Agile Methodologies can be used to manage software development. They focus on breaking down the development process in smaller builds and using iterations/sprints which are shorter development cycles.
Let’s look at the advantages of Agile methods.
- Timely delivery
Scrum is used Agile software development company. Scheduled software development can be done in sprints, which are usually between 1-4 weeks. Agile iterative means that each team builds software incrementally over short periods. With the goal of reducing Time-To-Delivery, design and testing are both done simultaneously. Teams prioritize requirements and streamline delivery workflows to speed up product development. This method works better than traditional waterfall systems. This method relies solely on software and not lengthy documentation.
- Predictable costs
Agile methodologies are intended to reduce costs. Story points are used to estimate costs. This system allows developers to accurately predict budgets. Only what is needed is created, which includes sprints, MVPs and unit testing. This ensures that resources and time aren’t wasted. The team does not require project managers or middlemen to participate, which saves money. Future sprints will be based on past learnings. This allows for better planning and therefore more cost-savings.
- Transparency
All teams can easily align themselves when everything is clear from the beginning. Developers and project owners have the ability to monitor and provide feedback before and after every sprint, so that all objectives are met. Daily reports and tools keep all stakeholders informed. Transparent workflows enable a controlled, monitored and controlled product development cycle. To ensure smoother delivery, bottlenecks and project constraints are identified early to enable for more efficient solutions.
- Productivity
The performance of a team can be measured using various metrics such as Lead Time, Cycle Time and Actual vs. Committed Stories, Planned to-Do Ratios and Failed Deployment are some of the metrics that can be used to measure a team’s performance. Each team member is focused on a single task, which makes them extremely productive. Based on research done on 8000 projects, Agile team is 25% more productive than peers in their industry with 75% fewer defect (source: deltamatrix.com). Designers, developers, and coders have the freedom to choose what they do, rather than following orders or following hierarchical structures. Software house kraków can communicate information and goals in a more unified way. This allows them to be closer to the end goals and helps them keep track of their accountability. This helps them stay focused and driven.
- Higher quality
Agile methods ensure quality. Agile methodologies ensure that code is tested at every sprint. Errors are fixed and the code is debugged. The team is able to identify what works in each scenario because they have done multiple iterations. This allows them to refine the product before it is ready for launch. Scrum teams include QA. Each member of the Scrum team is responsible for producing quality code. To ensure the best quality, teams should be fully committed to Agile methods. Teams can be more responsive and productive if sprints are shorter. Rapid information flow and communication lead to high performance and quality.
- Customer satisfaction/engagement
Customer satisfaction is the first principle of Agile. Agile’s first principle is customer satisfaction. Its manifesto states that “Our highest priority” is to satisfy customers through timely and continuous delivery (of valuable software) of code. If the customer isn’t satisfied or features/functions aren’t serving their purpose, then the project will not be considered successful. Every sprint should provide value.
Agile values people more than processes. This includes internal stakeholders as well as customers and customers who will be using the final product/service. To improve quality, customer feedback is integrated into the process.
- Risk reduction
Risk management is practiced throughout product development. Once the Scrum team has identified the risks, action plans are made. The default mode of iterations, corrections and overall project level means that the action plans can be implemented and continuously monitored. At the beginning of a project, risks are identified at higher levels. Prioritized risks are identified using checklists. They are then mapped prior to execution.
- Team collaboration
Agile tools and practices allow silos to be unlocked, allowing teams to work together with minimal red tape and without unnecessary obstacles. Agile teams are known for their ability to solve daily communication problems and foster cross-functional skills. The Scrum Master and Product Owner lead Agile teams. Each individual’s objectives are clearly defined and collaboration efforts are strengthened by stand-ups, Product Owner Check ins, Visual Boards, and other real-time tools.
- Rapid adaptation to changes
Changes that are essential to business values can be incorporated quickly and together, even during later stages of development. It’s a fact that product requirements change throughout the product development cycle. Agile teams are aware of this. Agile methodologies are known for their flexibility, which is an integral part of every sprint. Once deviations are identified, an immediate response is given and adjustments are made.
- Business ROI
Prioritizing business value and customer satisfaction is always a priority. To deliver the best functional and intermediate product on time, development teams have a product backlog. Each iteration needs user feedback to ensure that the final product is valuable. The Product Owner is responsible to maximize the ROI by prioritizing and reprioritizing the Product Backlog. Agile methods deliver a faster ROI than traditional methods.
