Can Agile be Used Outside of Software Development?

Agile is a project management methodology in which work is divided into various sprints/phases and the team works on the project while continuously improving it from the client's feedback. Agile focuses on customer satisfaction and hence keeps on rectifying the product according to the client's demands. Agile is a collaborative approach and is widely adopted by teams. There are a number of iterations in Agile as there is no limit to backtracking to the previous development phase. In this way, agile serves the best version as the final product. This article focuses on discussing the uses of Agile outside of software development.

Why Adopt an Agile Methodology?

Agile methodology was introduced to overcome the drawbacks of the traditional model of the software development lifecycle.

1. Aligns client and development team expectations: Agile aligns the client and development team by allowing face-to-face meetings, this ensures accountability from both ends.
2. Less prone to error: Agile is highly responsive to change, which makes it less prone to error.
3. Flexible: Agile is quite flexible as compared to other SDLC models, the project is completed in iterations and reviewed regularly.
4. More focus on the product: In this, the developer focuses on the product and does not jump into the race to deliver the final product as soon as possible.
5. Quick product delivery: Agile delivers the product quickly because of all these advantages it is widely adopted in business. Iterative development is more important than comprehensive documentation.

Agile uses Outside of Software Development

Although Agile methodology was introduced to overcome the drawbacks of the waterfall model of SDLC, it is not just limited to software development. Agile should be understood better as a project management methodology rather than a software development methodology. Agile is best known for flexibility, collaboration, and customer satisfaction. Every business can adapt it to deliver their products.

1. Construction: If you are a civil engineer, you will definitely ask your clients for the changes during the construction phase there's no way back to the next iteration of the design phase once construction is completed.
2. Electronics: An electrical engineer will definitely check all the parts of the product while merging it. Faults are difficult to detect once the product is all connected.
3. Mechanics: As a mechanical engineer, vehicles are constructed with strong determination for customer safety and convenience.
4. Education: Agile is used in training and education, as course material and teaching techniques need to be adapted to the pace of students.
5. Retail: Seller frequently takes feedback for the product, and also checks the demand for product for smooth supply.
6. Creatives: Whether it is fashion designing or the interiors of your home, this keeps on changing with trends and occasions.
7. Sales: Teams can collaborate to prepare customer-specific products.

Benefits of Using Agile Outside of Software Development

1. Transparency: Customer can put their views to the associated supplier/manufacturer of product. It helps in maintaining transparency between consumer and provider. It allows face to face meetings and feedback.
2. Adaptability: It enables essential changes and modification in product i.e., it is responsive to change. It supports continuous improvement in different iterations.
3. Quick Delivery: It reduces total development time. Teams do not wait for client feedback till development of product finishes, instead progress only when clearance is given by client. This results in faster delivery to market.
4. Accountability: It helps in better management of product. Customers interact directly with stakeholder hence team collaborates for different tasks with accountability.
5. Price Control: Agile project management helps small businesses to better manage their budgets. Client can review the budget and guide next procedure accordingly.
6. Risk Management: It provides small businesses with clear view of the project status and allows them to identify and address potential risks. Thus, reducing the risk of project failure.

Limitations of Agile Methodology

1. Progress Tracking: In business with long chain of stockholders, it becomes difficult to track the progress.
2. Unstructured working: The nature of Agile is very unstructured, it keeps on modifying with demand, both parties may get stuck in meetings hence original scope of project might get missed.
3. Unpredictable duration: Agile is flexible in project management, which results in incrementation of tasks and time. It's difficult to decide when the project will complete. Projects with limited time scope are not suited for Agile.
4. Lack of documentation: When business is done by regular face to face communication, it is built on trust rather on legal docs, Agile do not involve periodic documentation.
5. Dual involvement: Customer should also be involved throughout the project to guide about modification and desired outcome.
6. Availability: All the stakeholders need to be available in meetings, whereas it's not possible to dedicate time to a single task only.

Conclusion: Agile Outside of Software development

Agile as a project development methodology is a good choice for non-technical projects too. It should be adapted by considering its pros and cons both. Businesses increase their chances of success and maintain their competitiveness by all mentioned benefits.