What are the key differences between scrum and kanban methodologies?
Scrum and kanban are two popular agile methodologies for software development. They both aim to deliver value to customers faster and more efficiently, but they have some key differences in how they approach planning, execution, and improvement. In this article, you will learn about the main characteristics, benefits, and challenges of each method, and how to choose the best one for your project.
Scrum is a framework that divides the software development process into fixed-length iterations called sprints, usually lasting from one to four weeks. Each sprint has a goal, a scope, and a timebox. The team works together to plan, design, code, test, and deliver a potentially shippable product increment at the end of each sprint. The team also holds regular meetings to review the progress, inspect the product, and adapt the plan based on feedback and changing requirements.
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Scrum and Kanban are both popular Agile methodologies, but they differ in key ways: Timeframes: Scrum works in fixed timeframes (sprints), whereas Kanban is continuous without predefined timeboxes. Roles: Scrum has defined roles like Scrum Master and Product Owner, while Kanban typically has no specific roles. Planning: Scrum plans work in sprint backlogs, while Kanban focuses on a continuous flow of tasks. Prioritization: Scrum fixes priorities for the sprint, while Kanban allows dynamic reprioritization. WIP Limits: Kanban enforces Work-in-Progress (WIP) limits to control task volume, while Scrum does not specify WIP limits.
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In my opinion and experience I’ve found it’s not a question of Scrum or Kanban but more often can we leverage both to enhance our work. The Kanban method is a pragmatic management method that’s great in managing knowledge work. The Scrum framework is an intentionally lightweight framework and often helped by leveraging general Kanban practices such as limiting WiP, explicit policies, and evolving the workflows. If you’re looking for differences, then quite simply Scrum is a framework and Kanban is a methodology.
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My team works with Scrum, we work with 2-week sprints, it is very important to set goals and stay focused, but always be open to change, if priorities change, the scope can change as well, that is the beauty of Scrum, Flexibility, but remember, always take from your sprint an item with the same story points, so you don't compromise your team to deliver something undeliverable.
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In my experience, Scrum offers a structured yet flexible approach to software development. With its iterative sprints and clearly defined roles and events, It provides a framework that fosters collaboration and empowers teams to deliver high-quality products efficiently. Kanban, on the other hand, champions continuous flow and adaptability. Its focus on visualizing work, limiting WIP, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement resonates deeply with me. Through implementing Kanban practices, teams can optimize their workflows, minimize bottlenecks, and enhance overall efficiency. In summary, both Scrum and Kanban offer unique approaches to software development, each with its strengths and benefits.
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Primero que todo, la diferencia principal es que Scrum es un marco de trabajo y no una metodología. Entrega herramientas, roles, valores y tiempos definidos, pero no define la forma de realizar ma implementación y va a depender de cada producto y de cada equipo el "cómo" se desempeña dentro de él. Por su parte, Kanban en si es una metodología, que entrega herramientas y métodos de implementación, a la vez que indica ciertas pautas para poder desempeñarse dentro de dicha metodología.
Kanban is a system that visualizes the software development workflow as a series of stages, such as backlog, analysis, development, testing, and deployment. Each stage has a limit on the number of work items that can be in progress at any given time. The team pulls work items from the backlog and moves them along the stages according to their priority and readiness. The team also monitors the flow of work, identifies bottlenecks, and implements changes to optimize the efficiency and quality of the output.
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Kanban is an effective agile methodology that offers transparency, flexibility, waste reduction, and continuous improvement. It empowers teams to manage work efficiently, respond to customer needs, and adapt to changing priorities. It is particularly well-suited for situations where work is continuous and varied.
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Roles and Ceremonies: Scrum: Has specific roles like Product Owner, Scrum Master, and Development Team. Regular ceremonies like Sprint Planning, Daily Scrum, Sprint Review, and Retrospective maintain rhythm and transparency. Kanban: No defined roles, teams self-organize. Meetings are optional and ad-hoc as needed. Emphasis is on visual workflow boards and continuous improvement.
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Kanban basiert auf dem Grundsatz des Lean Thinking „Wert über Fluss, Fluss über Beseitigung von Verschwendung“. Daraus ergeben sich Praktiken: - Limitiere die parallele Arbeit (das WIP) - Steuere den Arbeitsfluss - Mache Regeln explizit - Implementiere Feedbackschleifen Vorteile von Kanban liegen in der Einfachheit der Einführung. Im ersten Schritt wird die Realität abgebildet und nach und nach angepasst. Darüber hinaus gibt es geringe Wartezeiten auf bspw den nächsten Sprint. Eine Umpriorisierung im Backlog wirkt sich sofort auf die nächste begonnene Aufgabe aus. Overhead durch Regelmeetings kann eingespart werden.
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Kanban is a method for managing workflow and visualizing work. It originated in manufacturing but has been widely adopted in software development and other industries. It involves visualizing work on a board, typically divided into columns representing different stages of the workflow, such as "To Do," "In Progress," and "Done." Tasks or work items are represented by cards that move across the board as they progress through the workflow. Kanban emphasizes limiting work in progress to improve flow and efficiency.
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Difference is Scrum is a lightweight frame work that suits complex work. Scrum operates on empiricism through inspect and adapt. The artifacts and events complements the same. Kanban is a method or tool that helps to improve visualization to set up work in progress limits to focus on finishing work. Kanban helps to identify and eliminate waste. It works well in a dynamic work environment where the workflow is not often changed.
One of the main differences between scrum and kanban is how they handle planning. Scrum requires upfront planning for each sprint, where the team commits to a set of features that will be delivered by the end of the iteration. Kanban does not have fixed timeboxes or scope, but rather allows the team to plan and prioritize work items continuously and dynamically based on customer demand and feedback. Scrum provides more predictability and alignment, but kanban offers more flexibility and responsiveness.
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Scrum: Time-boxed iterations (sprints). Roles (e.g., Scrum Master, Product Owner). Prescriptive ceremonies (e.g., daily stand-ups, sprint planning). Emphasizes fixed scope, flexible time, and cost. Best for projects with well-defined goals and frequent customer feedback. Well-suited for teams new to agile. Kanban: Continuous flow of work, no fixed iterations. No specific roles or ceremonies (can be customized). Emphasizes limiting work in progress (WIP). Highly adaptable to varying priorities and work types. Best for continuous delivery and process improvement. Well-suited for teams with fluctuating workloads or mature agile experience.
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Según mi experiencia, la diferencia en la planificación radica en la limitación de tiempo. En Scrum, esta limitación está definida por el sprint, mientras que Kanban se centra en la entrega de valor sin restricciones de tiempo fijo.
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Both Scrum and Kanban are popular agile methodologies that offer unique benefits depending on the context and needs of the team. By understanding the nuances of each approach, teams can choose the right framework to enhance their productivity and deliver value to their customers efficiently.
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Scrum and Kanban differ significantly in their approach to planning. Scrum involves structured planning with fixed-length sprints, usually 2-4 weeks, where the team commits to a specific set of tasks to complete within the sprint. Each sprint starts with a planning meeting to define the sprint backlog and ends with a review and retrospective. Kanban, on the other hand, focuses on continuous planning. There are no fixed-length iterations; tasks are continuously added to the Kanban board and worked on as capacity allows. Planning is more flexible, with tasks prioritized and pulled as needed, enabling ongoing adjustments without the constraints of set timeframes.
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I totally disagree with this text comparing Scrum and Kanban in they of planning. Scrum: Yes you do iterations and you plan them. Fix is only the Sprint Goal and point in time when the Sprint ends. The scope the Developer work on can be added, removed and changed. This is extreme flexibel with the limit of not changing the Sprint Goal. Kanban: The Kanban System enforces a steady flow of things. So you cannot remove existing things or insert new things in the middle of the system. You can add new prioritized things in a 'ready' column when an existing thing was pulled to the next column. Or you can create a fast lane which shouldn't be too big because otherwise the rest of the system won't be a steady flow any more.
Another difference between scrum and kanban is how they define roles and responsibilities. Scrum has three specific roles: the product owner, who represents the customer and defines the product vision and backlog; the scrum master, who facilitates the scrum process and removes impediments; and the development team, who self-organizes and delivers the product increment. Kanban does not prescribe any roles, but rather relies on the existing roles and functions of the team. Scrum fosters more collaboration and empowerment, but kanban respects more autonomy and expertise.
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Scrum and Kanban offer distinct approaches to project management. each having its own advantages. -> Scrum suits structured projects with fixed iterations, ideal for product development and client collaboration. -> Kanban excels in continuous flow scenarios, such as support and maintenance, optimizing workflow, and managing variable workloads. The choice depends on your project's nature, client interaction, and team preferences. I would consider "Scrumban" for a hybrid approach. You can choose the framework that best aligns with your project's needs and team's efficiency.
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Roles and Responsibilities: Scrum: Defines specific roles such as Scrum Master, Product Owner, and Development Team. Each role has distinct responsibilities. Kanban: Typically does not prescribe specific roles. It allows teams to define their own roles based on their needs.
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In Scrum, there are defined roles like Product Owner, Scrum Master, and Development Team, each with specific responsibilities for the sprint. Kanban typically has fewer defined roles. There's usually no formal role like a Scrum Master, but there might be a person responsible for managing the Kanban board and ensuring the flow of work. The emphasis is more on the team collectively managing the workflow.
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In Scrum, you've got the star players - Product Owner, Scrum Master, and Team - each with a specific role, like characters in a sitcom, playing their parts to keep the show running smoothly. Kanban's more like a jam session, where everyone's equal, chipping in wherever needed, like a jazz band improvising a killer tune.
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Scrum has clearly defined roles like Scrum Master, Product Owner, and Scrum Team Members, each with specific responsibilities. Kanban does not prescribe specific roles; any team member can pull tasks based on priority and Work In Progress (WIP) limits. Kanban emphasizes collaboration and workflow performance over rigid roles.
A third difference between scrum and kanban is how they approach improvement. Scrum incorporates improvement into its framework through the sprint retrospective, where the team reflects on what went well, what went wrong, and what can be improved for the next sprint. Kanban uses improvement as a continuous and data-driven process, where the team measures and analyzes key metrics, such as cycle time, lead time, throughput, and quality, and implements changes to improve them. Scrum emphasizes more learning and experimentation, but kanban focuses more on optimization and control.
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Scrum and Kanban differ significantly. Scrum is a structured framework with set iterations, defined roles, and committed features, prioritizing planning and stability. Conversely, Kanban is a method that emphasizes continuous workflow, dynamic prioritization, and adaptability. It lacks fixed iterations, offers flexible roles, and pulls work based on capacity and priority, promoting a more adaptable and continuous approach.
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Continuous Improvement: Scrum: Encourages inspecting and adapting during the sprint retrospective, where the team reflects on what went well and what could be improved. Kanban: Emphasizes continuous improvement as an ongoing process. Teams are encouraged to make incremental changes to their processes.
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In Scrum, continuous improvement is facilitated through regular sprint retrospectives, where the team reflects on what went well, what could be improved, and identifies actions for the next sprint. Kanban promotes continuous improvement through a focus on evolutionary change. Teams regularly review their workflow and make adjustments to improve efficiency and effectiveness. There's no fixed cadence like sprint retrospectives, but improvements are made as needed to enhance the flow of work.
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Scrum's all about inspecting and adapting after each sprint, like a detective solving a case, constantly fine-tuning the process. Kanban's more like a continuous improvement buffet, with teams tweaking workflows whenever they spot room for enhancement, like a DIY enthusiast adding shelves wherever there's empty space.
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Dass Scrum mehr Wert auf Lernen und Experimentieren legt ist falsch. Scrum hat festgelegte Zeremonien, in denen Inspect and Adapt implementiert sind. Kanban hingegen erwartet von Teammitgliedern zu jedem Zeitpunkt im Prozess eine kontinuierliche Verbesserung, und bezeichnet das als Führung auf allen Ebenen. Auch ist es unzureichend, Verbesserungen bei Scrum nur in der Retrospektive zu erwarten. Im Review sind Verbesserungen des Produkts und Stakeholderfeedback gegeben, und im Planning ist Feedback vom Team gewünscht. Zudem beobachte ich oft, dass Scrum durch die Form der Retrospektiven einen Verbesserungsfokus im Team legt, während Kanban den Gesamtprozess und das Gesamtsystem optimiert. So hat Kanban einen Vorteil für das Gesamtprodukt.
When deciding which methodology is better, there is no definitive answer as it depends on various factors, such as the nature and complexity of the project, the size and maturity of the team, customer expectations, and organizational culture and goals. Generally speaking, scrum is better if you need more structure, discipline, and alignment with fixed timeboxes and scope. Alternatively, kanban is better if you need more flexibility, adaptability, and autonomy with variable and changing demand and feedback. Combining elements of both methods can also be beneficial in creating a hybrid approach that best fits your needs.
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Scrum ist besser geeignet, wenn ein Team auf der grünen Wiese anfängt, da so ein Grundset von Prozess vorgegeben ist, das einen Standard hat und bekannt ist. Bei laufenden Projekten, insbesondere wenn sie nicht agil sind, ist Kanban die bessere Wahl, um den Übergang und die Verbesserungen leichter zu gestalten. Ein Wechsel von Scrum zu Kanban bietet sich an, wenn das Team einen hohen Reifegrad erreicht hat und die Meetings zu starr sind. Auch wenn die Rahmenbedingungen eine höhere Flexibilität erfordern, kann ein Wechsel von Scrum zu Kanban sinnvoll sein. Ein Wechsel von Kanban zu Scrum ist meist nur dann sinnvoll, wenn eine Synchronisation in der Zusammenarbeit von verschiedenen Teams nötig ist, und bspw. Kundenteams mit Scrum arbeiten.
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Stop promoting Hybrids. It takes vast amounts of experience to create a coherent whole out of individual parts and what some call Scrumban was never intended as a method or framework but as a transitionary status from Scrum to Kanban.
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Según mi experiencia, la elección entre los marcos de trabajo Scrum y Kanban suele depender principalmente de la complejidad del proyecto y la madurez del equipo.
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The choice between Scrum and Kanban depends on your team's specific needs and preferences. If you value structured, time-boxed iterations and defined roles, Scrum might be the better choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a more flexible approach with continuous improvement and a focus on flow, Kanban could be the way to go. It's essential to consider factors like team size, project complexity, and organizational culture when making the decision. Ultimately, both methodologies can be effective when implemented correctly.
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Choosing between Scrum and Kanban's like picking a pet - it depends on your lifestyle and preferences. Want structure and predictability? Go for Scrum. Prefer flexibility and adaptability? Kanban's your buddy.
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To me, the whole article is flawed. Comparing Scrum to Kanban is moot, because they work on different levels. Scrum is a process framework (tho they stopped saying so), Kanban is a (change) management method. You implement Scrum in an environment by adding the things that are missing for you. The result of implementing Scrum is always Scrum (if you do it right). Kanban is not implemented. Instead it is applied to an existing process in order to continually improve it. The result is not Kanban. Kanban is just the tool to help you get to the process that is most fit for your purpose. Thus, you can use Kanban to improve your implementation of Scrum. Scrum vs Kanban. Comparison moot. Like the question "Nail vs. Hammer". Point made. Case closed.
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Many, if not most, organisations begin their agile transition with Scrum, because the framework gives assurance of a structured way of work in the shape of Sprint However, most of them drift into what can be called Time boxed Kanban, because they no longer bother to have 'Sprint Goal' A good Scrum Master would steer the team towards Scrumban and eventually to Kanban if that suits best for the project's new reality
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Remember, it's not just about the methodology; it's about your team's culture, project requirements, and organizational goals. So, don't forget to sprinkle some common sense on top of your decision-making process, like seasoning a dish to perfection.
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