We know that, for a company to obtain the best results and conquer a prominent position in the market, it is essential to align itself with the sharpest techniques and tools of processes management, such as the agile methodology.
Over the past few years, the use of so-called agile methodologies as a model has grown – this is because there has been constant exponential growth on the part of companies that have embraced this tactic.
Therefore, we prepared this article on the subject, revealing everything you need to know. Shall we go ahead?
What, after all, is agile methodology?
Agile methodologies are management and development strategies for projects who brought an innovative logic to production techniques. Although these practices began in the software area, today they are used by all types of companies, due to their recognized efficiency.
This model transforms the internal culture and mentality, reducing bureaucracy in processes through a more dynamic conduction of activities.
The agile methodology was presented by the so-called Agile Manifesto, which defined that the individuals acting in the processes are more important than the processes themselves and their resources, as well as the full functioning of the system is above bureaucratic activities.
Another important feature that defines agile methodologies is the prioritization of the professional's cooperation with the client over contracts, and quick response to changing dynamics over fixed planning.
It would be correct, therefore, to define agile methodologies as a process management model flexible and dynamic, in which interaction, creativity and communication are the key elements for an efficient, objective and innovative performance.
It is for this reason that agile methodologies work based on fast cycles, of weeks or months. At the end of each of these cycles, results are already delivered, unlike what happens in traditional projects.
What are the goals of agile methodologies?
Explaining in a few words, the main objective of agile methodologies is to deliver results in an agile, frequent and efficient way, simplifying and adapting processes in a dynamic flexible way, and considering the needs that are presented by the client.
It is a way of working in which self-organization, motivation, direct communication, functionality and valuing knowledge and innovation are the guiding principles of actions.
To this end, actions need to be conducted in a malleable and versatile way, reducing bureaucracy and accepting that changes occur along the way.
The importance of agile methodologies in companies
The greatest importance of implementing agile methodologies in companies is the possibility of obtaining a resource management model that allows processes to be conducted efficiently.
Thus, it is possible to boost business results and position it ahead of the market. This strategy represents a significant value for obtaining benefits in several aspects, such as:
- agility;
- feedback collection;
- identification of opportunities;
- Problem solving;
- Deadline accomplishments;
- team work;
- people management;
- cost reduction.
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What are the types of agile methodology?
Agile methodologies are divided into several models. Below, we list the main ones.
Kanban
Also known as the visual management method, Kanban is a simple and powerful methodology on which numerous management tools. With a focus on organization, updating, efficiency and assertiveness, this model makes it possible to increase the predictability and quality of the delivery of services and products offered.
The methodology was developed in the 50s for Toyota. Since then, the company has had a flexible and effective “just in time” production control system that has increased productivity while reducing the intensive cost of inventory. Since then, this solution has been applied to a range of niches and company sizes.
As the name suggests, the system is based on visual references: colored cards (like sticky notes) are inserted into bulletin boards or task boards, describing the activities that need to be done, those that are being done and those that are completed.
When a card is moved to the to-do column, it is ready for the team to work on. It is also worth noting that, in a Kanban system, priority is defined by the order of the cards, with the first being the most important.
scrum
The Scrum methodology is a management framework with a light and simple application, with the proposal to develop flexible and efficient solutions for complex processes, from the initial stages of project organization to its agile development.
It is a non-linear methodology capable of encompassing numerous processes and techniques of different natures, which can be continuously improved, according to the specificities that are presented in each situation.
The name Scrum came from a term used in rugby games, when teams get into strategic formation to fight for possession of the ball.
As in sport, this management model values a united and cohesive team, autonomous and self-organized, in the same way that it established clear responsibilities among the people involved to achieve a common good.
Especially focused on the use of feedback loops as empirical control mechanisms, this strategy allows project planning and management to favor decision-making with ownership and certainty, and, in the same proportion, with flexibility and versatility – even when planning in the medium and long term it proves to be more difficult.
Lean Manufacturing
Also called Lean Manufacturing and Slender Manufacturing, this methodology was developed in post-World War II Japan and aims to reduce costs even in the initial phase of the project, without compromising the safety and efficiency of the project.
In order to minimize waste, Lean Manufacturing has the following principles:
- detect and solve problems from the source;
- eliminate unnecessary activities and optimize financial, human and space resources;
- promote continuous improvement in performance;
- enable the withdrawal of products by the end customer, so that they are not displaced to the end of the production chain;
- make production more flexible;
- cultivate a solid and lasting relationship with suppliers.
FDD
FDD stands for Feature Driven Development, or “Functionality Guided Development”. It is a concept developed in Singapore, at the end of the 90s, and which proposes to break down tasks into small functionalities, restructuring the work. It works under 5 basic principles:
- develop a comprehensive model;
- create a feature list;
- plan by functionality;
- drill down by functionality;
- build by functionality.
As each functionality represents a minimum unit of the total project, this model guarantees great agility and precision in the processes.
DSDM
DSDM (Dynamic System Development Method) is a methodology focused on the development of high quality projects in the face of tight deadlines and budgets, by bringing the development team and end users closer together.
It is based on the idea that time and resources are fixed, while functionality is variable. Thus, it is assumed that the scope of the project may change over the course of the project.
Therefore, the steps are filled with just enough work, with each new step improving on previous iterations.
the ASD
ASD is the acronym for Adaptive Software Development, or Adaptive Software Development. Created to improve the processes of building software and complex systems, it is a model focused on collaboration and self-organization of teams.
The model's life cycle has three phases: speculation (planning adaptive cycles), collaboration (conducting activities as a team) and learning (analysis of results and learning through focus groups, technical reviews and project autopsies).
Safe
It stands for Scaled Agile Framework, and proposes a simplified and efficient conduction of processes.
Based on close and agile collaboration between teams, the SAFe methodology centralizes decision-making, enabling a participatory mapping of activities and meeting the needs of all the company's active members.
Divided into three segments (team, program and portfolio), this agile methodology enables an objective assessment of results and opportunities in favor of improvements in the workflow and the escalation of agile principles.
Tips on how to put agile methodology into practice.
Although agile methodologies allow for more speed and simplicity in their processes, the implementation of a totally different way of acting from the conventional one, based on the innovation, in multifunctionality and versatility, calls for a gradual transformation in the company's internal culture.
The golden tip is to start implementing the methodology in a specific area of the company. As the results are showing and your security in the model is increasing, move on to the other sectors. For testing purposes, you can also use agile methodologies to add or modify a given traditional project.
It is also worth mentioning that, in recent times, communication technologies have been strongly affected by agile methodologies, and this deserves a lot of attention. Employing these strategies in your marketing plan, through update cycles, and experimenting in the applications area are practical and gradual ways to introduce the methodology in your business.
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