The use of methodologies in business management is not new, but it has been updated in terms of the tools that are applied. According to the study carried out by Gartner : 80% of large companies adopted agile methods for digital transformation processes during 2021. That is why it is important that before executing a digital transformation project you take into account the following recommendations in this article.
What is a software development methodology? A software development methodology is a set of practices, techniques, and tools used by software development teams to plan, design, develop, test, and deliver high-quality software in an effective and efficient manner These processes establish the structure of the software life cycle, including requirements definition, design, coding, testing, implementation, and maintenance They also establish roles and responsibilities for team members, processes for project management, communication and progress tracking. What types of software development methodologies exist? Traditional methodologies and agile methodologies are two types of software development methodologies. The characteristics of each of them are explained below. Traditional Software Development Methodologies Traditional software development methodologies are characterized by very rigidly establishing the requirements and processes at the beginning of the projects. Consequently, programming or development cycles become inflexible, which prevents adequate adjustments throughout the life of the project. Since a linear process is carried out in software development projects, each stage is shown one after the other, which prevents progress if the previous activity has not been completed. Among these traditional software development methodologies the following can be mentioned: Waterfall Method This methodology makes it easier to organize the project activities vertically (from top to bottom) to sequentially execute each progress, avoiding moving on to the next if it is not satisfactorily completed . It includes phases of requirements analysis, system design, program design, program modification, test design, ending with the software coding and maintenance phases. Its relative advantage is that the transition from one level to another is done safely knowing that the previous stage has already been completed . Prototyping Method It is based on the creation of a draft of the software without regard to the details where users can give more direct feedback when interacting with the application in this phase . This method allows us to verify possible technical failures, as well as the inclusion of improvements according to user use as it is quite interactive, although this implies an additional cost in the budget that must be seriously considered . Incremental Method It is similar to the waterfall because it works in phases, but this differs because in each stage an applicability or function is added . Under this scheme you can significantly notice the improvement that you are making in custom software development services and it additionally allows you to verify the functioning of these processes before finishing the program. Among the traditional methods, it is one of the most implemented, although it is also one of the slowest in the execution of processes. Rapid Application Design (RAD) Method RAD is more than anything a technique that allows software to be developed in a short time based on the following axes: A prototype is created for users to test and to directly identify the needs and requirements . Priorities are created according to the speed of execution of the activities . It has a certain similarity to the prototype, except that in this model the processes are executed according to their speed. COBIT It is a globally recognized and accepted methodology in software development in technological projects due to its management in the management of information and process flow. COBIT facilitates the development of policies and good practices in IT project control in companies, as it helps to understand, manage the risks and benefits associated with digital transformation processes . ITIL This methodology is made up of a series of standards and practices that are used to manage IT governance in the company . These standards are useful in the execution, implementation and maintenance of software developments and operations related to the technological management of the company . ITIL currently has its fourth version where it incorporates major changes applied to the technology industry in recent years. Agile Software Development Methodologies Nowadays, agile software development techniques are widely used because of their high flexibility and ability to change rapidly. These strategies can be more productive and effective if the work groups have clarity about the tasks that need to be done at all times. Additionally, it will provide the flexibility to adjust the software as new needs arise, resulting in building more functional and satisfying applications for users. Agile software development methodologies are based on the incremental approach, in which new functionalities are added to the final application in each development cycle. However, unlike traditional approaches, cycles in agile methodologies are shorter and faster. This implies that changes and improvements are made gradually, incorporating small functionalities instead of massive changes. This approach allows the formation of self-sufficient and independent work teams , which meet periodically to share news and progress made. In this way, the final product is progressively built and perfected. In addition, the agile methodology allows close interaction with the client , who can provide new requirements or corrections as the project progresses, since they can observe the progress made in real time. DEVOPS This technological work management methodology allows the integration of the Development, Operations and Security areas to guarantee the effectiveness of the application and obtain a better result . This approach generates the optimal form of agility and speed of reaction in processes for software development, integrating cybersecurity standards into the project. An advantage of DevOps is its ease of fusion and integration with other agile methodologies that are applied in your company, increasing the benefits of the business and of course the end customer . AGILE Agile or Agile Manifesto, is a methodological model that allows improving project planning and production of results in order to avoid the loss of time and resources in assigned tasks. This method helps maintain orientation in the project guidelines without being as rigid as other traditional Waterfall-type methods. By having the ability to make the best options in time without compromising the integrity of the project, its productivity increases, correctly aiming at the final objective. Some advantages of Agile include: Improves the quality of the final product by minimizing errors in the processes. Generates employee satisfaction and team awareness. It allows shortening production cycles by minimizing times. It has a better allocation of resources, encouraging production. SCRUM SCRUM is a model that integrates a set of practices and roles in a framework, where the developer searches for a single product or service in a specific period of time. The versatility of SCRUM allows projects developed with this methodology to be more adaptable, interactive, fast, flexible and effective. A characteristic of this methodology is the very well structured and optimized division of tasks and roles. Product Owner/Product Owner. He is responsible for the project in terms of development, maintenance and prioritization of tasks. The Scrum Master. This is the person responsible for ensuring that the team's work is carried out according to the Scrum principles. Development Team Members/Members of the Development Team. They are responsible for the development of each of the tasks. Extreme Programming or XP Extreme Programming is a methodology that allows improving efficiency in custom software development company, applying engineering practices in the creation of products. XP competes very closely with Scrum in the IT environment , but has lost a bit of popularity in recent years while still being a successful methodology for technology businesses. For its application you must previously define the four variables that the project has, which are Cost, Time, Quality and Scope . The versatility of this method allows three of the variables to be set by people external to the development team, such as the client or the person in charge of the project (not development) . The other variable is under the responsibility of the IT department who sets its value to give it balance and the best decision making in the process. This structure gives it a character of flexibility and shared responsibility that allows better action in the development of the software, since everyone is part of the result obtained in the end. Kanban The Kanban methodology comes from the management techniques used by Toyota to streamline production in its factories by minimizing errors and losses. Generally, this method is represented in the form of a board where the flow of processes in a designated job is reflected, allowing each person in charge to move their tasks freely according to progress, thus generating greater confidence and control at a visual level. This methodology has a series of principles that must be applied in order to achieve maximum performance in the workflow. Visualize what it does . The visualization by all those responsible for the project in the flow of tasks allows them to remain attentive and informed about the development of the project. Limit the amount of work in process . Establishing achievable goals allows the group a balance in the flow of work and prevents excessive processes centralized in a few people responsible. Track time . Managing time in an organized manner allows you to obtain precise results in the project. Easy reading of visual indicators . The visualization of the types of work, priorities, dates and other details empowers the team in developing solutions adjusted to reality. Identify bottlenecks and eliminate what is disposable . The proper management of deadlines and execution cycles, as well as the flow of reports, allows the performance of the project to be evaluated and problems detected, eliminating everything that creates obstacles. In summary Software development services have become a necessity in the last decade due to the advantages it offers by adjusting to market needs through customized technological solutions . For this, the factory software that you apply to these needs must be accompanied by the available methodologies that best suit the requested software development. At Sparkout Tech Solutions we have managed to efficiently standardize these value propositions through our specialized technological resource where we focus on directing the results to the requirements requested by our clients. Therefore, when it comes to advising you, we offer you the best tools for software development, which best fit the profile of your company. At Sparkout Tech Solutions we innovate and create digital transformation processes to generate satisfied customers.