Scrum(ban) vs Kanban
November 5th, 2022
Each framework for your business has its benefits, and not every framework can be considered a “one size fits all” solution. When it comes to choosing which framework to use and why, you may come to a dilemma as to which to choose, and for this very reason we are here to help and better explain this educational theme.
Different software development methodologies are not an elixir that will make bad practices and flawed ways of working simply go away. When thinking about agile organizations people tend to debate which framework to apply Scrum, Kanban, or a combination of both – Scrumban. The core of Scrum is composed of sprints, where each project is broken down into 1–4 weeks iterations. The goal is to deliver a piece of working software of the final project each sprint. Through the various Scrum ceremonies during the sprint, the scrum team has a chance to constantly evaluate the work, adapt and improve for the next sprint by learning from the past. Due to this Scrum works well for big and complex projects that need to be delivered quickly. It is also the best for experienced teams, which are working on a project for a longer time.
Kanban is undoubtedly the simplest and most straightforward framework to implement. Like Scrum, Kanban also breaks down projects into smaller stages. However, unlike Scrum, Kanban does not use sprints to break down projects. It solely relies on the workflow and breaks down tasks based on it. Therefore, Kanban focuses on visualizing the work on the board, which clearly shows how tasks move through the workflow from the beginning to the end. That maintains flexibility while ensuring that everyone in the team is on the same page. It is great for smaller product teams, support, or maintenance teams. Kanban offers a stable workflow from start until the end. On the other hand, it is less effective when the resources are shared, and it is not good for big and complex projects.
Scrumban, as the name already says, combines the benefits of both Scrum and Kanban. Scrum systematization and Kanban visualization are combined into one. Scrum backlog is used for work planning and prioritization, while Kanban boards are used to visualize work progress. Scrumban can be introduced without additional complexity. It functions effectively in large projects and is adaptable enough for smaller projects, support, or maintenance. Scrumban is great for fast-paced projects and continuous product delivery. Smaller and more devoted teams who are willing to forgo rigid regulations and the traditional hierarchical structure are fit for Scrumban as it gives independence and time efficiency in return.
In the end, we can conclude that each framework has its benefits, and you need to choose carefully which one is the best fit for your organization and team. You might find Scrum as the best option for complex projects with a short delivery time spam, while Kanban might be more suitable for ongoing maintenance projects. On the other hand, if your project is a combination of both product and support then you might consider Scrumban as the best framework.