Agile is a management methodology proven to speed-up business growth.
Agile involves extensive collaborative working between different functions and stakeholders associated with the project, continuous improvement, and iterations at each stage of Agile implementation based on in-flow of customer feedback.
Agile was first used in the software development business. But because of the high rate of returns Agile offers, it is gaining popularity in other industry sectors as well.
Agile was first used in the software development business. But because of the high rate of returns Agile offers, it is gaining popularity in other industry sectors as well.
Which organizations use Agile?
Agile can be used by all types of organizations be it for-profit or non-profit, large companies or startups, those involved with manufacturing, service, education, or government offices.
However, Agile implementation is the backbone for organizations intending to go for digital transformation.
Further, Agile is a necessity and not an option for companies working on product/ process innovations.
Also, companies aiming to become Smart Factory or Industry 4.0 must include Agile as an inseparable part of their business architecture.
However, Agile implementation is the backbone for organizations intending to go for digital transformation.
Further, Agile is a necessity and not an option for companies working on product/ process innovations.
Also, companies aiming to become Smart Factory or Industry 4.0 must include Agile as an inseparable part of their business architecture.
Where can Agile be applied?
Agile can be applied to all areas of an organization- be it Sales, Marketing, R&D, Supply Chain, Advertising, Finance, HR, IT etc.
Agile is versatile. It can be successfully used for product development, business process improvement as well as process design. But it has been found to be especially resourceful in product development as compared to process improvement.
Agile as per its name increases speed, that is, it brings-on rapid product development, fast change implementation, fast market launch of a new product, rapid inventory turns at a production site etc.
Agile for project management has been found to assure on-time project deliverables. Implementing Agile for project management is extensively beneficial for handling complex projects such as- Building a new facility, new business development, new product launches, manufacturing site changes etc.
An interesting feature of Agile is that it is not just one methodology. Rather it has multiple method components to it such as- methods that focus on practices, those which manage workflows or those which focus on full development cycle etc. There are several effective Agile methods; Scrum and Kanban being the most popular ones.
Agile is versatile. It can be successfully used for product development, business process improvement as well as process design. But it has been found to be especially resourceful in product development as compared to process improvement.
Agile as per its name increases speed, that is, it brings-on rapid product development, fast change implementation, fast market launch of a new product, rapid inventory turns at a production site etc.
Agile for project management has been found to assure on-time project deliverables. Implementing Agile for project management is extensively beneficial for handling complex projects such as- Building a new facility, new business development, new product launches, manufacturing site changes etc.
An interesting feature of Agile is that it is not just one methodology. Rather it has multiple method components to it such as- methods that focus on practices, those which manage workflows or those which focus on full development cycle etc. There are several effective Agile methods; Scrum and Kanban being the most popular ones.
Dos and Don’ts of Agile:
Unlike other business process improvement methodologies and product development techniques, working with Agile in the beginning is tough. But once you gain expertise with it, Agile is easy and fun.
An important point to note is that the modus of Agile implementation to work conducted by big teams is vastly different from the way it is applied to work happening in small teams.
Also, modus of Agile applied to bigger projects is different from the ones applied to small or greenfield projects.
Note that there are clearly defined guidelines as to when to use and when not to use Agile. I shall cover this point in detail in subsequent parts of this article.
Hence, Agile method must be selected based on the need and type of the project. Agile must not be applied blindly to whole of a product development or process design campaign. Selecting right type of Agile method is critical for its success; one-size-fits-all approach can cause a disaster.
In today’s business environment where rate of change is fast as compared to the ones faced in the previous century, Agile supports businesses to improve its agility and meet rapidly changing customer expectations.
Agile facilitates businesses to stay relevant.
In the next part of this article, I shall touch upon top ten frequently asked questions about Agile methodology and how it can be used to increase business agility.
An important point to note is that the modus of Agile implementation to work conducted by big teams is vastly different from the way it is applied to work happening in small teams.
Also, modus of Agile applied to bigger projects is different from the ones applied to small or greenfield projects.
Note that there are clearly defined guidelines as to when to use and when not to use Agile. I shall cover this point in detail in subsequent parts of this article.
Hence, Agile method must be selected based on the need and type of the project. Agile must not be applied blindly to whole of a product development or process design campaign. Selecting right type of Agile method is critical for its success; one-size-fits-all approach can cause a disaster.
In today’s business environment where rate of change is fast as compared to the ones faced in the previous century, Agile supports businesses to improve its agility and meet rapidly changing customer expectations.
Agile facilitates businesses to stay relevant.
In the next part of this article, I shall touch upon top ten frequently asked questions about Agile methodology and how it can be used to increase business agility.
Related reading-
- Business Turnaround and Continuous Improvement Tips & Tricks Part 3 of 6- Agile in Nutshell for Improving Sales & Marketing of Products and Services
- Improving business process effectiveness and efficiency for the new normal.
- What is the difference between business process improvement and business process redesign?
Keywords and Tags-
#Agile #BusinessAgility #AgileProjectManagement #AgileFAQ #BusinessProcessImprovement #ProcessDesign #ProductDevelopment #DigitalTransformation #BusinessTransformation #Scrum #Kanban #SmartFactory
#Agile #BusinessAgility #AgileProjectManagement #AgileFAQ #BusinessProcessImprovement #ProcessDesign #ProductDevelopment #DigitalTransformation #BusinessTransformation #Scrum #Kanban #SmartFactory
