Project to Product: Lessons Learnt

Project to Product: Lessons Learnt

At Shift Left, we have successfully guided numerous clients on their journey from a project-based approach to embracing a product-focused mindset. This transformation entails transitioning from traditional Waterfall project methodologies to more Agile ways of working that focus on product-specific value streams.

Some of our clients adopted this shift due to the implementation of Software as a Service (SaaS) solutions with regular updates requiring rigorous testing to ensure compatibility with their data, business processes, and integrations. Others have willingly embraced Agile, SAFe, DevOps, or DevSecOps to foster business agility to maintain a competitive edge. Whatever the reason for making this transformation, it will require a significant shift in mindset, processes, and organisational culture. We fully endorse the move to product-focused value streams, and from our experiences, we have distilled seven essential lessons learnt:

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1. Success is an Evolutionary Process:

Transformation doesn't mean overhauling the entire business overnight. Success can be achieved incrementally, allowing for continuous improvement at a sustainable pace.

2. Leadership is Instrumental:

Meaningful change starts at the top. Leaders need to champion the shift to a product-oriented approach and actively support the initiatives.

3. Buy-in from All Teams, Especially Finance:

For the transformation to be effective, all teams, including finance, must be on board with the new way of working. Involving all stakeholders ensures alignment and collaboration.

4. Training and Coaching are Vital:

Embracing new methodologies often requires skill development. Providing comprehensive training and coaching to teams is essential for a smooth transition.

5. Resistance to Change is Natural:

People tend to revert to their comfort zones. Recognising and addressing this tendency early on helps teams adapt to the new practices more effectively.

6. Measuring Value through Portfolio Management:

To reap the real benefits of the transformation, managing the entire portfolio and measuring value are crucial aspects. This allows organisations to make data-driven decisions and optimise resource allocation.

7. Cultivating Radical Transparency:

Creating a culture of transparency has a significant impact on the success of the transformation. Encouraging open communication and sharing information leads to better collaboration and problem-solving.

Shift Left is committed to making business and technology better by moving quality engineering earlier and throughout the lifecycles of IT change.

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If you're interested in learning more about how we can help your organisation transition from a project-centric mindset to a product-focused approach, please contact us at [email protected]. We look forward to being part of your transformation journey.