If you work in IT or are thinking of changing your career path toward this field, it’s more than likely that you have heard of an agile development methodology. But what exactly are they, and what are the benefits of using that framework?
The use of an agile software development methodology is widespread among technology companies, and it’s a very popular approach to project management. The main reason is that it offers more flexibility than traditional methods such as Waterfall.
The idea of Agile is that during the development of a product, as many iterations as possible are made to find ways to improve the product.
While the Agile methodology is based on the idea that teams should be transparent and collaborative, this framework allows greater control over the project. This ensures a better result in less time, with less effort, and at a lower cost. The focus isn’t only on the final result but also on delivering value to the customer.
What are the Benefits of Agile Development for Businesses?
Promotes Flexibility
The use of Agile development methodologies allows a business to be more flexible. Imagine a scenario where a client requests a sudden change in a project’s direction.
Agile teams may adapt their scope successfully and efficiently under the direction of knowledgeable project managers. This adaptability prevents significant disruption, ensuring that the project remains on track and satisfies clients’ demands.
Cost-Effectiveness
Cost-effectiveness is a major win with Agile methods. Breaking down projects into manageable sprints ensures that Agile teams deliver high-quality work more quickly and with less wasted effort. This initiative focuses on what the end-user truly needs, and as a result, the final product is delivered faster while being aligned with customer expectations.
Encourages Constant Feedback
Agile methodologies aren’t just about doing things faster; it’s about doing things better. Constant feedback is crucial in this approach. By continuously engaging with users and stakeholders, Agile teams can gather insights and incorporate them into each iteration of the product.
Being able to make small changes as certain features are put into production allows for testing new functionalities with less risk. Rather than if the whole thing was assembled and put into production, and all the bugs had to be considered together.
The outcome? A final product that is not only functional but that also resonates with its users.
Fosters Team Collaboration and Ownership
An agile framework takes people into consideration. It creates an environment where every team member, from developer to project manager, has a voice and a sense of ownership over their work. This collaborative spirit not only boosts morale but also leads to more innovative and thoughtful solutions.
Improves Risk Management
Agile methods, like lean software development, enhance risk management. By breaking projects into smaller segments, potential issues can be identified and addressed early on, reducing the likelihood of project failure.
This proactive stance on risk management is particularly beneficial in complex projects where uncertainties are a given.
The 12 Agile Principles
In 2001, the Agile Manifesto was created. It was designed exclusively for software development projects, but over time, other industries adopted it.
The idea of this Manifesto was to change the way a product was developed. These principles show the core of an Agile team and demonstrate how they benefit a given project.
- “Our highest priority is customer satisfaction through early and continuous delivery of valuable software.”
Getting feedback as early as possible is valuable not only for customers but also for the company. This way, the product is iterated, and value is added.
- “Welcome changing requirements, even late in development. Agile processes harness change for the customer’s competitive advantage.”
The world of software and development is constantly changing. Users often ask for more from a product, and constant changes may need to be made.
- “Deliver working software frequently, from a couple of weeks to a couple of months, with a preference for the shorter timescale.”
This principle is about constant updates. More frequent, smaller releases, with the possibility of fixing bugs that may appear.
- “Business people and developers must work together daily throughout the project.”
As it’s well known, Agile promotes transparency and contact between team members. This case, specifically among developers and business-focused team members, results in a better understanding.
- “Build projects around motivated individuals. Give them the environment and support they need, and trust them to get the job done.”
Agile emphasizes that team members are independent and accountable enough to deliver high-quality results. It emphasizes giving them all the tools available to produce the best achievable performance.
- “The most efficient and effective method of information to and within a development is face-to-face conversation.”
Although, after the COVID-19 pandemic, the face-to-face is not so literal in many cases, the principle is still valid even in the virtual world. The idea is that there should never be a lack of communication between members of an agile team nor between them and other agile desks.
- “Working software is the primary measure of progress.”
The only way to evaluate the progress and success of a project is with working software. This is why it’s always recommended to put at least a small portion of the software in production to measure success.
- “Agile aims to promote a sustainable development process. The sponsors, developers, and users should be able to maintain a constant pace indefinitely.”
This means that everyone involved in the development of software must be able to keep up with the rhythm at which the software is being developed.
- “Continuous attention to technical excellence and good design enhances agility.”
The agile development team must be able to change the software as the market requires updates from it. It’s related to principle 3.
- “Simplicity—the art of maximizing the amount of work not done—is essential.”
If something isn’t relevant enough, discard it. If the code has been written before, reuse it. Reducing effort saves time and money.
- “The best architectures, requirements, and designs emerge from self-organizing teams.”
An Agile project team must be allowed to be self-organized and take responsibility for that.
- “At regular intervals, the team reflects on how to become more effective, then tunes and adjusts its behavior accordingly.”
Team members should review the work done to determine if there’s room for improvement. Iterating the product is essential and is part of the job of a mature, self-organized Agile team.
Willdom Can Help You Implement an Agile Methodology!
If you want to get this agile project management approach for your company, WillDom will help you implement a self-organizing scrum team of software developers and engineers; this will provide your organization with added flexibility and scalability when needed.
We have a proven track record of successful collaborations and a deep pool of specialized talent, entering the picture as an experienced and reliable outsourcing services company. Our commitment to understanding your unique needs, combined with our agile approach and cutting-edge technology solutions, ensures that we exceed your expectations.
Contact WillDom today and take the first step toward transforming your IT challenges into opportunities for success!