Is There A Best Software Development Method That Works Better Than Others?
Behind every successful business, there are rigorous methods implemented to ensure optimal efficiency and maximum longevity – the magic ingredients to any successful business.
However, due to the various approaches in developing software products, finding the best fit can be a tedious task. Here’s our guide to tackling the project planning perils and prospering in an ever-diverse trading industry.
One Size Doesn’t Fit All
The first and perhaps most pertinent thing to consider when planning a project is that there’s not a singular approach that suits all. Each project has its own complexities, details and requirements that need to be adhered to; otherwise, you’re just trying to fit square pegs into round holes.
Even when you’re comparing very similar problems, any different variable in that problem will require a different approach to achieve the expected result. For instance, say two competing businesses are developing similar products to sell within the same market. The differing budgets, values, metrics, workforces, infrastructures and overall characteristics of these businesses will ultimately determine which approach is the best suited, even if both the business have the same end goal.
As well as taking business variables into consideration, it’s also vital to remember that the projects themselves may be multiple, with various variables of their own.
This means that for businesses managing a few, separate projects, they will need to implement a number of approaches to facilitate management across the board and ensure true continuity. Subsequently, orchestration efforts will be heightened, with control being carefully devised to harness digital convergence. There should be one person consistently coordinating the processes and activities, to keep your method healthy and valuable in the long run, as well as continuously improving. But, in order to know which approach is most feasible, there needs to be an analysis of the problem.
Be Original
Commonly, businesses use solutions such as Scrum and DevOps, to examine the variables of each problem and then pick an answer from a set of predefined options (off the shelf solutions). However, we think a more logical and progressive method is to first examine the characteristics of your project, analyse the problems and then design your very own, tailor-made approach.
However, this isn’t to say ignore any existing methods. In fact, having a thorough understanding of existent processes and practices will be highly beneficial, as they can provide a tried and tested framework for your new approach. Ideally, you should be aware of the pros and cons, principles and conventions to each method, knowing how each operates and the biggest stumbling blocks involved. Then you can mix proven elements as needed, picking those that make sense in your reality and rejecting those that don’t.
One popular approach is the waterfall model. Considered as the traditional method of explaining the software development process, the waterfall model simplifies proceedings into a linear flow with a specified sequence. Using a level format, users advance through each sequence one by one, with further levels made progressive on completion of the previous one. The rigidity of this model enables easy handling and understanding, allowing for the simplistic tracking of progress and being able to efficiently assess issues.
At UP, we put forward-thinking methods into practice. When you share an idea or project with us, our business analysts will study the RFP (Request for Proposal) in detail, analysing and collating approaches best suited to your individual characteristics.
We know time is money, so you’ll promptly receive a ‘first review’ document and quote within one business day, that will clearly and succinctly outline our recommendations. Getting things right the first time is imperative to productivity, so we strive to understand the business project and the ideas behind it from the get-go.
Digital Methods
Mobile solutions are no longer an option for business, but a necessity. The average revenues of global digital businesses are forecast to amount to $9.1 billion by 2020 (Statista), so with the scope of virtual business growing by the second, the need to develop software accordingly has never been more important.
In retrospect, digitization helps an organization to be more alert to changing business values, customize products and responses with clients on a personal level, and, most importantly, to streamline and automate processes so the human touch can be focussed elsewhere.
However, because of the proliferation of technological advancements across business, there are more avenues to cover. Businesses need to deliver synergy across a wide range of platforms, to ensure the brand message is conveyed and sales targets are met. From web development to mobile apps and online marketing, businesses should focus on developing digital forms to adhere to a hyper-technological world.
Just as well United Perfectum provides web and mobile app development, digital marketing and remote administration services. Under an effective system of quality management and communication, you can rest assured that digital aspects of your business will be optimized for true engagement and interaction.
Takeaways
- Silver bullets don’t exist – each project is unique and has different requirements, and, therefore, needs a specific development method.
- Forward thinking is key – since each project is unique, shelf solutions rarely pay dividends. Assessing problems first and then shaping an approach to fit them will provide flexibility and ensure each issue is rectified using the best practice.
- Learn from existing approaches – To provide an established baseline to your approach, incorporating proven frameworks will eradicate any early slip-ups.
- Orchestration management is crucial – devising team roles specifically to project management duties will ensure the whole process is streamlined and is improving continuously.