Kanban vs. Scrum: A Comprehensive Comparison for Agile Teams
Tags: kanban, scrum, agile, beginners
Published: 2023-06-05 17:35:12

In Agile project management, [Kanban](https://teachingagile.com/kanban/introduction/in-depth-introduction-to-kanban 'Mastering Kanban') and [Scrum](https://teachingagile.com/scrum/psm-1/scrum-theory-principles/scrum-history 'Scrum Origins and Agile Principles') are popular methodologies that help teams improve productivity, collaboration, and adaptability.

In this article, we'll compare **Kanban** and **Scrum** in-depth, highlighting their differences and sharing personal experiences to help you decide which is best suited for your team.

<CustomImage src="https://teachingagile.com/blog/english/kanban-vs-scrum.png" alt="Kanban vs. Scrum" />

## Table of Contents

- [Overview of Scrum and Kanban](https://teachingagile.com#overview)
  - [What is Kanban?](https://teachingagile.com#what-is-kanban)
  - [What is Scrum?](https://teachingagile.com#what-is-scrum)
- [Principles of Scrum and Kanban](https://teachingagile.com#principles)
  - [Principles of Kanban?](https://teachingagile.com#principles-of-kanban)
  - [Principles of Scrum?](https://teachingagile.com#principles-of-scrum)
- [Kanban vs. Scrum: Key Differences](https://teachingagile.com#kanban-vs-scrum-key-differences)
- [Choosing Between Kanban and Scrum](https://teachingagile.com#choosing-between-kanban-and-scrum)
- [Personal Experiences with Scrum and Kanban](https://teachingagile.com#personal-experiences)
- [Conclusion](https://teachingagile.com#conclusion)

## Overview of Scrum and Kanban

### What is Kanban?

**Kanban** is an Agile framework that emphasizes the _work visualization_, the _limitation of work in progress (WIP)_, and the _optimizing workflow_ within a system.

The Kanban system was initially developed by [Taiichi Ohno at Toyota](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taiichi_Ohno 'Taiichi Ohno') to improve manufacturing efficiency. It has since been adapted for various industries, including [software development](https://teachingagile.com/sdlc/sdlc-overview 'Understanding SDLC') and project management.

A Kanban board is used for visualizing and managing work. The board is divided into columns representing the different stages of a process. Tasks are represented as cards that move from left to right across the board as they progress through each stage.

[You can read all about Kanban here.](https://teachingagile.com/kanban/introduction/in-depth-introduction-to-kanban 'Kanban an Overview')

### What is Scrum?

**Scrum** is another popular Agile framework focusing on iterative and incremental product development. It's designed for small, cross-functional teams working on complex projects. Scrum emphasizes _collaboration_, _flexibility_, and _continuous improvement through time-boxed_ Sprint events.

[You can read all about Scrum here.](https://teachingagile.com/scrum/psm-1/scrum-theory-principles/scrum-history 'Scrum Overview')

## Principles of Scrum and Kanban

### Principles of Kanban

Kanban is built upon the following [core principles](https://teachingagile.com/kanban/introduction/in-depth-introduction-to-kanban#kanban-principles 'Kanban Principles'):

1. Visualize the workflow
2. Limit work in progress (WIP)
3. Manage flow
4. Make process policies explicit
5. Implement feedback loops
6. Improve collaboratively and evolve experimentally

### Principles of Scrum

Scrum is based on the following key principles:

1. [Empirical process control](https://teachingagile.com/scrum/psm-1/scrum-theory-principles/empirical-process-control 'Scrum Empirical process control')
2. [Self-organization](https://teachingagile.com/scrum/psm-1/scrum-theory-principles/self-organization 'Self-Organization in Scrum')
3. [Collaboration](https://teachingagile.com/scrum/psm-1/scrum-theory-principles/collaboration 'Collaboration in Scrum')
4. [Value-based prioritization](https://teachingagile.com/scrum/psm-1/scrum-theory-principles/value-based-prioritization 'Value Based prioritization in Scrum')
5. [Time-boxing](https://teachingagile.com/scrum/psm-1/scrum-theory-principles/time-boxing 'Time Boxing in Scrum')
6. Iterative development

## Kanban vs. Scrum: Key Differences

While both Kanban and Scrum are Agile frameworks, they differ in several key aspects:

1. **Iterations and Sprints:** Scrum uses time-boxed iterations called Sprints, typically lasting 2-4 weeks. Kanban doesn't use iterations and focuses on continuous flow.
2. **Roles:** Scrum has defined roles, including the Product Owner, Scrum Master, and Development Team. Kanban doesn't prescribe specific roles.
3. **Work in Progress (WIP) Limits:** Kanban enforces WIP limits to ensure a smooth workflow, while Scrum doesn't explicitly set WIP limits.
4. **Estimation and Planning:** Scrum requires detailed estimation and planning before each Sprint. Kanban encourages continuous planning and doesn't require upfront estimation.
5. **Change Management:** Kanban is more flexible in accommodating changes midstream, while Scrum discourages changes during a Sprint.

| Aspect                        | Scrum                                                             | Kanban                                      |
| ----------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------- |
| Iterations and Sprints        | Time-boxed iterations called Sprints, typically lasting 2-4 weeks | No iterations; focuses on continuous flow   |
| Roles                         | Product Owner, Scrum Master, Development Team                     | No specific roles prescribed                |
| Work in Progress (WIP) Limits | No explicit WIP limits                                            | Enforces WIP limits for a smooth workflow   |
| Estimation and Planning       | Detailed estimation and planning before each Sprint               | Continuous planning, no upfront estimation  |
| Change Management             | Discourages changes during a Sprint                               | Flexible in accommodating changes midstream |

<div className="nx-text-center ">
  **_Table 1: Kanban vs. Scrum: Key Differences_**
</div>

## Choosing Between Kanban and Scrum

Deciding between Kanban and Scrum depends on your team's needs, preferences, and the nature of your projects. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the right framework:

1.  **Project Complexity**: Scrum may be more suitable for a complex project requiring meticulous planning and organization. Kanban is more appropriate for uncomplicated initiatives or when requirements are subject to frequent change.
2.  **Team Size and Composition**: Scrum works best with small, dedicated, and cross-functional teams. Kanban is more flexible and can be applied to teams of various sizes and diverse skill sets.
3.  **Change Frequency**: If your project involves frequent changes and requires adaptability, Kanban is a better choice. Scrum is more rigid during Sprints, making it less suitable for constantly changing projects.
4.  **Timeline**: Scrum's time-boxed approach may be more effective if you are working with a tighter deadline and need to deliver results quickly. Kanban's continuous flow model works well when there are no strict deadlines.

## Personal Experiences

**Scrum** works well for teams that need a structured approach with clearly defined roles and time-boxed iterations. It helps maintain focus and accountability, ensuring that progress is made at a steady pace.

Scrum has proven to be an effective method to manage the work and keep everyone aligned on a project that involves a complex software development process with multiple stakeholders.

On the other hand, **Kanban** has been more suitable for projects where flexibility is crucial, and priorities may change frequently.

I've used Kanban in a marketing team where tasks and priorities often shifted, and the continuous flow model allowed us to adapt quickly and efficiently.

## Conclusion

**Kanban** and **Scrum** offer unique advantages for Agile teams, and the best choice will depend on your team's specific needs and circumstances.

By understanding the key differences between these methodologies and considering your team's goals, structure, and project complexity, you can make an informed decision that will set your team up for success.