Value Stream Mapping is a tool where we can visually document the process of creating a product. It’s a way for us to to document the process itself and also document the areas within those processes that add value to a product. Typically, this manifests itself in starting with the product and working backwards towards origin points. Because of this, we’ll work through the various processes that build the product and the areas in which value is added. We document all of that. In software, that typically means we’ll start with the end user and we’ll work backwards to the back end systems and ultimately feed that user with data and server needs.
Four Tips To Integrate Value Stream Mapping:
- Don’t get stuck on current state
- Don’t get stuck on future state
- The purpose of mapping is action
- Don’t be afraid to check and pivot
Ultimately, what we want is to have a visual that we can all work from that really does a good job of identifying where the waste is. There are several important questions to consider. Where are we not adding value to the customer? Where are we not adding value to the data that our customer uses? Where are we not changing the product, somehow? How can we build a plan to eliminate as much of that waste as possible. Or to be more efficient and effective in the process, or product that we’re developing.
Better Software Development Through Collaborative Communication
Collaborative communication in software development is so important, as it helps you anticipate obstacles, figure out how to resolve them and ensure you have a well-rounded product. In this Tech in 2, Senior Consultant Jennifer Butler shares three keys to collaborative communication.
Learning From Old Code to Improve New Code
When faced with very old code, a developer might question “what were they thinking?” or “who would design something like this?” In reality, though, there’s actually a lot that can be learned from old code. In this Tech in 2, Principal Consultant Jeremy Swineheart shares three keys to learning from old code.
Solving Common Problems in Software Development
A couple of the biggest challenges that Client Executive Hannah Stork is seeing in software development currently are capacity-based issues and speed-to-market challenges. In this Tech in 2, hear from Hannah as she shares three tips to solve these common problems.
Maximizing Efficiency, Not Productivity
In software development, efficiency is incredibly important. Perhaps even more so than productivity. In this Tech in 2, Senior Consultant Jennifer Butler explains why and shares three tips for driving efficiency in your software development teams.