In today’s world the pressure to innovate and develop quality products in a short period of time has significantly increased.

Specially after the pandemic, companies were forced to search for methods that would help the transition to remote work.

When we look at the IT field, use agile methodologies can be essential, as the projects are complex and demand planning, focus and agility in every stage of development.

Two agile methodologies used in many projects are Scrum and Kanban. Each one has very specific characteristics, although both guarantee agility and organization.

Are you curious about the differences between Scrum vs Kanban and which one might be the best for you and your project?

Enjoy the reading!

What is Kanban?

Kanban, in summary, is as a visual management methodology focused on the control of tasks and workflows.

In this method, the priority is to ensure productivity and organization, making the entire workflow as clean as possible.

The Structure:

The visual structure of this method is basically composed of 3 parts:

1. Cards

The cards correspond to the tasks or actions that will be done to achieve a result. There is usually a color division that can indicate those responsible for each activity. When the task is completed, the card will be moved to the next column.

2. Columns

The columns correspond to the status of each card. Generally, there are 3 columns divided into 3 steps, which are: “to do”, “doing” and “done”.

3. “Board”

Cards and columns are organized on a board where the team can have an overview of the tasks. Each board corresponds to a Kanban, and the team can be working on different Kanbans at the same time.

The Advantages of Kanban in IT

There are several advantages for using Kanban, some of them are:

1. More autonomy

Since this methodology is visual, it is easy for the professional to check the status of the task, in addition to what must be done. What gives more autonomy for the person responsible for the task.

2. Gain in productivity

As each professional knows exactly what must be done, increase in productivity is a natural consequence of this method.

3. More transparent tasks

When looking at a Kanban board, the manager can define which tasks have priority in addition to an overview of the progress for each step.

4. Team Integration

The board is displayed for the entire team, allowing better teamwork, and collaboration by everyone involved.

What is Scrum?

Scrum is a framework based on agile methodology, and the goal is to optimize the management and planning of software projects.

As with Kanban, for Scrum to be well implemented, it is essential that the process, delivery requirements and status are clear. In addition to it, the constant inspection of all stages and the flexibility of adaptation, for the processes as well as for the product itself.

How does Scrum work?

To better understand the process, there is some definitions about the functions for the professionals that are part of the team there are important to know.

1. Scrum Master

Is the professional responsible for helping the team understand the method and keep it going.

2. Product Owner

His objective is leading the product, deciding the features that should be built, and establishing the priority for the tasks.

3. Team

The Team are the ones that performs the tasks, responsible for the development of the project, deciding how the tasks will be done as well organizing the workflow to achieve the goals stipulated by the Product Owner.

Understanding the 4 steps of the process

Scrum is a fast dynamic methodology, defined by 4 steps:

1. Product Backlog

This first step, the Product Owner make a list of features, enhancements, bug fixes, and tasks that need to be done.

2. Sprints

Is where the Product Backlog will be developed and delivered.

The list from the product backlog is prioritized and planned through Sprints (intervals between 1 to 4 weeks) where each topic from the list will be developed.

3. Sprint Backlog

For each Sprint to be done correctly, the team will have a planning meeting (Sprint Planning) to consider the team’s ability to deliver.

4. Increment

At the end of a Sprint, a new product feature is delivered (part of a working software, for example). The product owner will evaluate the need of any changes in a Sprint review.

Advantages of Scrum in IT

When applied correctly, the advantages of Scrum are:

1. Clarity on doing tasks

The execution of Sprints with well-defined tasks allows the team to better manage time and deliver results.

2. Flexibility

the ability to adapt to changes in the product definition and deliver with few alterations (seria essa a palavra correta? No texto original estava com as letras trocadas), can be one of the best advantages of this methodology.

3. Stable and well-tested products

The team will test the product in each Sprint, ensuring a more stable product and aligned with the project, with the support of the Scrum Master and even the customer.

4. On-time deliveries

Communication and feedback within each Sprint allow the team to fulfil established deadlines and goals.

When to use Scrum and when to use Kanban?

At this point you must have noticed that the two methodologies have their own characteristics, which leads you to the question: which one would be the best tool for my company?

Let’s try to help you make that decision.

When to use Scrum

Scrum is used to launch products periodically and according to customer feedback. It is extremely predictable model, in terms of deadlines and launched features. Because team organization with define goals and tools to meet deadlines.

So, if your team needs a hi level of organization and have experienced professionals, Scrum will be your best choice — and it will make stakeholders happy.

When to use Kanban

Different from Scrum, Kanban is a better choice for teams that need more flexibility in their routine. Even though deliveries time is flexible, the teamwork can be more dynamic with deadlines. What makes it a better fit for less experienced team.

The main goal is completing the task, whether it happened in one day or two months. In Kanban, the team works to complete each mission and, consequently, launch as quickly as possible.

So, Kanban is intended for teams where the work complexity and volume varies and the organization, although important, is not the main goal.

In summary

Both tools are effective, as they are designed to fulfill work needs. However, you don’t need to choose one of them. It is possible to work in a hybrid system to enhance the efficiency and quality of the project.

So, consider the points that we brought up in the text, but also keep in mind that, if necessary, it is possible to mix those methodologies. Test, analyze and evaluate what is a better fit for your work routine and use the format that will work the best for your business.

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