Agile Methodology focuses on developing and delivering software in which software developers work collaboratively with ‘users / customers and project sponsors (users)’. The software is developed incrementally in small steps. The steps tackle one part of the requirements at a time. This provides the developers and users with a focus and enables them to understand and enunciate requirements better. This leads to the development of a well aligned product and fixing issues right in the beginning.
Please visit https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agile_software_development to learn more about the history, genesis, principles (or values) and technical description of agile methodology.
Envision IT started in 2002 with a project delivery practice that amongst others, included agile principles (values). Envision IT methodology involved delivering a project in stages with the ability of customers to view and test ‘work in progress (prototypes)’ and provide feedback. The project is developed incrementally, tested and improved (iteration) with customer feedback. In present day parlance, the Envision IT methodology is classified is defined as ‘iterative agile’.
Main advantage of Envision IT’s iterative agile methodology comes from delivering a well thought-out product. There are three main issues when developing software:
Working with small set of requirements enables customers to define, clarify and express the requirements better. At the same time, it allows developers to clarify the requirements and discuss the possible solutions with customers. This focused interaction takes less time while delivering specifications for a better product. This also means a lot less ‘rework’.
The solution is then tested in real environment. Based on the feedback, the solution is improved.
Envision IT has an enviable record of customer satisfaction due to its iterative agile process. The Envision IT customers benefit in three ways:
1. Certainty project delivery:Envision IT delivers projects in stipulated timeframes even though very tight because it works methodically in steps, fixing issues early in steps while managing change in project direction, as the project is developed. A big issue with other vendors is that while they are able to fix issues in steps, they do not fix what needs to be done for the project as whole.
2. Cost control and delivering in budget: Fixing of issues in smaller steps and managing project as a whole at the same time, provides a better cost control and enables delivery in budget. It is for this reason, all Envision IT projects are done on a ‘fixed cost’ and ‘fixed time’ basis.
3. Well thought-out product with low maintenance: Envision IT projects are known for ultra-low maintenance both for quality of software code and being ‘well thought-out’. This means low incidence of functionality enhancements or fixing and absence of bugs. This is a results of continuous testing and feedback cycles throughout the project.
As we work in smaller steps at a time and keep adjusting the broader project with current changes, we are in a very sound position to manage the project risks. We can advise likelihood of project issues much in advance. This provides sufficient time for the customer project team to assess and respond to the situation. The availability of time allows us to find solutions that keep the project on track.
Our working in agile method involved working with a broader scope of work. The minor details are worked upon in steps. This way of working enables us to adapt to new situations, challenges and requirements as they emerge. This is because we are fixing one issue at a time while keeping an eye on the broader requirements.
We work collaboratively and are in touch with the customer all the time. Most of our interaction is through emails. This provides flexibility and time to think to customers. It prevents erroneous responses that are done in jiffy and keeps a record of conversations. This record is very useful for the developers because it allows them to see how a requirement has evolved. It also allows them to see what could be expected.
Through regular touch by emails, weekly meetings and occasional phone calls / workshops, both customers and our project teams know what is happening. This knowledge sharing provides better control on the project as the issues can be fixed quicker. One of the main purposes of weekly meetings is to analyse project progress as a whole and devise ways so that the schedule is adhered to, even though there are variations.
With regular monitoring of the project, the customer and our project teams are in a very good position to predict project closure.
Iterative agile methodology provides for continuous improvement through the feedback and improvement cycle that goes on regularly, as the project is developed.
Working is smaller steps makes the development fast, better and accurate. It also provides flexibility because the requirements and implementations can be changed rather easily in smaller steps.
While Envision IT’s iterative methodology intends to deliver perfect project at the end through incremental and iterative process yet, it is possible to devise project plan for rapid deployment of a solution in stages
Envision IT practices iterative agile methodology that delivers well throughout products, quicker with certainty in fixed costs.
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