Your New Project Management Ally is Here

Continuing our SDLC Spotlight Series, let us take a closer look at how GenAI can assist a project manager in handling complex software projects.??

If you missed the earlier editions of our series, we discussed how GenAI can help generate application knowledge from legacy codebases - here and how business analysts can get a lot more done in a lot less time - here

The GenAI role in project management?

Today, project managers orchestrate many moving parts in the SDLC lifecycle, from understanding user stories to assigning the right tasks to driving the team toward tight deadlines. Amidst this juggling act, essential tasks can slip through the cracks—a gap where GenAI copilots can step in. While greenfield projects benefit from abundant tools to streamline processes, the true challenge lies in brownfield projects, which involve navigating legacy systems, assessing risks, balancing resources, and accommodating unplanned changes that often leaving project managers overwhelmed.?

The Synapt.AI SDLC SQUAD is purpose-built to address these complexities, streamlining the management of brownfield projects by automating risk assessment, optimizing task assignments, and ensuring efficient planning with built-in buffers, making the process significantly more manageable.?

Let's dive into how GenAI could assist at each stage of the project manager's workflow.?

Collecting user stories and requirements?

The initial phase in project management often starts with gathering requirements and generating user stories. By integrating with platforms like Jira and Trello, GenAI tools in this stage can extract requirements from various teams, synthesize feedback, and even modify stories as specifications evolve. This approach reduces the dependency on manual updates and ensures that all story details are continuously refined and up to date, creating a well-organized starting point for project planning.?

As a project manager, imagine having an assistant that automatically updates you on any modifications in requirements or priorities. This setup creates a robust foundation, freeing PMs to focus on higher-level strategic decisions and eliminating time-intensive task monitoring.?

Assign the right task to the right people?

Every team consists of members with unique strengths—some may be proficient in front-end development with HTML/CSS, while others excel in backend services or JavaScript frameworks like React. GenAI copilots can analyze previous work patterns, identify each individual’s skill set, and assign tasks aligned with those strengths. For example, if a developer has consistently demonstrated expertise in front-end design, AI could assign them similar tasks to maximize productivity and quality.?

This targeted task allocation is a game-changer for resource management, ensuring that each team member is positioned to deliver their best work. By optimizing the alignment between tasks and skills, AI helps avoid bottlenecks that can arise from mismatched assignments and streamlines the development process.?

Calculate time and effort for the project?

Time and effort estimation is a critical responsibility for project managers, but complexities in legacy applications can often make this challenging. What seems like a straightforward project may hide complications arising from third-party integrations, legacy tech, or undocumented dependencies.?

GenAI-driven PjM agents, built on a context-rich understanding of the application landscape, can accurately identify and factor these dependencies into project timelines. Additionally, they excel at risk estimation, leveraging their in-depth analysis of application architecture to highlight potential pitfalls, ensuring more reliable project planning with realistic buffers and contingencies.?

This AI-assisted time estimation also allows project managers to receive early warnings on potential delays or hurdles. For example, if a developer is assigned a particularly complex task, AI can estimate an extended completion period and suggest adjustments to accommodate it. Through continuous learning, AI can adapt its estimations based on real-time data, improving accuracy over time.?

Monitoring the Project Plan ?

With detailed timelines, resources, and tasks outlined, the GenAI project assistant can generate a comprehensive project plan. This includes visual elements like Gantt charts, which display task dependencies, timelines, and milestones, enabling the PM to always have a clear view of project progress. AI algorithms can analyse how efficiently tasks are being completed, suggesting ways to minimize downtime and allocate resources more effectively.?

The AI-enabled project plan becomes a living document, evolving as new information or changes arise. ?

The Human Element?

While AI can handle many aspects of project management, it’s the human project manager who brings nuanced insights that can’t be automated. As team members work through assigned tasks, the PM can refine estimations, shift assignments based on team dynamics, and adjust deadlines as needed. AI provides a strong foundation, but the human element refines it with real-world understanding.?

A PM’s relationship with the team enables them to know who might need extra time, who’s best suited for urgent tasks, and when to push or ease up based on each member’s working style. This ability to “sense the room” remains essential, allowing project managers to bring out the best in their team.?

The Road Ahead?

Integrating AI into project management enables responding to unpredictable events. With direct links to HR and operations tools, AI could account for team shifts, sudden departures, or unplanned leaves, adjusting the project plan accordingly.??

This adaptability ensures that the project stays on track despite unforeseen disruptions. By actively managing unexpected circumstances, AI can make project plans more resilient, leading to smoother operations.?

We’re in the era of AI-powered SDLCs. GenAI’s role in project management will continue to grow, blending automated efficiency with human oversight. AI copilots can streamline day-to-day processes, making project managers’ roles more strategic and allowing teams to work more efficiently.??

Curious about how to simplify your brownfield projects? Let’s talk!??

Stay tuned for more insights in our next issue as we continue exploring GenAI’s impact across each stage of the SDLC.??

Ready to see GenAI transform your brownfield projects? Email us at [email protected] to see GenAI in action.

Authored By - Sruthi Ravishankar , AI Services Business team, Prodapt