Agile, what exactly is that?

Why Agile?

The Agile project approach (Agile Development). The English word Agile means agile, flexible. For Odoo Experts, the Agile methodology is the preferred project approach. An approach in which agility is paramount.

An Agile project approach assumes that the world changes during the project and tries to facilitate these changes as well as possible without losing sight of the project result. The end product in an Agile project is not completely fixed in advance, but adapts during the period of the project implementation to any changing circumstances or wishes of the customer.
Compared to a traditional project approach, Agile distinguishes itself by embracing changes during the project, instead of avoiding them as much as possible. In a traditional project approach, one tries to prevent changes by, on the one hand, laying down the specifications in detail and, on the other hand, setting up a very formal change management process to discourage changes.

The Agile approach stems from IT-oriented projects with software development, but the principles can also be used very well in other types of projects.

The project approach is based on the basic principles of the so-called ‘Agile manifesto’. These are:

  • People and interactions, rather than processes and tools
  • Software that works, rather than bulky documentation
  • Cooperation with the customer, rather than negotiation of the contract
  • Dealing with change, rather than following a plan

Differences Agile and Traditional

Agile (Iterative)

  • On the way in small steps (iterations) The end result is not yet determined.
  • Iteration aimed at working partial result Looking less far ahead = less uncertainty
  • Experts, different phases in one team
  • Together for the result, Lots of personal cooperation
  • Being able to respond quickly to changes. Regular update of the project plan

Traditional (Waterfall)

  • Production process is central
  • In a fixed order on the way to the end result
  • Risk management by working systematically
  • Plan the future in detail
  • Focus on the end result as a whole. Looking far ahead = great uncertainty
  • Experts per phase. Transfer results experts next phase
  • ​Changes have a major impact

We are convinced that an Agile project approach produces a better result. When implementing an ERP system we start with a clear basic installation. From this basis, we will continue to develop the project together. Gradually you will gain more insight into the business processes and how you want to implement them. You often get new insights through the implementation of ERP software. Through the Agile approach, you can, together with your own Odoo Experts consultant, include these in the further implementation process. It is a task to be able to oversee everything from day one. Fortunately, that is not necessary. Like I said, we'll be agile on this one.

Agile, what exactly is that?
Erwin van der Ploeg September 18, 2015
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