As a custom software development team, we heavily rely on Agile and Lean principles. We are convinced that these are the best approaches to work in the outsourcing industry. You may ask: ‘Ok, but why have you decided to dedicate an entire post to this simple fact? After all, almost everyone seems to be adhering to this framework now. So you are not likely to say something new in this respect’. However, we believe we do have something informative to say.

Indeed, our answer to such an objection is twofold.

First, ‘Agile’ and ‘Lean’ have turned into mantras. Correspondingly, it is a good idea to explicitly tell our potential customers what we mean when we say these words.

Second, we assume that many companies do not utilize these methodologies to the full. They just believe they do. More than that, quite often they ‘mix’ these approaches and generate problems as a result.

Lean and Agile: Dotting the I’s and Crossing the T’s

‘Lean’, as we understand it, is all about mitigating waste and risks while simultaneously boosting your project value. As such, this philosophy prioritizes valuable delivery via eliminating:

  • Arrears of work
  • Unnecessary features and counterproductive software bloat
  • Multitasking
  • Idle time
  • Bureaucratic zeal

To make it possible, one needs to deliver results as quickly as possible, in the most cost-effective fashion, and only after an informed decision is made. That is how Evercode Labs operates as a business entity (i.e. as a whole), applying a workable framework to all our projects and customers. In other words, it is our managerial basis.

In this capacity, it is adequate. We know that our customers contact us with productivity, high-quality, and cost-efficiencies on their minds. Lean is the best way to satisfy these three needs as a custom software development company.

As for ‘Agile’, this is a pattern our development teams utilize while working on individual projects. That is to say, Agile is how we practice Lean. In our situation, Agile can be defined as:

  • Time-based approach
  • Iterative workflow
  • Flexible and adjustable processes capable of quick changes
  • Incremental and step-by-step implementation delivered in pieces

What we do via this methodology is:

  • Accomplishing portions of the development process in time
  • Delivering well-functioning ‘segments’ of software
  • Testing and verifying whether the results match a customer’s requirements

That is how we ensure that progress is made quickly and with no waste.

Agile Values: Our Ideal

One can seldom see a perfect Agile team: in fact, there are very few perfect things in this world. However, there is a picture of such a team recently drawn by McKinsey&Company. We believe some of their insights are valuable if you want to evaluate yourself and your colleagues.

These experts view a truly Agile company as a collection of interconnected and empowered teams. Such a standing implies:

  • Range of transparent and flat structures
  • Set of accountable and clear roles
  • System of active partnerships
  • Open collaborative environment, in both virtual and physical terms

As McKinsey puts it, each corporate organism shall be constituted by a network of ‘small fit-for-purpose performance cells’. These teams are supposed to be self-managing and cross-functional groups with access to ‘flow-to-the-work pools.

We strive to build our structure and activities on these foundations, and, according to our satisfied customers, we have been sufficiently successful.

Typical Agile Workflow

How would our workflow look like if you decide you outsource your IT project with us? Be it blockchain, e-commerce, healthcare, eLearning, or anything else, the route will lead us this way.

  • First, we create the concept of a future solution jointly with you.
  • Second, we identify the talent pool and plan resources needed for the project.
  • Third, we start a cycle of iterations, i.e. development and testing sprints to deliver proper results based on your feedback.
  • Fourth, we release the solution, which implies thorough QA testing, training, and documentation.

Normally, after that, the production stage ensures, which means the ongoing support (when stipulated).
In general, this is what Agile and Lean mean in our case. So if you address us with your needs, this is what you can expect.