Agile is the way you approach project management and software development, with key focuses on flexibility, task planning and effective communication. Below are some of the positives to incorporating Agile Methodology in your workplace:
- Helps teams deliver value to customers faster and with less problems.
- Is an iterative approach that delivers smaller, more focused sections of work.
- Allows teams to adapt more quickly to changes.
- Overall continuous feedback at shorter intervals.
- Has ability to allow for ownership and continuous improvement.
The main reason as to why the Agile process would be adopted is to save on “cost”, that being:
- Time and money spent on previous development that gets changed after the fact due to changes of customer requirements.
- Changes in your marketplace that are out of your control which mitigate previous time and money spent.
- Environmental workplace changes, staff changes, business goals, etc…
- Creates a greater sense of ownership for the Agile teams, resulting in better and faster product delivery.
- An Agile team shares the same vision which unites them, which effectively allows them to achieve better results more efficiently.
- Greater customer collaboration which keeps the scope of work intact.
- Smaller, more focused and manageable sets of documents for meeting the customer’s requirements or needs.
Even though flexible, there are a few limiting factors that could derail the Agile process, thus resulting in the opposite of its intended purpose. Below are a few things to consider before adopting Agile Methodology:
- Most importantly, everyone from the most junior to senior person needs to be on board with the Agile process. Without this, the process could fall short and allow problems and misunderstandings to arise from within.
- Realistic timelines and goals need to be agreed upon before any work is started.
- Adherence to planned timelines and goals needs to be managed if changes are introduced into the current work cycle (also known as a ‘sprint’). So, if new work is added, other work needs to come out and get planned for the next or a following sprint.
- Key persons to the process need to have backup/replacements that can continue the process in their absence.
- Any software used in managing the process needs to be used correctly and in-line with operating frameworks within the Agile process.
- Communicate a clear understanding of the work to be completed in the work cycles as well as understanding of any documentation required.
- Focus not only on deliverables, but also all other aspects of the process. An example would be a review of previous work cycles; could anything have been done better?
At the end of the day, Agile Methodology not only offers a better option to managing work flow, but also effective ways to communicate with your clients and aides in developing stronger business relationships.
If you’re in need of IT consultancy, data warehousing, data management, mobile and traditional software development, or simply curious to see Agile in action, consider contacting Immersant Data Solutions today!
