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Are you searching for a software solution that fits all the needs of your business?
If you’re software shopping, you may encounter a number of different development processes or methodologies that all claim to be the most effective, both in terms of cost and performance.
As with most industries, the software community has developed strategies that come in and out of vogue. Recently, the Agile development method has been touted as a solution that can meet your business needs quickly.
Below, we unpack what is Agile software development and why it may or may not be the right choice for your organization.
Agile software development refers to a software development process that enables developers to deliver complete solutions to clients quickly.
As a method, Agile software development focuses more on the final product than the framework of steps that guide more traditional modes of software development.
In its purest form, agile development has no set budget or timelines, the budget increases and the timeline lengthens as the developer moves forward in the project, and both stop increasing when the project is completed. This allows for unforeseen issues to be resolved in real-time, and for pivots to be made, but comes with downsides as we’ll discuss below. .
Agile software development offers a number of business benefits . In fact, businesses can anticipate both a shorter term for return on investment (ROI) and increased communication with the development team.
The key to agile development is focusing primarily on the business goal to be achieved as opposed to the predetermined structure of the project. This perspective helps keep the project focused on that one goal as opposed to tangential features that may arise.
While the above two outcomes can benefit your business, there are both drawbacks and benefits of agile development.
Because agile development is highly iterative and the project is solidified primarily through the course of development, there is plenty of room for adjustments and pivots to be made throughout the process.
Traditional software development methods include very complex processes that a single team works to solve. With Agile development, different teams work on different project components, streamlining the build process and offering multiple solutions and ideas.
Because of the iterative nature of the Agile software development process, fewer issues will arrive after launch.
Agile software development, in its purest form, begins with no set budget or time frame for the project, the development team simply begins the project focused rather on meeting a business objective. While this can be a useful perspective, the lack of structure can be too big of an unknown for many businesses.
Team availability, bandwidth, and schedule change every day. Given the level of collaboration necessary for a successful Agile development process, maintaining that ongoing collaborative level can be hard to do.
Since Agile software development doesn’t rely on traditional frameworks, there aren’t guardrails built into its development. Lack of documentation requirements and other checklist processes can severely impact the viability of the final product.
If something goes wrong, the product is going to need immediate, real-time response. If you’ve partnered with a technology developer who relies on the agile methodology, this may not be possible or even be in your contract.
WIth many people contributing many ideas to development, Agile software development poses the risk for the project to go completely off course. Since the primary focal point is the outcome, the path to getting there can become marred and the final project dissimilar than first envisioned.
At SCAD software, we offer our partners software design methods that combine the best aspects of both agile and traditional software into what you might call a “Waterfall approach” to development.
While we take the flexibility and business goal-focused approach of agile software, we also recognize the value of budgets and timelines as applied in more traditional methodologies.
Like traditional development, we start with a plan and general idea of how the project will be structured and work. Similar to agile development, we give ourselves the flexibility to iron out the details and minutia as the project progresses based on the need of the business.
Our collaborative team has years of experience developing custom solutions that customers love.
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With an illustrious career spanning three decades, Dawie Martins has cultivated expertise in diverse technology-related businesses across various sectors, including Retail, Hospitality, and Consultancy. His journey, which has taken him from a developer's role to Product Management, uniquely positions Dawie to lead the charge in Customer Success and Product Management services for our clients.
In his role as Head of Customer Success, Dawie operates at the intersection of commerce and technology. His mission is to ensure the seamless translation of commercial imperatives into highly effective software applications that not only meet but exceed the outcomes specified by our clients.
For clients engaging SCAD Software to build applications destined for the market, Dawie and his team offer Fractional Product Management Services. They become invaluable partners in crafting and maintaining a product roadmap, assuming the mantle of the product champion within the client organization. This collaborative approach ensures that our clients' visions are realized efficiently and effectively.
Dawie's wealth of experience and his dedication to driving success for our clients make him an indispensable part of SCAD Software's commitment to delivering excellence in every project we undertake.
Shawn De Wet brings to SCAD Software over two decades of unparalleled expertise in software systems delivery. His career exemplifies a relentless pursuit of problem-solving excellence and a commitment to end-user satisfaction, achieved through meticulous system architecture and design. Proficient in core enterprise ERP systems, Shaun's recent achievements stand as a testament to his prowess, including the conception and successful launch of two cutting-edge SaaS products on the robust Azure platform.
While Shawn's professional accolades are impressive, his vitality extends beyond the confines of the office. An ardent lover of the outdoors, as evidenced by his passion for mountain biking, Shawn's dynamic and adventurous spirit infuses our technological endeavors with a fresh perspective and boundless energy.
At SCAD Software, Shawn leads the charge in Operational Delivery of Client solutions. He heads the development team and works closely with our valued clients to ensure they realize their desired outcomes from our technology solutions. His commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction is a driving force behind our success.
Andy Fensham's journey is a testament to his unwavering commitment to reshape the software development landscape. With a background in global banking software consultancy, he founded SCAD Software in 1998 with a visionary goal – to address the mounting technical debt that was becoming a liability for businesses worldwide.
Andy's unique blend of technical expertise and business acumen empowers our clients with pragmatic, robust software solutions that yield tangible results. Recognizing the risks posed by outdated software, he pioneered an innovative approach to custom software development, consistently delivering large-scale projects at an astonishing pace – 75% faster than traditional methods.
Andy's dedication not only safeguards our clients' future but also cements SCAD Software's position as an industry trailblazer. He continues to lead our innovation roadmap, constantly seeking new ways to enhance our offerings with more examples of how we can turn “minutes to seconds”.
With an impressive career spanning over three decades in the Technology and Telecoms sectors, Shaun Orpen brings a wealth of experience to his role as Group CEO. His journey began with the groundbreaking entry of Microsoft Excel into the UK market, a stepping stone that eventually led him to play pivotal roles on the UK Executive Board during Microsoft's meteoric rise from £10 million to £1 billion in revenue.
During his tenure at Orange, Shaun spearheaded the division responsible for catering to Small and Medium Businesses in the UK. Since then, he has continued to shape the success of a number of small and global technology enterprises, leveraging his strategic acumen and commercial leadership.
Shaun's unwavering commitment to the convergence of technology and business is evident in his track record of elevating every organization he's been a part of. As the driving force behind SCAD Software's commercial endeavors, Shaun is leading our expansion across the UK, Europe, and the USA.
His steadfast ethical stance, mirrored by his partner Andy Fensham, forms the bedrock of SCAD Software's principles, defining our approach to client interactions and business dealings.
Stephen Moore's illustrious career speaks volumes about his leadership capabilities. With a rich background spanning diverse industries such as Retail, Events, Technology, Telecoms, and Media, he has consistently demonstrated his ability to craft and execute growth, differentiation, and exit strategies in highly competitive markets.
As the visionary Founder/CEO of multiple successful ventures, Stephen has guided five companies from their inception to remarkable exits and IPOs, including the noteworthy £117 million listing of Expocentric Plc on Techmark 2000. His track record extends beyond entrepreneurship; he has played a pivotal role in over 40 companies as a Non-Executive Director, Chairman, Consultant, and Advisor, raising more than £85 million in private and public markets.
What sets Stephen apart is his global perspective, cultivated through extensive work in the UAE, US, Singapore, Hong Kong, and EMEA. This international experience enriches SCAD Software's strategic direction, making him an invaluable asset in our mission to navigate the complex landscape of digital transformation and empower our clients to achieve enduring success.