Although often treated as distinct methodologies, Agile and Lean are rooted in similar values. These methodologies have evolved as they’ve expanded into new industries, applications, and opportunities, and many organizations have been incredibly successful in drawing from elements of both. Using the systems thinking, continuous improvement approach of Lean, Agile development practices can be used to help organizations build healthy, innovative organizations that sustainably deliver customer value.
Lean Approach
“Lean” is a quality improvement and management philosophy that began in manufacturing. Its principles can be applied in any process. Its focus is on waste reduction while creating a better workplace through “respect for humanity.” Quality, production time, and cost are improved by eliminating waste.
Agile Approach
The Agile Method is a particular approach to project management that is utilized in software development. This method assists teams in responding to the unpredictability of constructing software. It uses incremental, iterative work sequences that are commonly known as sprints.
The Relationship between Lean and Agile
Both Lean and Agile recognize the need for an open-mindedness that appreciates the complex interplay among efficiency, people, communication, and the delivery of meaningful results. But, there is a tendency for people to latch onto good systems as cure-alls. Combining the best parts of multiple approaches requires creativity and works against “process fundamentalism.”
Lean focuses on squeezing out waste to maximize efficiency, reduce costs and increase throughput and quality. Agile has as its primary focus delivering results by minimizing unnecessary documentation and control and maximizing open, organic communications. Lean’s focus on continuous process improvement, based on an analytical systems and process analysis of performance adds significant value to the generally more informal, single project focused intuitive approach of Agile. The informal approach moderates the analytical approach to keep continuous improvement itself lean and agile.
Summary
The goals of combining lean and agile are to deliver performance efficiency and effectiveness through free flowing, meaningful communication, self-managed teams, and commitment to success. Managed change, and continuous improvement are integrated into the process.
Agile & Scrum Basis
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