Maximizing the Coexistence of Scrum and Kanban
It is difficult to exclusively use Scrum or kanban in product development, given the advantages they both provide. The prospect of using the two together can be just as difficult to fathom, yet it is possible for them to coexist —and with optimal results.
First, let’s compare and contrast the two terms. Scrum is an agile framework used to manage and complete projects, whereas kanban is a nonagile technique used to direct development processes. Scrum is used to organize the project as a whole, from team roles to what composes a product’s development. Those involved in product development include the product owner, ScrumMaster, and development team members who work to tackle and complete the necessary tasks in each sprint.
Where Scrum is effective at making use of feedback to maximize the final product, kanban is successful at identifying bottlenecks in the development process. This technique takes the form of a large board onto which sticky notes with tasks are posted into columns marked by numbers.
The columns represent various stages in the development process, while the numbers marking the columns signify the maximum number of tasks that can be worked on at any given time in that stage of development. Visually displaying the tasks, stages, and limits as works in progress for each stage assists in identifying the bottlenecks, and subsequent stages can be adjusted to account for those.
The reason for combining the two is to obtain the many enhancements afforded by Scrum, along with the quick insight into bottlenecks provided by kanban. Scrum provides the opportunity for developers to organize themselves, have control over how they manage the tasks in each sprint, and incorporate information into the development process. In doing so and in allowing multiple rounds of testing and building to occur, Scrum maximizes the product development process and its result.
The opportunity to identify and solve bottlenecks in the development process as provided by kanban is a major advantage. Without this benefit, many instances of trial and error would be required in order to overcome those issues.
Given the fact that Scrum and kanban do not overlap in terms of their structures, it is simple to combine the two. Teams working on product development using Scrum can integrate kanban into their sprints; a kanban board can be incorporated into the beginning of each sprint and adjusted throughout the course of the project. Scrum can remain the framework for the project, while kanban can be used as a technique or activity within the framework.
Kanban serves to enhance the benefits of Scrum by allowing teams to be more productive in their selection of tasks for each sprint. Combining Scrum with kanban enables teams to achieve an enhanced product that results from rounds of testing, feedback, and quick changes, yet in a smoother manner that requires fewer tasks per team.
