Scrum and Kanban are popular Agile product development methods. Although confused with project management practices, Scrum and Kanban have nothing to do with popular project management.
In connection with the desire of many organizations to move to Scrum or Kanban, I am writing this article, which can be useful in making the final decision. To begin with, a few words about the two main methodologies we have focused on so far based on your suggestions:
Both Kanban and Scrum are Agile work frameworks where we have self-organizing teams, but Kanban has no roles or sprints. References: “The differences between Scrum and Kanban methods of working in Agile projects“, https://www.kievpress.info/differences-between-scrum-and-kanban-agile/
Kanban
The main thing about Kanban is to limit the number of current tasks that the team is working on. The main tool is a board with a finite number of maps, divided into columns, visualizing the stages of work. When a task is completely completed and removed from the dashboard, then we can add a new one in its place. Working on many tasks helps focus employees and increase their productivity. Performance checks should be performed regularly on both Scrum and Kanban. Reference: “Waterfall, Agile, Scrum and Kanban methodologies“, https://stc-montreal.org/waterfall-agile-scrum-and-kanban-methodologies/
Kanban is used to plan continuous production as the main measure is the time it takes and/or the duration of a work cycle. It takes transparency and constant communication between people to make things happen.
The columns on the board are determined by the team and are based on the work process. However, they must be small in number to strike a balance between productivity, security, and simplicity. Maps are a visualization of the task and should include more information about it. Reference: “Working on projects with Scrum and Kanban: which to choose from both“, https://eduwiki.me/projects-with-scrum-and-kanban-which-to-choose/
The work process is continuous and the board does not change, only the cards are moved to the column (stage) in which they are at the moment and are removed and replaced with new ones when the task is completed.
Advantages
Kanban has fewer tools that the team needs to get used to working with, which means faster implementation.
In my opinion, Kanban would be more suitable in departments/companies with a simpler workflow and manufactured products. More:: https://www.muzonet.com/
Disadvantages of Kanban
The framework does not provide tools to help with project planning.
The stages of product development can overlap because the tasks are assigned to the developers consistently.
Scrum
With the Scrum frame, there are clear roles and a simplified production process. Dividing the implementation of the project into iterations of shorter periods facilitates the planning of work and helps to focus and focus employees on specific tasks. Reference: “Waterfall vs V-Model vs Scrum vs Kanban”, https://newia.info/waterfall-vs-v-model-vs-scrum-vs-kanban/
The tasks are determined by the team at the sprint planning meeting, but there is no limit to their number, as in Kanban. They are also arranged in columns corresponding to a certain stage of production. When you start newsprint, the tasks also restart.
The sprint is a period during which the team must, by performing tasks, realize a part of the product that can be tested and delivered to the customer.
Progress is discussed at daily meetings and team members can share if they have noticed a problem.
In addition, the work of iterations allows the elimination of all problems that arose during the preliminary tests, as well as after there is feedback from real users. It also allows the elimination of functions that have proved unnecessary in the tests. This reduces losses.
The ability to deliver a working part of the product earlier is an added advantage. More: https://customessaysonline.net/
Advantages
Less “waste” – work done that is not needed.
Psychological satisfaction with the tasks and delivery of a product at the end of each sprint.
The retrospective at the end of each sprint provides an opportunity to rethink the planning of the project and the next sprint.
Delivery of a working part of the product in a shorter time.
The emphasis is on using experience and making decisions based on it.
Scrum allows you to change product requirements during the development process.
Disadvantages of Scrum
More tools that employees need to get used to working with.
It may not apply to the products that the company offers.
To determine which of the two is more appropriate, one should start by looking at the product and the workflow.
For the introduction of any methodology, we will need time during which we will work with reduced capacity. We will also need teams of volunteers to train and start working on Kanban or Scrum. I recommend that you test with two test teams before making a final decision.
Conclusion
I briefly described the highlights of the two Agile methodologies Kanban and Scrum. As there is interest in both frameworks, we could organize training for two test teams, which will then work on the same small project and compare the results. I believe that this will be a more practical approach so that we can make a more realistic financial estimate of the investment.
My personal opinion is that Scrum is more suitable for us because the products we create are complex and not subject to legal regulations.
Scrum tools make planning easier and the process more organized. Product requirements can change on the go and this reduces the likelihood of creating unnecessary features and saves time and money. Also, the customer receives a rather working part of the product that can be tested in real conditions.
