Software projects often take too long, teams get confused without a popper workflow and tasks pile up. Missed deadlines, poor communication and messy workflows make it hard to stay on track.

That’s where Agile methodologies come in. Agile along with frameworks like Scrum and Kanban helps teams stay organized, improve collaboration and deliver results efficiently. But how do these methods differ and which one is best for your team? Let’s break it down.

Understanding Agile: An Approach, Not a Method

Agile is more than a project management methodology. It’s also a mindset because it emphasizes flexibility, team collaboration and ongoing improvement. In contrast to conventional project management where everything is planned ahead of time, Agile enables teams to be flexible and adjust as they move forward. This is why it’s an ideal solution for projects that change over time.

 

The Agile method gained popularity after the Agile Manifesto was released in 2001. It was designed to enhance software development, but nowadays, companies in marketing, HR and even construction utilize Agile to work effectively.

Let’s go through some of the major principles of Agile:

• Iterative progress: The work is divided into smaller tasks and done in small cycles.
• Customer involvement: Teams collect feedback from customers and stakeholders on a regular basis to enhance the product or service.
• Flexibility: Rather than strictly adhering to a plan, Agile teams act on changing conditions in real-time based on best practices.

For example, a marketing team is working on a new campaign. Rather than planning out everything for months, they test small ideas and try to see what works and adjust along the way. That way, they can get better step by step.

 

Agile works best on projects that change constantly and require teamwork. Both Scrum and Kanban follow Agile principles but implement them differently. Let’s explore each framework in detail.

Scrum: An Official Approach to Agile

Scrum is one of the most used frameworks in Agile. It gives teams a defined structure to follow while remaining flexible. Instead of working on a project forever, Scrum teams break down their work into Sprints; short, time-boxed iterations usually lasting two to four weeks.

Each Sprint starts with a Sprint Planning Meeting where the team decides what they will do. Every day there is a short Daily Standup where they discuss how they are progressing and any issues. At the end of the Sprint, they look at what they have accomplished in a Sprint Review and how they can improve in a Sprint Retrospective. 

And then the next Sprint begins.

Let’s examine the major principles of Scrum:

• Time-boxed work: Work is done within Sprints, typically 2-4 weeks long.
• Defined roles: The Product Owner sets priorities, the Scrum Master facilitates smooth execution, and the Development Team performs the work.
• Continuous feedback: Regular meetings enable teams to become more efficient and resolve issues early.

Consider a team that is developing a mobile application. Rather than waiting for months for a complete launch, they publish updates in small doses every few weeks, fixing bugs and including new features as per feedback from users. In this manner, they continue to improve without long pauses.

Scrum works best if your team requires a structure, defined roles, and a process of ongoing improvement.

Kanban: A Visual Way to Manage Work

Kanban takes a different approach. Instead of working in fixed time cycles like Scrum, Kanban focuses on visualizing work and improving workflow efficiency. It causes the groups to envision what needs to be done and ensures that work gets done seamlessly from start to completion.

A typical Kanban Board has columns like To Do, In Progress, and Done. Each task is put on a Kanban Card and moves through the board as work is being executed. There are no strict deadlines as in Scrum. Work moves smoothly, and teams can finish tasks at their own pace without feeling overwhelmed.

 

The fundamental principles of Kanban are:

• Seeing work: Everyone can see the status of tasks at a glance.
• Limiting work in progress: Teams concentrate on finishing tasks before beginning new tasks, no multitasking.
• Continuous improvement: Performance is constantly examined to streamline workflows.

For example, customer support staff servicing tickets can work with Kanban. New tickets are in the To Do category. As individuals begin to service them, they are moved into In Progress. When resolved, they are transferred to Done. This is easy yet efficient as it allows the team to complete tasks more quickly and stay organized.

Kanban suits teams who prefer flexibility, would like to concentrate on completion of tasks in a quick manner, and do not require fixed deadlines.

Agile vs. Scrum vs. Kanban: Which One to Use for Your Project?

Agile is a general mindset, whereas Scrum and Kanban are definite frameworks that enable teams to work effectively.

→ If you require a flexible method where changes occur regularly, Agile is the best. 

→ If your team loves deadlines, organization, and frequent monitoring, Scrum is the best. 

→ And if you prefer a steady stream of work without time limits, Kanban is the solution.

Some teams even combine Scrum and Kanban into a hybrid method known as Scrumban which retains Scrum’s organization but uses Kanban’s flexibility.

Why Choosing the Right Method Matters?

Choosing the right method can make your team work smarter, decrease stress and deliver improved results. Whether you use Agile, Scrum, or Kanban, the principle is to remain adaptable and continually improve.

At DoerzTech, we specialize in guiding businesses toward the best project management approach with adaptability in their workflows. Not sure which method is best for your team? Let’s chat!

Schedule a FREE 30-minute consultation today.

People Also Asked

1. Can Agile, Scrum, and Kanban be used outside software development?

Absolutely! While these methods started in software development, they have proven to be highly effective in industries like marketing, HR, design, and even healthcare. Many organizations use them to improve efficiency, collaboration, and adaptability in various projects.

2. Is Scrum better than Kanban?

Not necessarily. Scrum provides a structured approach with set roles and deadlines, making it ideal for teams that thrive on organization and clear planning. On the other hand, Kanban offers continuous workflow management, which works well for teams that value flexibility and quick task completion.

3. How long does it take to switch to Agile?

It depends on the team and the complexity of the transition. Some teams adapt to Agile methodologies within a few weeks, while others may take months to fully integrate the mindset and processes into their workflow.

4. Do I need special software for Agile, Scrum, or Kanban?

No, but using tools can significantly improve task management and collaboration. Platforms like Jira, Trello, and Asana help teams visualize work, track progress, and maintain better organization throughout the project lifecycle.