What is Agile Method

Agile method was created to meet the growing need for software that can easily adjust to changing customer needs. It’s a flexible process, meaning you can make changes as you go without having to start all over again.

Lets understand this with a Train and Car Example

The Train and Car Example

Imagine you’re planning a trip. A train will take you to your destination, but it’s tough to change direction once you’re on it. Trains follow fixed tracks and schedules, so if something unexpected happens—like bad weather, emergency or obstacles—it can mess up your travel plans.

On the other hand, if you’re driving a car, you can easily adjust your route if something comes up. You have more flexibility to change course on the fly.

The Agile methodology is more like having a premium car with you. You have the freedom to adjust your route whenever needed, making changes along the way with ease. Just like driving a car, you can quickly adapt to new situations and avoid obstacles without being locked into a fixed path.

Agile methods are commonly used in software development and project management because they are flexible, encourage teamwork, and allow for continuous improvement.

Two popular approaches within Agile are Scrum and Kanban. While both focus on increasing efficiency and producing quality results, they work in different ways.

Let’s take a closer look at the main differences between Scrum and Kanban to help you understand when to use each one.

Methodology Type: Framework vs. Flow Management

Scrum is a structured approach within Agile that sets clear rules and defines roles, tasks, and events to guide the development process. It breaks work into fixed time periods called sprints, typically lasting 2 to 4 weeks, with the goal of delivering a product update at the end of each sprint.

Kanban, however, is more focused on managing the flow of work. Its main goal is to make work more efficient by visualizing tasks, limiting the number of tasks being worked on at once, and constantly improving how work is done. Unlike Scrum, Kanban doesn’t have set time periods for completing work.

Structure: Roles and Responsibilities

Scrum has specific roles to help guide the process:

Product Owner: Manages the product backlog and decides which tasks are most important.

Scrum Master: Helps ensure the Scrum process runs smoothly and removes any obstacles that slow down progress.

Development Team: The group that carries out the tasks within each sprint.

In contrast, Kanban doesn't assign specific roles. The existing roles in an organization stay the same. Kanban is more focused on managing the flow of work rather than creating new roles or responsibilities.

Iterations vs. Continuous Flow

Scrum works in cycles called sprints(like Iteration), where the team plans what they will achieve within a set time (usually 2-4 weeks) and focuses on delivering specific features or goals by the end of that sprint.

Kanban, however, follows a continuous flow approach. There’s no need for sprint planning. Work is added as there’s capacity, with the main goal being to streamline the process, minimize delays, and keep progress steady without fixed deadlines or time periods for completion.

Work Visualization

Both Scrum and Kanban use visual tools to track progress, but in different ways:

Scrum uses a Sprint Backlog, which lists all tasks for a sprint, and often includes a burn-down chart to track how much work is left over time.

Kanban uses a Kanban board with columns for each stage of the workflow (e.g., To-Do, In Progress, Done). The focus here is on visualizing the flow of tasks, managing how many tasks are in progress at once, and ensuring that work moves smoothly through each stage.

Flexibility and Changes

Scrum is generally more rigid because of its fixed-length sprints. Once a sprint starts, no new tasks are added. Any changes or adjustments are discussed during the Sprint Review or during the planning of the next sprint, but not while the sprint is in progress.

Kanban, on the other hand, is much more flexible. Changes can happen at any time since work is pulled into the system based on priority. Teams can adjust their priorities, make improvements, and adapt their workflow as needed, without being tied to fixed time periods.

Work in Progress (WIP) Limits

In Scrum, there isn’t a formal limit on the number of tasks in progress, but the focus is on completing the tasks planned for the sprint and avoiding over-committing to too much work.

In Kanban, however, WIP limits are a core part of the process. These limits specify the maximum number of tasks allowed in each stage of the workflow. This helps spot bottlenecks and ensures that tasks aren’t building up in one area, promoting smoother and more efficient flow of work.

Metrics and Feedback Loops

In Scrum, there isn’t a formal limit on the number of tasks in progress, but the focus is on completing the tasks planned for the sprint and avoiding over-committing to too much work.

In Kanban, however, WIP limits are a core part of the process. These limits specify the maximum number of tasks allowed in each stage of the workflow. This helps spot bottlenecks and ensures that tasks aren’t building up in one area, promoting smoother and more efficient flow of work.

Suitability and Use Cases

Scrum is best for teams working on projects with a clear scope and deadlines, where tasks can be broken down and completed in short timeframes (sprints). It's particularly useful for software development, product development, and projects with changing requirements that can be handled in smaller, iterative chunks.

Kanban is better suited for teams that need more flexibility, like maintenance teams or those working in continuous delivery systems. It’s ideal for environments where work comes in unpredictably, and there's no need for a set schedule or sprint-based structure. The focus is on optimizing the flow of work without fixed time periods.

Team Size

Scrum is typically used by cross-functional teams of about 5-9 members who collaborate closely to complete tasks within a sprint.

Kanban, on the other hand, can be used by teams of any size and is especially useful for larger teams or teams with diverse responsibilities. It adapts well to different team structures and can scale to fit various needs.

Conclusion

In essence, Scrum offers a structured, predictable framework with clear roles, time-boxed iterations, and detailed planning, making it an excellent choice for teams that thrive on regular cadence and systematic feedback loops. It works well for projects where progress can be broken down into distinct, manageable chunks.

On the other hand, Kanban focuses on continuous flow, offering flexibility and adaptability. It’s perfect for teams that need to quickly respond to shifting priorities while optimizing the flow of work and minimizing bottlenecks.

Ultimately, choosing between Scrum and Kanban hinges on your team’s needs, the nature of the project, and the balance between structure and flexibility required. For teams that want the best of both worlds, a hybrid approach like Scrumban may provide the flexibility of Kanban with some structure from Scrum.

The right approach will depend on the unique dynamics of your team and project goals, so experiment, adapt, and find what works best!