You’ve probably noticed that the term “Agile” is used quite a bit in the corporate world. But what does Agile actually mean? Typically, the term is used by companies to describe their approach to project management and development, some companies even holding certification in the agile process. However, the term’s use can vary greatly, depending on the company and the specific context. In some cases, Agile is simply used as a buzzword or catchy marketing term to imply that the company is innovative and responsive to its client’s needs. In other cases, it refers to a specific methodology such as Kanban or Scrum that a company has adopted for its development process.
Other companies (Oak City Labs included) use the term “Agile” to describe a set of values and principles guiding their work approach. This includes the prioritization of team collaboration, flexibility in workflow, emphasizing the importance of continuous improvement, and valuing individual interactions and needs over processes and tools.
When teams implement the Agile methodology into their work, they are making the end-user or client their top priority, with the goal of delivering a product that both meets their needs and exceeds their expectations. As mentioned earlier, collaboration is key for successfully following the Agile methodology. Maintaining frequent communication between the development team and the customer is essential for obtaining feedback and guidance throughout the development process. Our team believes that the more often we see our clients, the better. When we kick off a new project, we establish the expectation that we will conduct weekly check-ins to discuss where our team is at in the project, demo any new features that have been added, answer any questions, and overall, ensure that we are meeting the client’s expectations. This process has made our relationships solid and has built trust in our client-team relationship.
Another critical aspect of the Agile methodology is flexibility, valuing individuals over processes. This means that we do not say “no” to change. Adaptation is in the very nature of the rapidly changing tech industry. When developing software for our clients, it almost never fails that a new feature will come up or an existing feature’s functionality will need to be changed. A team that holds to the Agile approach is used to shifting focus, even if it’s last minute. A traditional workflow process might say that any changes must be submitted no later than 30 days before project completion. But an Agile team realizes that sometimes, changes are inevitable, and what might have been a necessary feature last week is no longer a concern. Agile teams welcome change and take each challenge head-on knowing that flexibility produces improvements.
Agile teams don’t need to stick to a strict regimen. Any organization can implement aspects of the Agile methodology into its workflow process. If you’re a team who seeks challenge and thrives in a rapidly changing environment, then you should consider adopting the Agile method.
Are you ready to drive change through technology? Contact us and schedule a consultation today.
