Agile Software Development is an incremental and iterative approach to project management focused on dividing the development process into smaller parts and using iterations (short development cycles).
Agile contains various methodologies which are based on the concepts of flexibility, quality, transparency, and continuous improvement. It can help teams keep up with the requirements of the modern fast-paced workplace and companies to accelerate their workflows. These are one of the many reasons why businesses opt for Agile.
To better understand why Agile Software Development is popular, we’ll look at the various benefits it can bring to organizations.
9 Benefits of Agile Software Development
- Timely Delivery
The agile iterative approach introduces short periods which deliver the right thing at the right time, and each team builds software incrementally. Iterations, which usually last 1-4 weeks, enable scheduled software development.
Design and testing are done simultaneously, which decreases Time-To-Delivery. Teams deliver priority requirements first and then streamline overall delivery workflows to accelerate the whole product development cycle.
This methodology works great, as it directly leans on working software instead of lengthy documentation.
- Predictable Costs
Agile methodologies are made to save costs. Cost estimating strategies are based on story points, which enables developers to accurately predict the budget.
Middlemen and project managers don’t have to be a part of the team, saving additional expenses. Future iterations are based on previous learnings, which leads to better planning and more cost-savings.
- Increased Productivity
Each team member is focused on one task at a time, helping them be more productive. Developers and designers can choose what they want to do instead of following the hierarchical structures and managers’ orders.
Information and goals are not concentrated in silos, so software teams are more aligned with the ultimate goal and their accountability in the process, which keeps them motivated and focused.
- Increased Flexibility
Teams work in smaller chunks and get constant feedback and involvement from the product owner.
In other methodologies, changes are usually costly and time-consuming. Agile software development divides the project into short iterations that are manageable and flexible, which allows the team to implement changes quickly. This unmatched flexibility is a big benefit of using Agile in business projects.
- Increased Transparency
Everything is clearly defined at the beginning, so all teams are easily aligned. From inception to implementation, project owners and developers can monitor everything and provide regular feedback to the application before and after every iteration to ensure all goals are met. Every stakeholder is updated through daily reports, keeping everyone on the same page.
Transparent workflows enable a monitored and controlled product development cycle. Project constraints and bottlenecks are addressed in the early stages, allowing for smoother deliveries.
- Improved Quality
Agile software development assures improved quality as testing is done at each iteration, errors are corrected, and the code is debugged, all with maintained efficiency. Because of numerous iterations, the team knows what works in every possible situation, enabling them to perfect the product until it’s time to be launched.
If iterations are shorter, the team can be more productive and responsive. Fast communication and information flow increase optimum performance and quality.
- Increased Customer Satisfaction and Engagement
In Agile, customers are always involved in the decision-making process which increases customer retention. By keeping customers in the loop and making changes based on their feedback, you ensure that the final product truly meets their requirements and delivers great value.
- Reduced Risks
Risks are managed throughout the product development cycle. After the team identifies risks, action plans are created. Those plans are implemented and continuously monitored because of the default mode of corrections and iterations, as well as the project’s overall level.
Top prioritized risks are analyzed and mapped before execution.
- Continuous Improvement
One of the core principles of Agile is working on self-reflection and striving for continuous improvement. It works in iterations where each one will be better than the last without repeating previous mistakes.
Agile software development cultivates an open culture of collaboration and idea exchange, allowing team members to share experiences, learn from them, and improve together.
Looking to reap the benefits of agile software development while saving costs and time? Consider outsourcing your IT needs to our experienced team at Value Shore. Contact us today to learn how we can help transform your software development process!
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