When it comes to approaches in software development, companies often implement Waterfall or Agile methodologies to meet the needs of a project. Cascade development refers to a more traditional approach where stages are completed linearly and the end result occurs when all stages are completed. Rather, the agile approach initiates small collaborative iterations within the process that allow team members to respond quickly to change and produce quick results.

In recent years, the popularity of the agile approach has exploded. More and more companies are moving from using the waterfall methodology to an agile methodology. In making the switch, companies are faced with the challenge of how to introduce a new methodology. Is it better to gradually leave the waterfall approach or dive right into the agile methodology?

When a company gradually introduces the new software development methodology, it is commonly referred to as “agile adoption”. In contrast, when a company takes a more aggressive approach, introducing agile as the new standard operating procedure, it is described as “agile transformation”. Whether a company chooses to transform or adopt, ultimately there will be a number of changes in project management and teamwork every day. With change comes the challenge. A company implementing such a change must be aware of the inevitable challenges.

Considerations when adopting or transforming to Agile

When a company shifts from the waterfall to agile software development approach, it can ultimately result in higher quality end products and more flexibility in the project at hand. However, when making the change, it is important to consider whether it is better to implement the change through adoption or transformation. Follow the instructions for four considerations when making the change from waterfall to agile:

1. Change of management – When implementing the agile approach, unlike the waterfall, the project management does not come from the top down. Instead, team members are empowered and encouraged to self-manage and collaborate on iterations of the project. Rather than having a project manager, agile methods employ a scrum master who acts more like a coach or facilitator to help the project run as smoothly as possible.

2. Process change – Where the waterfall is highly dependent on a linear process in which the stages cannot advance until a section is completed, agile allows a team to work on the project at different stages simultaneously. Agile’s flexibility enables rapid response to change and supports testing at the end of iterations. With waterfall, a product is tested once the project is complete.

3. Uncertainty– By implementing the waterfall, clear start and end points are established in the early stages of planning. This reduces the amount of uncertainty that programmers may face within the project. With agile, uncertainty is a common term that programmers not only face on a daily basis, but are encouraged to adopt. Uncertainty allows programmers to work more fluidly and creatively, making it easier to solve innovative problems during the project.

4. Cultural change – The agile approach to software development relies heavily on effective communication between all team members. This includes group leaders called “scrum masters” and product owners. The free flow of information during a project enables the team to solve unexpected problems quickly and efficiently. Implementing the agile approach implies that a company supports a culture of communication and the freedom of team members to explore new solutions and ideas. This is understood as critical to the overall success of the project.

When a company chooses to transition from waterfall to agile, it represents a huge change in philosophy. Given the main differences between the two approaches, a company’s culture can play an important role in determining whether to accept adoption or transformation. Some companies may find it easier to implement a rapid transformation, while a gradual approach may serve others better. Regardless of how a company arrives agile, this special methodology is likely to have many long-term benefits.