In today’s fast-paced, information-centric world, it’s essential to have the right tools in place to improve your employees’ workplace experience. To do so, you’ll need the right technology-enabled programs. This blog post will take a hard look at the use of Agile, Lean, DevOps, and other learning initiatives to keep your digital disruption transformation manageable.
Agile
Agile software development is an umbrella term for a set of frameworks and practices based on the values and principles expressed in the Manifesto for Agile Software Development and the 12 Principles behind it.
To understand Agile more clearly, please take a moment to view this YouTube video: https://youtu.be/KLARQSoNAlc
How can you prepare for an Agile environment?
1. Centralize and redefine your IT department.
2. Develop four key areas:
a. Technology – a movement toward self-service tools with automated delivery (i.e., AI, chatbots)
b. Talent – Movement away from software developers toward infrastructural engineers who can build well-defined service offerings
c. Processes – Teams are now responsible for end-to-end, repetitive, and streamlined service offerings
d. Collaboration – Blending development and operations
3. Start with a small project and cross-functional team for software development.
Lean
Lean Digital Transformation is the process by which companies apply Lean principles to the design, development, and delivery of new digital experiences. While methodologies are in order, the use of computer languages such as Java, COBOL, and ETL code is often needed to provide the right outcome.
DevOps
DevOps is a set of practices that combines software development and information technology operations to shorten the systems development life cycle while delivering features, fixes, and updates frequently in close alignment with business objectives. A good source for understanding and implementing this methodology is The DevOps Handbook: How to Create World-Class Agility, Reliability, and Security in Technology Organizations.
Here an excellent introductory video to DevOps: https://youtu.be/3EyT1i0wYUY
How can you move forward on DevOps?
1. Read the handbook listed above and refer to it often.
2. Consider contracting DevOps engineers from EIS.
3. Internally, start using tools like Git, Docker, Jenkins, Ansible, and Nagios.
4. Certify some of your IT staff in DevOps which may include Microsoft Azure Certifications and becoming a Certified ScrumMaster.
Continuous Learning
Digitally disruptive organizations are implementing lunch and learn series or teaching days to allow employees to spread the teachings of Agile, Lean, and DevOps to their peers. The intent is to promote the latest IT practices and coding updates and methods.
Digital Disruption Benefits
The ability to release high-quality software sooner at a lower cost is part and parcel why there’s such a massive push toward disruption. Also, the automation of software testing allows for a much more efficient process.
According to McKinsey, Agile approaches can boost the productivity of software developers by 25-30% within 6-18 months. In fact, in one company they were able to cut IT costs by greater than 35% while doubling overall productivity.
Lastly, the team is continually finding ways to improve which cuts down on IT burnout and boredom.
Conclusion
Traditional IT infrastructures and management practices cannot compete with the fast-paced digital disruption delivery solutions. Old school thinking of stability first is gone due to multiple handoffs, delays and frequent misunderstandings as identified in the Agile video.
With the integration of DevOps, the product owner and ScrumMaster collectively flush out the scope, objectives, and metrics of the project. They are fully integrated into the process from beginning to end.
EIS is Committed to Digital Disruption
Our Consulting Solutions division will deliver high quality, custom software solutions to your organization quickly and within budget. We have the right talent and can provide the right resources for your organization today! Email ConsultEIS@gotoeis.com or give us a call at 440-918-0140 to learn more about our services.