Agile vs Scrum vs Kanban: What’s the Difference?

If you’re involved in software development or project management, you’ve likely heard the terms Agile, Scrum, and Kanban. But what do these terms mean, and how do they differ? In this article, we’ll explore the key differences between Agile, Scrum, and Kanban.

Agile

Agile is a mindset that values flexibility, collaboration, and continuous improvement. It is not a specific methodology but a set of guiding principles that can be applied to any project or team. Agile values:

1. Individuals and interactions over processes and tools
2. Working software over comprehensive documentation
3. Customer collaboration over contract negotiation
4. Responding to change over following a plan

Agile is often used in software development, but it can be applied to any project or process that requires adaptability and collaboration. Agile projects are typically broken down into small, manageable chunks called iterations or sprints, which allow for regular feedback and adjustment.

Scrum

Scrum is a specific Agile methodology that provides a framework for managing and completing complex projects. It is based on the principles of transparency, inspection, and adaptation. Scrum values:

1. Empirical process control, which means using data to make decisions
2. Self-organising teams, which means giving the team the autonomy to determine how to achieve the project goals
3. Continuous improvement, which means regularly evaluating and adjusting the team’s processes

Scrum projects are broken down into short iterations and sprints, which usually last two to four weeks. During each sprint, the team works on a specific set of tasks, called a backlog, which is determined at the beginning of the sprint.

At the end of each sprint, the team holds a review meeting to discuss what was accomplished and a retrospective meeting to evaluate the team’s processes and identify areas for improvement.

Kanban

Kanban is another Agile methodology that focuses on visualising and optimising workflow. It originated in the manufacturing industry but has since been adapted for software development and project management. Kanban values:

1. Visualising work, which means making the work visible to everyone on the team
2. Limiting work in progress, which means not starting new work until the current work is finished
3. Managing flow, which means optimising the flow of work through the system

Kanban projects use a visual board, usually divided into columns such as “To Do,” “Doing,” and “Done,” to track the progress of work items. Work items are represented by cards or sticky notes, which move from column to column as they progress through the workflow.

Kanban aims to identify and eliminate bottlenecks in the workflow so that work can flow smoothly from start to finish.

Agile vs Scrum vs Kanban: Which Is Right for You?

Which Agile methodology should you use for your project or team? The answer depends on various factors, including the size and complexity of your project, the skill level and experience of your team members, and your organisation’s culture and values.

1. Agile may fit your team well if you value flexibility and collaboration.
2. If you’re managing a complex project and want a structured framework for managing it, Scrum may be a good choice.
3. And if you’re looking to optimise your team’s workflow and eliminate bottlenecks, Kanban may be the way to go.

Ultimately, experimenting with different methodologies and seeing what works best for your team is the best approach. Agile, Scrum and Kanban are all powerful tools for managing projects, and with careful consideration and experimentation, you can find the approach that best fits your needs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Agile, Scrum, and Kanban are all methodologies used in project management with different focuses and applications. Understanding their key differences can help you choose the right approach for your project or team. 

Agile is a mindset that values flexibility, collaboration, and continuous improvement, while Scrum provides a framework for managing and completing complex projects based on transparency, inspection, and adaptation.

 Kanban focuses on visualising and optimising workflow to eliminate bottlenecks and improve the flow of work through the system.

By considering the size, complexity, and goals of your project, as well as the skills and experience of your team members, you can choose the methodology that best fits your needs.

Experimenting with different approaches and adapting them as needed can help you continuously improve your project management practices and achieve better outcomes.