Kanban vs Scrum: which agile method for optimal project management?

In the field of project management, the agile approach is often used. There are several methods that adopt this philosophy, including Kanban and Scrum, the most widespread on the market. Both allow you to effectively manage all types of projects, but which one is best suited to your objectives?

We'll help you make the right choice, with relevant definitions and comparisons, and a comprehensive comparison table for greater efficiency!

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What is an agile methodology?

Agile methodology is a project management method based on dialogue between all stakeholders. Whether it's the customer, employees or partners, the agile method involves all parties by encouraging collaboration between teams.

This method is characterized by :

• short, targeted development cycles
• short-term objectives,
• better monitoring of project progress, with progressive, collaborative work,
• the ability to develop products, modify offers or plans according to changing customer needs.

The Scrum method, for agile project management

Scrum is one of the most widely used agile methods. Its main strength lies in its short processes (called sprints), constantly adapted to changing customer expectations. It thus enables more flexible and intelligent management of work, improving team efficiency.

💡Scrum means "scrum" in French: It's a method based on the work of a versatile, tactical scrum team, which comes together to make progress little by little and repeatedly.

Its methodology is based on a system of task prioritization, which provides greater visibility of the project and its progress. In this way, Scrum structures the work of teams into a development cycle:

• Incremental: Progressive work, task by task,
• Short and iterative: A process repeated several times, from the initial idea to an increasingly mature version. In this way, the project can be improved as development progresses.
• Adaptive : A process that adapts to changing customer requirements,
• Transparent: A project in which all stakeholders are involved.

Kanban, the method that optimizes your resources

Kanban is a pull-flow method, which means that consumer demand triggers the production of goods and services. As a result, productions are made according to demand, which limits your inventories.

💡In Japanese, Kanban means "label": so it's a method based on a visual managerial system made up of labels. Each label corresponds to a customer request. In this way, the production chain is activated according to the evolution of these requests, optimizing resources over the long term.

The Kanban method thus has its origins in lean organization , based on the "just-in-time" principle, which prioritizes demand over supply. As a result, it makes it possible to

• Limit the number of tasks
• Improve team performance
• Promote better quality of work

Tasks are therefore organized on a Kanban board, with their locations moving from one column to another as they progress. The traditional steps are :

• To do
• In progress
• In review
• Blocked
• Completed

💡You can, however, customize these columns according to your company's work organization and the habits of your teams and/or customers.

What are the similarities between Kanban and Scrum?

Flexibility

Both methods are flexible, adapting continuously to potential changes in the customer's needs. However, Kanban is more adaptable than Scrum in this respect.

Continuous improvement

Both Scrum and Kanban place continuous improvement at the heart of their strategy. This means that their processes are constantly improving, which in turn enhances performance and results.

Sub-task creation

Projects are less complex and tasks are simplified. In fact, both methods reduce project complexity by breaking down complex tasks into sub-tasks that are easier to manage and execute.

For example, if you want to create a website for your company, you'll understand that it's first necessary to :

1. define your needs,
2. clarify the project's objective (boosting your brand image, improving the user experience, simplifying the purchasing process, etc.),
3. plan the project,
4. design the contours of your site via mock-ups,
5. and then move on to production.

Visual management

Scrum, like Kanban, enables its users to better visualize the progress of their project by means of a table in which tasks are materialized. This improves the fluidity of processes, and the identification of potential problems.

Team concentration

Both methods take the same approach to quality of work. They limit multitasking by reducing the number of tasks in progress. This enables teams to focus on the task in hand and be more productive.

What's the difference between Scrum and Kanban?

Roles

👉In the Scrum approach, roles are clearly defined in advance for each team member:

• A product owner: He represents the customer, manages the backlog and supports the teams in their daily development tasks.
• A Scrum Master: ensures that Scrum principles and rituals are respected within the team.
• Developers : They choose the work to be done, which is agreed at the Sprint planning stage.

Roles are therefore precisely defined, but there is no single leader. Scrum teams are autonomous and hierarchically equal, despite differing responsibilities. They collaborate and complement each other through a common goal.

👉In the Kanban approach, there's no need to define roles. Everyone's responsibilities are quite flexible, and the Kanban board is available to the whole team. So, unlike Scrum, the overall functioning of the project and teams is everyone's responsibility.

However, if you wish, you can call on the services of an " Agile Coach" who will ensure that your teams respect the fundamentals of the agile approach. He or she supports the organization, without directing it, in its organizational and human transformation or adaptation to the agile approach.

The rhythm

Scrum's pace is much faster than Kanban's.

👉In the Scrum method, we proceed by iteration or sprint. It's a so-called "empirical" approach that focuses on small units of work, to which complexity points are assigned during Planning Poker, helping teams to better understand the customer over the long term. In this way, value is added at the end of each sprint, which helps to better determine the project's next tasks.

👉In the Kanban method, the rhythm works in continuous flow, without iteration. Unlike Scrum, tasks are not defined within a certain timeframe, so teams remain agile and ready to adapt to changes in processes. This enables them to deal with different subjects and take new elements into account while the task is being carried out.

Delivery method

👉In the Scrum method, a delivery is generally scheduled at the end of each sprint. Teams define a goal for each iteration beforehand, and approve or reject it for delivery. In Scrum, a deliverable is expected at the end of each development cycle.

👉In the Kanban method, deliverables are delivered as soon as they're ready, without predefined due dates or regular planning. If the task is complete, it can be delivered without waiting for the "Delivery" stage and team approval, as Scrum does.

Task organization and tracking

👉In the Scrum method, task organization is highly structured. Each iteration must be followed by four types of meeting, each with its own specific objectives:

• Sprint Planning
• Daily Scrum
• Sprint Review
• Sprint Retrospective

👉Inthe Kanban method, no meetings are predetermined. However, development teams can schedule meetings to keep track of the various tasks agreed.

Change

👉In the Scrum method, changes are avoided as far as possible, if not outlawed. A Sprint must retain its predefined objectives, tasks and subtasks. If changes or process evolutions are noted during Sprint execution, they are integrated into the next Sprint or into a new Sprint.

👉In the Kanban method, changes are taken into account and can be modified at any time. New tasks or features can be added to the Backlog. What's more, if team capacity changes, the Kanban board and tasks can be adjusted accordingly, which doesn't destabilize teams.

Scrum vs. Kanban: comparison chart

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So, which agile method is right for you?

Scrum and Kanban are two methods that can help you effectively manage and organize your projects. Despite their differences, their fundamentals, inspired by the agile approach, remain the same. The answer to the question "Which one to choose?" therefore depends on your needs and those of your teams in terms of expectations, management and project type.

You can choose Kanban for its flexibility or Scrum for its prioritization. Or you can combine them, because in the final analysis, they can be said to complement each other. In fact, if you like the adaptability of Kanban but want to work on the short, precise cycles of Scrum, you can. The two methods complement each other and are used at the same time quite regularly.

📣Cep though, it's important to point out that using Scrum requires a perfect mastery of its principles, rules and values. A little training might be in order if your teams present certain adaptation difficulties.