By Vishesh Goel
In this blog I will focus on how agile scrum methodology can be applied to PLM implementation projects and if there exists a better approach that involves both the traditional waterfall model and the agile approach.
Agile is an iterative, team-based approach to development. Here, the primary focus is on delivering products that satisfy customer requirements in small, iterative shippable increments. In short, agile is all about delivering the greatest amount of value in the shortest amount of time.
Source: https://scrumreferencecard.com/scrum-reference-card
Scrum is one of the most popular agile methodologies practised across the globe. It is not a process, technique, or definitive method. Rather, it is a framework within which you can employ various processes and techniques. Scrum makes clear the relative efficacy of your product management and work techniques so that you can continuously improve the product, the team, and the working environment.
“At its root, Scrum is based on a simple idea: whenever you start a project, why not regularly check in, see if what you’re doing is heading in the right direction, and if it’s actually what people want? And question whether there are any ways to improve how you’re doing what you’re doing, any ways of doing it better and faster, and what might be keeping you from doing that.”
By: Jeff Sutherland, Scrum: The Art of Doing Twice the Work in Half the Time
The traditional software development lifecycle can be differentiated from an agile mindset based on 4 values as described in the Agile Manifesto:
Thus in an agile environment, while there is value in the items on the right, we value the items on the left more.
The major issue with following a 100% agile scrum methodology in any PLM implementation is the mindset and rigidity of management and other 3rd party vendors involved. Everyone wants to see a concrete plan with clear deadlines and delivery details, but in the agile model, the deliveries are iterative and are highly dependent on the feedback received from the customer. Even though there is more transparency and adaptability, it’s not enough to convince people in organisations.
In my opinion, a successful PLM project must be delivered with a hybrid agile approach where we use the traditional software development cycle along with the agile scrum approach to get the best of both worlds.
Scrum is difficult to master and especially when development teams are used to working in a typical waterfall environment. The concept of daily stand up calls, reviews with customer, iterative delivery and working on product backlog could be a big cultural shift for the team. But the long-term benefits of this methodology outweigh the initial hiccups and the learning curve. Thus, a hybrid scrum approach works better in implementing such complex PLM solutions across diversified industries.
Emerging Marketer and Project Manager with an engineering background, Vishesh Goel is the Marketing Project Leader at Processia. He has supported diverse customers in the automotive and aerospace industries on their KBE and PLM initiatives. After completing his MBA at Warwick Business School in 2018, he joined Processia as a Project Manager. He has vast experience of over 12+ years in the PLM domain and is based in the United Kingdom. He also holds a Scrum Master Certification from Scrum Alliance and has been advocating the best practices of Agile.
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