Agile vs Lean.

Which is better?

In project management, two huge value-driven methodologies have been imposed: Lean and Agile. Although incomparable, both often find their names in the debate of project management professionals trying to optimize their process efficiency, improve its outcomes, and adapt to changing demands. Below is a comparison of these two well-used frameworks.

Agile

History

Agile methodology emerged in the early 2000s from the Agile Manifesto, created by a group of software developers seeking a more flexible and efficient way to manage projects. Agile has since become well-known in software development, emphasizing adaptability and customer collaboration.

Overview

Agile focuses on flexibility, transparency, and adaptability, using iterative development cycles known as sprints. It aims for continuous improvement through regular customer feedback and collaborative team efforts. In contrast, Lean emphasizes process optimization and waste elimination to deliver customer value efficiently.

Lean

History

Lean methodology originated post-World War II with Toyota Founder Kiichiro Toyoda, who introduced the just-in-time concept to eliminate waste and conserve resources. This evolved into the Toyota Production System and, eventually, Lean methodology. Initially for manufacturing, Lean is now used in various industries, including software development.

Overview

Lean methodology aims to fully optimise team processes and output through continuous improvements and respect for people. It facilitates an ongoing process of incremental adjustments, significantly accelerating product delivery by optimizing resources and effort. Lean focuses on creating value for the customer by eliminating waste and improving efficiency.

What are the differences?

1. Methodology

Agile

Focuses on optimising the development process. It’s all about flexibility, transparency, and adaptability. Projects are developed in iterative cycles (sprints), with continuous improvement and customer involvement.

Lean

Concentrates on optimising the production process by eliminating waste and minimising risk. It’s about efficiency and reducing non-value-adding activities to save time and money.

2. Approach

Agile

Uses short, incremental cycles or sprints for project development. Each phase involves planning, implementation, testing, and evaluation, repeating until the desired outcome is achieved.

Lean

Introduces small incremental changes in the software development process to boost efficiency. Shorter development cycles can be a result, but the primary focus remains on process optimisation.

3. Team Structure

Agile

Involves small, self-organised, cross-functional teams. Members include product managers, scrum masters, developers, quality assurance engineers, designers and business analysts.

Lean

Contains multiple teams from relevant departments, each led by a team leader. Teams are capable but not necessarily self-organised or cross-functional.

4. Overall Goal

Agile

Aims to meet end-user or stakeholder requirements by delivering a valuable product.

Lean

Strives to eliminate any process that does not add value to product development.

5. Focus Area

Agile

Prioritises project scope and customer value. Feedback is crucial and implemented in subsequent cycles.

Lean

Focuses on process flow and quality improvement, often using value stream mapping to visualise and enhance the series of events from creation to delivery.

Which One should Choose?

Agile is ideal for projects that involve:

• Unclear or evolving requirements
  If the project's exact needs are still being determined, Agile's iterative approach allows for adaptation and course correction as new information becomes available
• High level of uncertainty
  When there are many unknowns, Agile's flexibility helps the project navigate unexpected challenges.
• Short development cycle
  Agile thrives in fast-paced environments where quick wins and consistent delivery are critical
• Focus on innovation and creativity
  Agile encourages collaboration and experimentation, which is useful in developing new ideas.
  
   

Lean is a good choice for projects with:

• Well-defined requirements
  When the project goals and deliverables are clear from the outset, Lean's focus on efficiency and waste reduction streamlines the development process.
   
• Repetitive tasks
  Lean excels at optimising existing workflows and eliminating bottlenecks in the development cycle.
   
• Emphasis on continuous improvement
  Lean's core principle of constantly identifying and eliminating waste aligns well with projects seeking long-term optimisation.
   
• Cost and resource constraints
  Lean helps minimise waste and maximise value delivered with limited resources