Discover the 3 best agile methodologies for companies
It all started in the 90s, when a certain dissatisfaction was noticed from software industry with the results obtained in relation to product development processes — projects that are too expensive, products that are not functional and automations fortuitous. That's when a group of developers decided that a change was needed.
Considering the need for a more stable and faster production cycle and greater access to customer validations about services and products, fertile soil was found for the genesis of more functional and agile methodologies, which were condensed in the Agile Manifesto of 2000 at a meeting of the XP community.
In the search for more efficient and adequate processes, companies found agile methodologies as a way to solve operational problems, be they lengthy production processes, misalignment of customer wishes with the final result, lack of communication between the internal team and the difficulty of establishing delivery times.
Are you curious to better understand what agile methodologies consist of? Don't worry, follow the reading below and we will exemplify these methods and their functionalities.
The 4 essential pillars of the Agile Manifesto
As we have seen, agile methodologies were a response to the organizational gaps found in conventional software creation processes, processes inherited from the planning culture of the civil engineering area and are not very functional for the technological area.
Thus, the search for the implementation of more consistent and intelligent solutions that could visibly and positively impact the final product was a response consistent with 4th Industrial Revolution, in which agility and the reduction of the margin of errors are essential values in the field of technology and innovation.
But then, what would characterize an agile methodology? In simple terms, while conventional models consist of more extensive and lengthy processes, agile methodologies are characterized by short procedural formulas, with quick deliveries and better communication between teams.
This allows flaws to be promptly identified and corrected and for the final result to be more aligned with the expectations created by the customer.
Short processes, time optimization and better communication alignment, we can already see that these methodologies were based on a new way of seeing and constructing technological reality. This new perception is based on 4 major pillars of the agile manifesto, namely:
1. Individuals and interactions: two essential bases that must be above the processes and tools;
2. Working software: here the practical execution is above the piles and piles of documentation;
3. Collaboration with the customer: regardless of the stipulated contract, be transparent about the processes and know how to listen to customer feedback.
4. Respond to changes: although the processes have a sequence, it is important to understand that the reception of changes is essential when it comes to project management. In truth, planning is more important than having a plan.
3 Agile Methods That Can Change Your Project Management
Now that you're familiar with what agile methods are, there's nothing better than getting to know a little more closely which are the main ones, so it's easy to decide which one is the most efficient for your company, don't you think? Check it out!
1. scrum
Scrum is one of programmers' favorite agile methods - and it's no wonder. The method is able to support the management of projects that have a short delivery time.
For the functional use of the methodology, you need to know the positive aspects of your team, but also your Achilles heel and, of course, all members need their pre-established functions. Another important factor for using Scrum is the need for consistency between what is being executed and customer priorities.
In short, the practice of Scrum requires the creation of Sprints, the time intervals for the execution of each stage, which at the end requires product validation, regardless of the phase in question, so that the next sprint can begin. This action provides greater control of the processes and reduces the margin of failure.
2. Kanban
The Kanban methodology is the oldest of all agile methods and is based on Japanese work organization processes. In fact, the method was devised in the 60s by Toyota and it was presented in an extremely intuitive way, since cards were used that represented the progress of the order in sync with the production stock.
The organization process is very visual and consists of three steps:
- Running activities - to-dos
- Activities in progress - doing
- Completed activities - done
This structure may sound familiar to you, but the truth is that we adapted and replicated it on various platforms such as Trello and Basecamp, these project management tools are extremely intuitive, easy to understand and provide greater Internet data security. This is because the Kanban method, in essence, is extremely imaginative, which makes it possible to easily prioritize actions.
3. SMART
If you are looking for a more realistic methodology, the SMART agile method is the best option for you. Based on 5 goal principles that refer to the 5 letters of your name, the proposal is supported by the search for planning real and feasible objectives. Check out each of the principles:
Specific: the goal to be achieved requires specificity so that the right means are mobilized.
Measurable: the goal listed must be measurable, after all, numerical data are the best way to prove the results.
Attainable: the goal must be attainable, that is, it must be realistic and in alignment with the company's production conditions.
Relevant: the goal must be relevant to the project as a whole, especially to the final result.
Time-related: the goal must be delivered quickly within the stipulated deadline with the maximum possible focus.
So, was it clear what agile methods are and what are the main ones?
Surely with practice it will become clearer how these methodologies operate, if you decide to integrate them into your company. But we are certain of one thing, whether Scrum, Kanban or SMART is your option, we are sure that your processes will be more agile, clear and productive.
Then tell us in the comments: what are your purposes of using these innovative methods? Maybe they're not the tools you needed to boost your project management.
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