Kanban system for Software Engineering – pure Agile

Recently, I was reading some bits about Kanban system for Software Engineering. I thought “oh no… another Agile fancy word, which introduces hardly any value”. Well, after a few minutes of reading and thinking I must say one thing. Kanban is an Agile manifesto grasp in a set of important principles. I must say, that it changed my way of thinking regarding Agile and how we have implemented it in our company.

There are two ways of implementing Agile – passive and active

Agile essence is defined in its manifesto. Based on it several tools that help to work according to Agile principles were invented. Scrum, iterations, burndown charts, storyboards, story points, user stories, scrum masters, project owners etc. There is much more than that.

Passive implementation of Agile – from tools to principles

Some companies are willing to implement an Agile approach through tools like scrums, sprints, story points etc. They believe that by using these tools they will become Agile. This is partly true. Unfortunately, without understanding WHY scrum was invented, why we should have a product owner etc. the Agile spirit is lost. That is why I call it passive. You don’t focus on Agile, you focus on tools and you believe that using them you have a correct approach.

scrum_burndowns_sprints

Active implementation of Agile – from principles to tools

Kanban system introduces a generic approach to Agile. There is no one way to become Agile. If you work using Kanban principles (which are derived from Agile) you are working in Agile way. If this means that you have Scrum meetings with your team – fine. If this means that instead of Scrum your meeting will focus on remaining work – also good. Tools are very important but only when they help you follow your principles within the company. Correct approach and tooling is a result of deep brainstorming and constant improvement process led by Kanban principles.

kanban_approach

Kanban approach demands higher maturity from all team members

Because the whole teamwork is based on these very high-level principles:

  • Limit Work in Process (WIP)
  • Pull value through (with WIP limit)
  • Make it visible (Visual Control)
  • Increase throughput
  • Fixed Kanban Backlog
  • Quality is embedded in (not inspected in)
Quality is embedded in (not inspected in)

Team members have to realize that they have bigger freedom but also – that they are responsible for keeping principles living in their teams. They have to understand them, and actively take part in the constant improvement process.

What is your opinion regarding Kanban for Software Engineering?

4 comments

  1. Here elaborates the matter not only extensively but also detailly .I support the
    write's unique point.It is useful and benefit to your daily nrtrsmitters.com life.You can go those
    sits to know more relate things.They are strongly recommended by friends.Personally

  2. Hhe article's content rich variety which make us move for our mood after reading this article. surprise, here you will find what you want! Recently, I found some wedsites which nrtrsmitters.com commodity is colorful of fashion. Such as xxxxxxxx that worth you to see. Believe me these websites won’t let you down.

  3. The aim of implementing Kanban system is to limit the team’s Work In Progress based on the agreed capacity and to increase overall throughput. Identifying issues that impair performance helps maintain a steady flow of work, thereby having an overall impact on quality. This shortens lead times, which, in turn, improves the system’s predictability.

Comments are closed.