How has the AGILE methodology transformed the software industry?

If we look back to the 80s and 90s, as technology gained prominence in the global economic landscape, we see that the evolution of the cascading model in the software sector took place. This model consisted of project management following 5 steps: requirements, design, implementation, verification and maintenance. This methodology led to a slower and more bureaucratic way of working which caused dissatisfaction among developers.

For this reason, the AGILE methodology was born, giving solution to these hierarchical obstacles and therefore translating into an improvement of the efficiency.

In order to effectively implement the agile software development model, four basic values must be met

• Individuals and interactions, as opposed to processes and tools.
• Software in operation, as opposed to exhaustive documentation.
• Collaboration with the client, as opposed to contractual negotiation.
• Response to change, as opposed to monitoring a plan.

It aims to eliminate all unnecessary activities or tasks, encouraging greater efficiency of the whole team.

• Self-organized teams are of vital importance the figure of the person who manages and controls the work teams, which must be able to organize themselves autonomously. An excess of hierarchy would lead to problems of dependence among the collaborators.
• Customer satisfaction is the element on which everything revolves, it is achieved by providing customers with valuable products that meet their needs.
• Simplicity in the activities. The aim is to reduce the level of complexity as much as possible.
  Deliveries per week – or sprints – we seek to establish the week as a temporary measure to carry out the execution of tasks and measure results.
• Adoption of new requirements, where any solution or change in the product is not a step backwards, but an improvement.
• Measuring progress, objective metrics can be established to keep track of progress.
• Work closely, close communication is pursued, carrying out activities in the same workplace rather than from offices.
• The search for technical perfection and sophisticated design, both factors must be connected, everything is a set that determines quality.
• Direct face-to-face communication, the team leader must convey his messages clearly. It is based on regular meetings with both clients and colleagues.
• Capacity to adapt to changing environments, the circumstances throughout the development of a project are changing so adaptation is fundamental.
• Sustainable development, the seek for a sustainable model of development, so it allows the continuous activity flow.

Pros and cons of the AGILE methodology

Pros

• Continuous improvement in work processes.
• Faster deliveries.
• Close internal and external communication.
• Flexibility and adaptability.
• Protagonism in creativity or ideation and analysis.

Cons

• The open nature of this model encourages unproductive behaviour, so it is important to have a team leader who is controlling the whole process and guiding his or her team.
• The high importance of communication means extra time. Feedback and analysis are precious, but that time must be taken into account.
• The need for employees with multifunctional skills, more expensive to find.
• Inaccurate descriptions can lead to inaccuracies in operations. The trust of all team members is vital.