timeboxed sprints with clear goals. Understanding your team’s needs and work style will help you decide which framework will work best for you, helping your team stay productive and efficient.
