Which Approach Is Best for Your Software Development Team: Scrum vs. Kanban

In the dynamic density of the modern tech business worldwide, software development needs proficient managerial techniques which made project management methodologies like scrum, kanban, lean, critical path method etc. an urgent need to be followed which was brought into light many years ago. Scrum and Kanban are two of these well-liked approaches. In order to accomplish projects in tiny steps and make ongoing improvements, experts are using both approaches. The approaches differ in their structure and approach to the core aim, workflow management, and team dynamics dependence, albeit having the same fundamental objective. The main distinctions between scrum and kanban are examined in this article, which also assists in determining which methodology would be most appropriate for your team.

Based on the principles of agile, scrum is a collaborative methodology that keeps some key components in hand to achieve the goal.

1. Sprints: Sprints are fixed length time-boxed periods that have a list of tasks to be completed at the end of the time. 
2. Roles: Product Owner, Technical Project Manager, Development Team, Business Analyst, Quality Assurance Team
3. Events: Sprint planning, weekly review, daily scrum meeting, sprint release
4. Backlog: A list of tasks required to be completed

Kanban methodology consists of 5 major components that helps the team to flexibly manage workflow and promotes manageable changes in plan.

1. Kanban Board: A visual representation of the workflow in different status like: Stories, To Do, In Progress, Testing, Completed
2. WIP Limits: Kanban promote changes in work in progress aka the number of tasks to properly utilize team capacity
3. Flexibility: No strict roles or time-boxed iterations.
4. Pull System: Work begins when there is a demand of delivery of particular modules
5. Variable Workflow: As the teams don’t have any fixed ranged time for any particular module, tasks can be taken only when there is capacity to handle it. 

Scrum is ideal for teams that:

• Require Structure and Predictability: Scrum’s time-boxed sprints create a predictable rhythm, making it easier to plan and measure progress.
• Have Well-Defined Goals and Deadlines: If the project has clear milestones or deadlines, Scrum provides a focused path to completion.
• Value Team Collaboration: The structured events in Scrum, such as daily stand-ups and retrospectives, foster communication and continuous improvement.
• Can Commit to Fixed-Length Sprints: Scrum requires the team to commit to a certain amount of work each sprint, making it a good choice if the team can maintain a consistent pace.

Kanban is ideal for teams that:

• Need Flexibility in Workload: Kanban’s WIP limits allow team members to pull tasks as they are ready, making it well-suited for teams with fluctuating priorities.
• Operate in a Continuous Delivery Environment: If the project requires frequent updates or has ongoing maintenance needs, Kanban allows for a steady flow of work without strict timelines.
• Want to Minimize Meetings: Kanban doesn’t require structured meetings, making it a great fit for teams that prefer a less formal workflow.
• Handle a Variety of Small Tasks: Kanban’s visual board provides clarity for teams that work on many smaller tasks simultaneously, such as a support or operations team.

Yes, some teams find value in combining Scrum and Kanban into a hybrid approach known as Scrumban. Scrumban uses the structured planning of Scrum but adds the flexibility of Kanban’s continuous workflow, creating a tailored approach that meets the team’s unique needs.

Both Scrum and Kanban offer effective ways to manage software development, but the best approach depends on your team’s goals, project requirements, and preferred working style.

• For structured teams with defined timelines and a need for regular collaboration, Scrum is often the best choice.
• For teams requiring flexibility, minimal structure, and continuous delivery, Kanban may provide the ideal framework.

In some cases, experimenting with both methods can help determine which approach is the best fit for your team’s workflow, productivity, and success.