Software as a Service (SaaS) has been considered one of the main cloud computing models for a while now. It has replaced the conventional method of purchasing software and also established a subscription-based model that transformed everything into a seamless process and (usually) less expensive.
Additionally, SaaS owners provide their customers with ongoing support and new features via software upgrades while connected to their services. Is Saas, as well as Agile project management make, a great match to develop such software? Let’s get going.
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What is Agile?
The expression “Agile” describes a set of best practices in programming that allows programmers to adapt rapidly to evolving market conditions. The document is signed by more than a dozen of the most respected programming experts. The principles and values are focused on providing superior value via top-quality services. There are a variety of Agile techniques for the development of software. However, there needs to be more than one standard approach for agile-based development. Let’s have a look.
What is SaaS Agile, and why should you consider it?
SaaS products are developed and distributed over the Internet, so the updates and changes are quick. Successful SaaS products will require a lot of cycles to maintain their success. That’s exactly where the Agile framework is useful.
SaaS Agile enables development teams to quickly create high-quality product enhancements and other capabilities. The speed with which these features are delivered is crucial for customer support.
The nature of SaaS products is that issues can be discovered quickly. Therefore, problems must be resolved similarly. The features and upgrades that come with customer cooperation can give an item a greater probability of lasting achievement.
Benefits of Agile for SaaS Solutions
The primary benefits of the Agile method of implementation for SaaS applications like ERP are:
- Workshops with participants greatly speed up the process of developing requirements compared to traditional documentation methods.
- When you keep the cycle of configuration brief, like for three or two weeks, users discover issues quickly and develop until they reach the Big Bang moment.
A method of implementation that is Agile-like can drastically reduce risk in projects, regardless of the circumstances that call for the need for a Big Bang system implementation.
There are fewer risks when an implementation plan aimed at SaaS cannot be done on time, and the budget exceeds. While Agile is a customized software development, a portion can be utilized efficiently for SaaS implementations, such as ERP.
Compile requirements with an Agile Approach for SaaS
The process of gathering requirements begins with a demo and workshop. Users of the end show consultants how operations are performed by using the system. They then explain to clients how the transactions could occur using the ERP system’s default application. They discuss the differences during the training.
When the “out-of-the-box” version is unsatisfactory, The users should be able to describe to consultants what they are missing. When using the Agile version, the documentation could be more formal. For instance, consultants could document use cases or user stories using requirements management software.
They then modify the system to deal with each use case. The solutions are then presented to people using the system to verify their efforts. The process is fast and is usually carried out within two-to three-week intervals.
It is important to note that IT experts are present at the user’s side every 2 weeks to inform them of the latest updates. They test the updates on the live lab, and any problems are addressed promptly.
How can Agile improve the process?
The use of agile project management will provide benefits to users as well as SaaS solutions are designed to deliver the most value. Agile methodologies can assist SaaS to succeed in the user’s interest with an eye on the future, but only when an organization sees Agile as a benefit or advantage for SaaS projects.
Adopting Agile techniques is unnecessary if they do not assist your business somehow. Agile can provide efficiency and speed for software development, so it should be considered an option for your project.
How could Agile techniques improve the quality of software or management of projects within SaaS? Simply put, the Agile approach could help to refocus the attention on the value for the user.
If you’re applying an iterative method, backlogs and other Agile techniques enhance the value customers bring to your company or increase the business’s value for your investors. If that’s the case, then you’re not employing Agile to bring value to your customers, but instead, the other way. In addition, delivering value to your customers must be the goal of your efforts, as the more quality you offer and the higher the value you provide to your customers.
In contrast, If you concentrate on the customer’s value and must be more efficient in delivering it via Agile techniques, you’ll lose an edge in the competition. This is why the Agile process in SaaS will have to be balanced to ensure the satisfaction of customers and productivity for the business.
How do you implement Agile in your project?
The main goal in SaaS Agile is speed, flexibility, and continual delivery. But what do you need to implement in a particular project? Let’s look at the steps you need to follow to implement it.
1. Create a backlog
Once you have the vision and goals for your product set, now is the time to design the backlog for your product. Your product’s backlog comprises every task required to meet your company’s objectives. In addition, the backlog will always be refined and revised in response to market condition changes and customer feedback. Backlogs are designed and developed by engineers in conjunction with marketers and managers of products.
2. Define product goals and ensure buy-in
The first thing to determine the primary goals of your product. The goals should be simple, precise, and in the context of your vision for your product. Are your goals realistic? Can you achieve them within the timeline of your product?
Beyond the best practices and methodologies, Implementing Agile within the development of a SaaS product is a must for complete commitment. Your team for product development and everyone else in your business should agree and put the project at the forefront of their efforts.
Does everyone on the team seem to be in the same boat? Can everyone keep the team on the same track in the long run? It is important to consider these questions attentively since a common understanding throughout the spectrum simplifies the design process.
3. Plan your development sprints and have daily meetings
Development sprints form the foundation of Agile Software Development. It is a one to two-week duration with each team member given tasks, which are then transformed into an actual product after a certain duration.
Sprints of development are crucial in creating SaaS products, and communicating is essential to maximize their capabilities. A way to ensure communication throughout the development process is to hold daily meetings.
Every day, meetings are like everyone on the team discussing their projects’ progress, accomplishments, and obstacles or challenges in their work. The meetings do not have to be lengthy: fifteen mins or less is the ideal time to aim for. It will stop issues from spiraling into a mess by dealing with them promptly and will motivate team members to continue stacking successes.
4. Continuously iterate and improve
While the initial production procedure is completed, much must be improved and learned. The goals of the product changed in creation, and therefore adjustments to the backlog may be essential. Customers may be asking for the addition of new features that you have yet to think of. The market constantly changes, and customer feedback always reveals potential growth areas.
5. Perform sprint reviews
In each development sprint, your team must meet with key stakeholders to review and consider what they accomplished in the time. This is a chance to look at what can be better or different in the coming sprint. Which areas can benefit from improvement? Do you have any gaps that are slowing the process down? What were the tasks that were easy but also the most challenging?
Conclusion
You’ve likely learned all you require to know about implementing Agile software development on a future SaaS project. Implementing Agile helps your team launch products swiftly and effectively and will make your team more adaptable effectively, productive, and efficient.
