Scrum + Kanban = Scrumban

Why scrum is so popular because it is a framework. A framework in turn is an abstraction or structure which helps in building something more meaningful and that can expand.

While much is written about advantages of scrum over traditional approaches like waterfall, in a single line it makes things easier for all the stake holders of project.

Kanban on the other hand is a lean manufacturing process. It is used for logistic control system.

Kanban is a Japanese term which means “Visual board” or “Card you can see”.

Scrumban is a hybrid of scrum and kanban process.

Scrumban = Srucm + Kanban

Let’s see main characteristics of both methodologies

Scrum:

1. Cross-functional, self organized teams.
2. Time boxed approach where iterative development leads to potentially shippable code.
3. Inspect and adapt approach
4. A prioritized list of features to be worked upon in a given sprint

Kanban:

1. Visualize workflow
2. Use named column to indicate current state of item in workflow
3. Limit work in process: By assigning explicit limit on items in work it helps a lot for situations where there is a constant need for re- reprioritization of items and task switching.

Scrumban can be used :

• For maintenance of different applications
• For event-driven work like IT support – help-desk
• Projects with frequent and unexpected user stories.

Here is a typical workflow or Kanban board for maintenance project

Why scrumban suits for maintenance project:

• High priority / show stopper items can popup any time
• Need to work on items as and when they appear. No prioritized and committed PBIs
• Still go in a time boxed approach using scrum with having limit on WIP
• Can easily visualize work items
• Instead of velocity, a kanban metric cycle time is used which gives is more realistic information i.e. a time a ticket takes to complete; measured from when it is first began.
• You can still use sprint retrospective , to identify what was done right and what can be improved

Life is all about experiences…

Today had an opportunity to be volunteer for a social cause. A group of people from IT industry along with NGO did a tree plantation near Pune city at katkari wasti. We also distributed school stationary to under privileged children. It was nice to see their faces smiling and glittering.

Looking at these people I felt we are so blessed. We have so many comfort and luxury which these people may not have for generations. We should thank God for giving us wonderful life and contribute as much as we can to these people from our society.

Lean and Kanban in personal life

For decades water-fall was the traditional method of project management and developing software. But now a day’s many project management methodologies are used like Agile,RAD,FDD, XP , Lean development and many more. Out of this Agile is becoming more popular because of constant changing needs of customer and dynamic team structure.

I know about lean concepts but never got a opportunity to use it practically. Recently I got a chance to work on a project which was using both scrum and Kanban. And I realized that Kanban can be easily integrated with scrum to produce better result.

I was just thinking if Kanban can be used in personal life as well?

Here is my thought on the same.

Workflow:

1. Backlog -At the end of the month prepare a list of to-dos which you want to do in next month. We will call this as BACKLOG.
2. Prioritize – Pick the most important items which you want to do in next week .Assign priority to each item picked from backlog and put it in this column. You can add items from backlog as and when you have space in this column.
3. Doing – Pick items from Prioritize column on which you want to work starting from high priority. You can distribute those among your family members.
4. Done- Once done you move items from Doing columns to this. Give pat on the back 🙂 to family member to whom the task was assigned to make it Done.

Well as an added flavor 🙂 you can apply Lean concepts as well :

1. Eliminate MUDA(waste): Eliminate delays in above workflow. Work on most important tasks
2. Outsourcing: When you are working on a task think if it is adding value. For e.g. Family pick nick. You cannot outsource this task to your neighbor or relatives J . of course they can accompany you, but your presence is must. However tasks like car servicing can be outsourced.
3. Kaisan :This is Japanese term which means “continuous improvement.” Always think what will make your process improve so that you can have more items done at the end of the month with grater satisfaction
4. Respect yourselves and your family members: This will help in having good family environment, greater satisfaction, well prioritized to-do list.

Wouldn’t it help you make your life more organized?

 Well I forgot to mention what is meaning of term Kanban. Kanban is again a Japanese term which means “Visual board” or “Card you can see”.