Kanban vs Scrum: Which Agile Methodology is Better?

Under the agile project management approach, there are two primary methods: Kanban and Scrum. Both of these approaches support teams' collaboration on complex projects. Although you have heard about both, you are not aware of their differences.

This blog provides a detailed comparison between Kanban vs Scrum. With this comparison, you can make better decisions in choosing the right approach to manage projects.

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What is Kanban Methodology?

A Kanban methodology is a strategy for visualising a task. This approach restricts work in progress and increases efficiency. Kanban methodology allows teams to reduce the overall time of a project from the beginning to the end. A physical or digital Kanban board is used in this whole approach.

This board divides a project's phases into three columns: ‘to do’, ‘in progress’, and ‘done’. You write notes on cards that move from one column to the next until the task is completed. This approach allows teams to manage bottlenecks and delays to reduce lead time.

You can use the Cumulative Flow Diagram (CFD) to identify where work is increasing. After identifying them, you must set the Work In Progress (WIP) limits. These WIP limits reduce the number of work in every stage and prevent overload.

Benefits of Kanban

These are some benefits of the Kanban methodology that teams may access:

• Task assignee
• Tasks or deliverables
• Tags like task type or priority
• Due dates of project submission and time frames
• Details of the task
• Context of task
• Relevant files for the project

What is Scrum Methodology?

A Scrum methodology is an approach used for complex projects where adapting to change is necessary. It includes short development cycles known as sprints, lasting one to four weeks. A project management team using Scrum will become self-organised. This methodology forms a team with not more than nine people, including a Scrum Master and a product owner. The remaining members become part of the development team.

The Scrum methodology works based on three traditional phases, which are described below:

1. Sprint Planning: This phase is completed after two weeks. However, teams can also run faster or make shorter sprints. The Scrum master tracks the product backlog and chooses work to complete the sprint.
2. Scrum Standup: In this phase, teams meet for 15 minutes daily to check the work progress and ensure the assigned task is appropriate.
3. Sprint Retrospective: After the Scrum ends, the Scrum master conducts a retrospective meeting to analyse the completed tasks, move any unfinished work in the backlog, and make necessary preparations for the next sprint.

Benefits of Scrum

Before analysing the differences between Kanban vs Scrum, let us look at the benefits of a Scrum methodology:

• Clear establishment rules and responsibilities
• Easy and self-organising structure for product owners
• Less amount of time and work in each sprint
• Check and improve teams’ current processes

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Differences Between Scrum and Kanban Methodology

Both Kanban and Scrum are effective collaboration technologies. Even while collaboration may change based on your team's methodology, Kanban and Scrum ultimately allow teams to work more effectively. The table below highlights the key differences between Kanban vs Scrum based on numerous parameters: 

Kanban vs Scrum: Which is Better?

In general, Kanban provides greater flexibility than Scrum when comparing Kanban vs Scrum.

Choosing between Kanban versus Scrum depends on a team’s needs. You must select a Kanban method when you need a visual project management solution or a quick method to analyse how a project is progressing. However, Scrum may be a good choice if you work in an industry that undergoes a lot of change or if your project may require time to adjust to input.

Nevertheless, you can choose a Scrumban method that includes both approaches. This method can be effective as it combines Scrum's procedure with Kanban's visualisation tools.

Final Words

Choosing between Kanban vs Scrum methodologies in a project depends on a team’s approach and needs. A Kanban method allows modifications in a project at any time, whereas you cannot make changes during each sprint using the Scrum method.

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