What are the key differences between Scrum and Kanban?
Agile methodologies like Scrum and Kanban have become very popular in software development in recent years. Both of these methodologies are designed to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the development process. While they have similarities, they also have distinct differences that make them suited to different kinds of projects.
In this article, I will explore the differences between Scrum and Kanban.
One of the key differences between Scrum and Kanban is the approach to project management. Scrum is based on time-boxed iterations, where work is divided into sprints that have a set duration. Each sprint has a defined scope, and the team works on completing the tasks within the sprint. In contrast, Kanban does not have fixed iterations or time-boxed schedules. The work is continuously pulled through the system as capacity allows.
Roles and ceremonies: Scrum has a set of defined roles, including the Scrum Master, Product Owner, and Development Team, and a set of ceremonies, including Sprint Planning, Daily Stand-up, Sprint Review, and Sprint Retrospective. In contrast, Kanban has fewer roles and ceremonies and is more flexible in its approach. Work in progress (WIP): Scrum limits work in progress by having a fixed capacity for each sprint. Kanban limits work in progress by setting a Work In Progress (WIP) limit for each stage of the workflow. This ensures that the team focuses on completing work before moving on to the next item. Workflow: Scrum has a prescribed workflow, with defined stages such as Sprint Planning, Development, Testing, and Review. Kanban has a flexible workflow that can be adapted to suit the needs of the team. Metrics: Scrum uses metrics such as burndown charts and velocity to track progress and provide feedback to the team. Kanban uses metrics such as lead time, cycle time, and throughput to measure the effectiveness of the workflow and identify areas for improvement.
