The Agile v/s Waterfall debate is over. And agile has emerged out as the winner. The credits should be given to increasing software development challenges and customer demands.

So, now here’s another challenge. How to do agile web development that works? What are the constituents of a successful agile application development model?



What is Agile Web Development that works?



At SayOne, we use a pragmatic approach towards agile web development that lies on a foundation of solid software development experience. Our agile development is based on a lightweight ‘Scrum’ framework. Having identified the tricks and trade of agile development, we have successfully executed over 300 projects with agile in practice.

These are the four tips that have helped us to succeed with our agile web development model over the past years:



Parallel Sprint Execution



At SayOne, we follow a parallel sprint execution model. In such an accelerated sprint execution model, the productivity of the project team increases almost threefold.

Once sprint initialization is done with the environment set up and backlog creation, the first sprint gets started. As sprint 1 is in progress, a corresponding parallel sprint 1 also becomes live. In the parallel sprint, forecasting and layout of the next sprint are realized.

Also, sprint 1 will be reviewed in the corresponding parallel sprint for backlog analysis and refinement. This marks the starting point for the next sprint. The principle of ‘doing more with less (time)’ is followed devotionally for project success.



Close Collaboration



Ensuring close collaboration between the client/stakeholders and project delivery teams improves visibility and tracking. There are many ways to achieve such a collaborative working model. The methods will vary depending upon the business process type.

In onshoring and nearshoring business processes, it is fairly easy to communicate and collaborate with the clients. As they are based out of locations within close proximity, weekly meetings and progress sharing can be done directly.

However, the complications increase a notch higher in offshoring and outsourcing projects. But these days there are workarounds to combat the issues caused by diverse geographies. Understanding the time and cultural differences is the first point. Then, the project delivery teams along with the client can devise timings that would work for both of them.

Related reading: 6 Steps To Make Project Onboarding Easier



Working Model Delivery



A working model delivered at the end of each sprint - this is a dream come true moment for all the clients. And a simple step towards avoiding the last minute surprises.

Although the project goal is set at the very beginning of the project, it is prone to changes due to change requests and enhancements. When a working model is available to the client after every sprint, it helps them to analyze if the project is moving in the right direction.

It also helps the delivery teams to avoid any unfortunate incidents leading to excessive time loss. This also guarantees rapid turnaround times allowing your customers to build or retain a competitive advantage over the others.



Continuous Integration



As agile teams produce codes for each iteration, it becomes increasingly difficult to manage pace after the long debugging and integration cycles. In this aspect, continuous integration and delivery (CI/CD) through DevOps have proven highly efficient.

A rule of thumb followed in Continuous Integration is that the development team never leave a code unintegrated by the end of the day. Continuous Integration and delivery also promote a healthy feedback loop between the client and the project team.



Final Thoughts



As a web application development company, we have a carefully driven agile strategy that has helped us in the past and present. Our project delivery teams comprehend the essence of collective ownership and follow it.

Although agile has a set of principles and practices, it still isn’t a one-size-fits-for-all approach. The success lies in meticulously integrating agile principles with the chosen business process to ensure a triumphant result.

Be it any project management model you follow, the underlying success mantra lies in fulfilling your client’s expectations. A collaborative working model along with the right set of talents combined with the appropriate practices are the ingredients to successful project delivery.



