Agile Methodology is an approach to project management often used in the software development process. Based on the principles of flexibility, collaboration and a commitment to customer satisfaction, it helps organisations address the ever-accelerating pace of technological change and the dynamic nature of today's digital-first business environment.

In recent years, the relevance and impact of Agile’s iterative and adaptive approach have significantly increased, but how does it work and what impact does it have on today’s software-centric businesses?

In general terms, Agile methodologies, such as Scrum and Kanban, work by breaking down tasks into manageable components that can be delivered in targeted iterations. Proponents of agile foster a close sense of collaboration with customers and demonstrate a readiness to respond to change with the objective of consistently delivering effective and functional software. It’s important to note that Agile is not a rigid rule set but rather a flexible framework that encourages teams to adapt and innovate in order to deliver the best possible outcomes.

Real World Agile - the IJYI Approach

At IJYI, the principles and practices of Agile are deeply ingrained in our approach to service delivery. We utilise Agile processes, tools and automation to deliver a robust and repeatable consultancy process that enables continuous delivery. Collaboration isn’t just a buzzword at IJYI - it forms the bedrock of our operational philosophy. With a highly skilled team that blends diverse experience with technical capabilities, we use Agile to drive customer success.

One example of this is the "Final Drive System" project we worked on for Plant Parts. This system is used for two separate sales streams; the Partner Website and the Public Offering. The Partner Website is used as a sales tool which includes access for internal sales teams. The Public Offering allows end-users to enquire about availability and to request quotes. End-users and partners have the ability to search the Plant Parts extensive database to discover availability of specific parts, both new and reconditioned. Using Agile methodologies IJYI worked collaboratively with Plant Parts and adopted a continuous integration process. Daily update calls and ongoing dialogue throughout enabled continuous progress tracking. Their collaboration and 15 minute scrum sessions were key to success of this project.

Richard Finch, Managing Director at Plant Parts said:

"IJYI’s collaborative approach has meant that we have been fully engaged in the project at each stage. Their team are highly competent and bring a level of creativity and flair which has meant that we’ve not only achieved the results we hoped for but the process has been an enjoyable experience. IJYI are now providing Plant Parts with ongoing support services which has meant that we are able to keep our business critical systems running twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week."

The power of Agile Methodology in driving innovation, enhancing customer satisfaction and boosting operational efficiency cannot be overstated. Its principles of collaboration, flexibility, and customer focus make it a potent tool for businesses navigating the complexities of the digital age. In reality, Agile is more than just a methodology – it's a mindset that can drive transformational benefits, enabling organisations to approach the future with confidence and resilience.

To find out more about our Agile approach, click here.