Popular Agile Methodologies: Scrum, Kanban, and XP | PART 2
We know that we have multiple options to plan software projects. We can choose the approach we will apply in our projects by examining the advantages and disadvantages of the most commonly used approaches within Agile methodologies.
In the first article of the series, we discussed the fundamental principles of the Agile approach, the basic components of Scrum, and the advantages and disadvantages of Scrum.
In this article, we talk about the fundamental principles of Kanban and the advantages and disadvantages of Kanban.
Introduction
We will talk about the Kanban methodology which is known for lean product development from Agile methodologies.
KANBAN
Kanban is a visual management system and workflow method. It originally emerged as a method used in manufacturing processes by Toyota and later gained popularity in various fields such as software development and project management.
Kanban is a system where work is visually managed through boards or panels, columns, and cards. Each card represents a task, and the columns on the board represent the stages that the work needs to go through. For example, there can be columns like “To Do,” “Work in Progress,” and “Completed.”
The fundamental principles of Kanban:
1.Visual Workflow: Kanban is a system where work is visually tracked. Boards and cards clearly show the status of tasks, who is working on them, and when they are completed.
2.Limiting Work in Progress: Each column has a limit on the amount of work. This is important to prevent overload and ensure a balanced flow of work. When tasks in a column are completed, new tasks are added.
3.Sustained Improvement: Kanban is based on the principle of continuous improvement and optimizing flow. Performance analysis is conducted, obstacles are identified, and workflow processes are improved.
The primary goal of Kanban is to optimize processes by making work more visible, fluid, and effective. Team members constantly update the board, track tasks, and collaborate. This method provides teams with more flexibility and task focus while improving the flow of work and delivery times.
Kanban is particularly effective in managing variable and unpredictable work. It can be used in various areas such as project management, software development, and process improvement. Kanban increases transparency among teams by enabling visual tracking of tasks.
Advantages of Kanban
a) Visual Tracking and Communication: Kanban board allows for clear and visual tracking of work status. Team members can easily see where tasks are, who is working on them, and the flow of work. This promotes effective communication within the team.
b) Deadline Time: Kanban keeps work in a limited amount of processing, ensuring a continuous flow. This enables fast completion of tasks and regular deliveries to the customer. With continuous flow, delays and waiting times are reduced.
c) Flexibility: Kanban enables quick adaptation to changing requirements and priorities. The ability to easily add new tasks or reprioritize provides flexibility and allows for quick response to customer demands.
d) Sustained Improvement: Kanban focuses on continuously improving the workflow and increasing efficiency. Feedback loops are used to eliminate obstacles, take productivity-enhancing measures, and maintain a continuous flow.
Disadvantages of Kanban
a) Planning and Prioritization Challenges: Kanban may present some challenges in planning and prioritizing work. Accurate determination of priorities and maintaining a steady flow of work require careful attention and monitoring.
b) Workload Imbalances: In Kanban, it is important for any task to progress in limited amounts of processing. However, some tasks may be more complex or time-consuming compared to others. This can lead to workload imbalances and inequalities.
c) Sufficient Control and Coordination: Monitoring and controlling the flow of work in Kanban is essential. This requires good coordination within the team and ensuring the smooth management of work flow. Otherwise, there is a risk of losing control over the work.
d) Challenges in Complex Projects: Kanban may work better for small to medium-sized projects. In the complex projects, managing and coordinating the flow of work can be more challenging.
Conclusion
The advantages and disadvantages of Kanban may be change to depend on the project’s characteristics and the dynamics of the team. Determining the most suitable methodology for each project requires considering the project’s requirements and the team’s characteristics.
In the first article of the series, we talked about the basic principles of the Agile approach, the basic components of Scrum, the advantages and disadvantages of Scrum. In the second article of the series, we talked about Kanban, the basic principles of Kanban, the advantages and disadvantages of Kanban. In the last article of the series, we will talk about the basic principles of Extreme Programming, the advantages and disadvantages of XP and the benefits of Agile methodologies.
