What is AGILE?

Agile is considered the answer par excellence in the so-called VUCA world, in which the development of new products is constantly exposed to new and changing requirements. But what is "agile"? What methods and frameworks are there and how can companies make use of them? After all, agile is much more than just process optimization. That is why at the beginning of a possible agile transformation there is always the question:

Why agile working?

Agile working offers several unmistakable advantages: Product development takes place more flexibly, as it is incremental, iterative and in short time cycles, so-called sprints. The agile approach also offers a greater chance that the customer will be satisfied with the product in the end. This does not result in faster development. However, the overall product is developed much more efficiently in an agile manner and therefore with less impact on the budget - precisely because the customer is certainly satisfied at the end and no longer wants time-consuming and budget-intensive changes.

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Classic vs. agile project management

If we contrast agile working and the classic waterfall model, we immediately discover some fundamental differences. According to the traditional approach, we work in sequential, linear phases. This means that as soon as one phase is completed, development moves on to the next phase. Completed phases are not considered further. On the one hand, this means that it is already clear at the beginning of the project what is to be developed, by when and with what budget. This is intended to provide planning security.

On the other hand, this also means that changing wishes are not even provided for in the classic model: If decisions are already made in the first phase of development about what exactly should come out at the end of the last phase, there is no leeway. In addition, the entire development process often takes so long that the customer's wishes have changed unnoticed in the meantime. So if the customer doesn't see the finished product until the end, he is often not satisfied with it - even though it may be exactly what he originally ordered. How can agile working eliminate these problems?

4 fatal mistakes when choosing agile methods

What does agile working mean?

Agile working means, among other things, permanent customer contact, regular feedback and incremental development. This means that instead of a large, mammoth product, a small, functional partial product is initially created that grows over time. In agile working, a process similar to the phases of the waterfall model is run through again and again in short periods of time: From requirements gathering to design and planning to quality testing. And each time the agile process is run through, the customer gets to see the finished small product, can give feedback and express new wishes.

This means that with the agile approach, the customer does not only receive something months after the product has been commissioned. If the development is going in an undesirable direction, the customer can express controlling criticism and specify his wishes in good time. In addition, there is the advantage that at any point in time X, a finished, functional partial product already exists. If, for example, the customer puts development on hold, he still gets something for his money in the agile way. If development follows the classic waterfall model, he may only get Gantt charts and a rough design or a product that is not functional. This is another reason why agile working methods are becoming more and more attractive for companies.

5 tips for successful agile working in the enterprise

So is agility the answer to all problems?

Agile working offers numerous advantages. But the agile approach alone does not determine the success or failure of a project or product. Every company must ask itself the honest question of whether the agile approach is suitable at all. After all, agile working means more than more flexible, customer-oriented processes. There is an entire attitude behind it: the agile mindset. People-centered, error-friendly, welcoming change. Respect and courage are just as necessary for an agile approach as trust in oneself and the abilities of others. This is another reason why an organization does not become agile from one day to the next. In addition, there are products that can be implemented much more purposefully in the traditional way: The foundation of a house, for example, can be developed confidently in the classic model. When it comes to interior design, on the other hand, agile methods can have clear advantages.

Do you want to use these advantages for yourself? Then come to one of our agile training courses - on Scrum, for example. We look forward to seeing you!

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What is Agile?

Agile approach and its advantages explained in a nutshell: Here you get a quick overview of agile methods.

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