Both Kanban and Scrum are popular Agile methodologies for software development, but they approach project management in slightly different ways. Here's a breakdown of their key differences:
Structure
Scrum
Highly structured with fixed-length sprints (typically 1-4 weeks) where a set of features (product backlog) is committed to by the development team.
Kanban
More flexible with a continuous workflow. Work items flow through a visual Kanban board with stages like "To Do," "In Progress," and "Done." New tasks can be added anytime.
Planning
Scrum
Planning happens at the beginning of each sprint where the team selects and prioritises features from the product backlog.
Kanban
Focuses on continuous flow and limiting work in progress (WIP) to avoid bottlenecks. Prioritisation is ongoing based on business value and urgency.
Control
Scrum
Focuses on team self-organisation. The team estimates workload and commits to deliverables within a sprint.
Kanban
Less emphasis on estimates. Focuses on visualising workflow and continuously optimising the process.
When to Use (typically)
Scrum
Ideal for projects with a clear product vision/goals, set start and end dates. Works well for teams that thrive in a structured environment.
Kanban
Great for projects with changing requirements or unpredictable workloads. Suits teams that value flexibility and continuous improvement. Managing Application Support requests is a key use, and some of these boards remain until the end of Application life.
Summary
Kanban and Scrum are both valuable Agile tools. Scrum offers a structured approach for delivering features in short cycles, while Kanban provides more flexibility for adapting to changing priorities. Choosing the right one depends on your project's specific needs and team preferences.