Can you explain the difference between Scrum and Kanban?

Understanding the Difference Between Scrum and Kanban

In the realm of Agile methodologies, Scrum and Kanban are two prominent frameworks used by teams to manage and streamline their work processes. While both are designed to enhance efficiency and productivity, they differ in certain key aspects.

Scrum

Scrum is a time-boxed framework that emphasizes set sprint lengths, typically lasting 2 to 4 weeks. It involves structured ceremonies such as Sprint Planning, Daily Standups, Sprint Review, and Sprint Retrospective. Scrum teams work on a fixed set of items during each sprint, with a focus on delivering a potentially shippable product increment.

Kanban

Kanban, on the other hand, is a flow-based system that visualizes workflow on a Kanban board. Unlike Scrum, Kanban does not prescribe fixed time frames for tasks. Instead, it focuses on limiting work in progress (WIP) to optimize flow efficiency and minimize bottlenecks. Work items move through various stages of a process, from backlog to done, based on team capacity and demand.

Key Differences

• Time Management: Scrum uses fixed sprint durations, while Kanban is more flexible in terms of time frames.
• Work Approach: Scrum works in iterations, whereas Kanban visualizes and manages a continuous flow of work.
• Team Roles: Scrum defines specific roles like Scrum Master and Product Owner, while Kanban does not dictate specific roles.

Ultimately, the choice between Scrum and Kanban depends on the team's preferences, work nature, and desired level of flexibility.