What is an Agile workflow?

With the project verified and approved, the next step is to assemble cross-functional sprint teams. Assign tasks to the teams based on team-member skill sets, and then work with the teams to establish goals and timeframe expectations. Allocate any necessary resources to the project, including funding, tools, additional support, etc.

With resources secured, requirements established, and sprints fully defined, the team can now begin to move forward on the project. The iteration stage is where the teams begin addressing backlog items, building the first iterations from which the rest of the project will grow. Documentation is also an important part of this step.

As each iteration is completed, the product is released to stakeholders and end users. Feedback is collected, considered, and applied to the project. Any new changes are tested to ensure viability before the start of the next sprint. Through the process, QA teams review product functionality so that any remaining issues may be resolved prior to the final release.

With all previous requirements met and the product fully tested, it can finally pass into the production phase. The team’s role in this phase is to help customers and train them in using the product, provide ongoing, post-release support, and help facilitate a successful launch.

When a new project release makes the old project redundant, it is officially retired, ending the workflow.

When considering adopting an Agile approach, it’s worth noting that there are several types of Agile workflow to choose from. Here are some of the most popular options:

The most widely adopted type of Agile workflow, Scrum is built on a repetitive approach that employs lightweight teams to respond quickly to changes. Scrum emphasizes continual improvement, with a focus on meeting customer expectations and providing increased user satisfaction. Stages in Scrum are: Product Backlog, Planning Sprint, Sprint Backlog, Sprint, Routine Scrum Meetings, Sprint Reviewal, and Internal Scrum Meetings.

Kanban is a non-restrictive Agile workflow that allows teams to adopt an iterative or non-iterative approach and is even less structured than most other Agile solutions. Kanban is built on a visual system designed to help teams identify and resolve bottlenecks in the process, allowing the workflow to proceed unhindered and at the best possible speed.

Stages in Kanban are: Product Backlog, Requirements, Design, Development, Testing, Deployment, and Done.

One of the earlier ‘lightweight’ Agile processes, XP was originally designed for software projects. XP is similar to Scrum, but also incorporates 12 supporting processes specific to application development. Basic stages in XP are: Coding, Testing, Listening, and Designing.

Effective in IT as well as non-IT projects, Altern relies on clearly defined requirements and benefits being in place before work on the project can begin. Stages in Altern are: Pre-project, Feasibility, Foundations, Exploration, Engineering, Deployment, and Post project.

Also specific to software development, FDD is built on consistency and rigid documentation. Stages in FDD are: Develop an overall model, Build a feature list, Plan by feature, Design by feature, Build a feature.

Other widely used processes and workflows include Agile Unified Process (AUP), Adaptive Software Development (ASD), Dynamic Systems Development (DSDM), and Crystal. It is important to recognize that many of these different workflows overlap. Certain workflows can also be combined or customized to meet unique business needs.

Creating an Agile workflow can take time but has the potential to more than pay for that effort in increased returns. To ensure an effective set of processes when building an Agile workflow, consider the following steps:

Team buy-in and a clear understanding of Agile principles are prerequisite to establishing an effective Agile workflow. This insight into Agile becomes even easier when the organization is pursuing Agile transformation, reshaping their culture and mindset to be more in line with Agile practices.

Review the available Agile frameworks to find something that is the correct fit. It may be beneficial to research how other businesses in the industry use different frameworks, and then build on their examples.

Although Agile allows teams to operate with creativity and freedom, an effective Agile workflow will still require a roadmap to guide sprint teams as they pursue their goals. This roadmap should include a process plan, as well as direction for developing backlogs and using relevant tools. The roadmap should also establish timelines and identify priorities.

Assemble the right people for the job. Build cross-functional teams displaying a range of skills needed to complete their sprint, and define the roles that each member will fill within the team.

If all the previous steps have been followed, the workflow should be ready for implementation. Continually reassess the workflow, so that any issues or inefficiencies may be found and eliminated early on.