5 Steps to Accelerate Software Development

Time is a very valuable resource. The situation in the IT-sphere can literally change every day. Therefore, you should work at high speed to keep up with all the trends and provide consumers with only relevant products. But what if your current team is running low on resources? Here are five tips to help you improve your overall speed.

1. Make a Clear Roadmap

A clear plan should be drawn up even before starting the main work on a project. However, if you realize that something is going wrong in the process, revise it. A roadmap will help the entire team stay organized and motivated. Your plan should include:

• the main stages of work;
• distribution of employees;
• expected results and timing;
• performance indicators;
• planned events, e.g., meetings;
• investments, risks, and much more.

Every employee should have this information.

2. Expand a Team

Software development is a rather complex process, which involves many different specialists: from developers to analysts and testers. If we talk about increasing the speed of the developers’ work, then it can be increased by expanding the team and adding new employees. To avoid wasting time searching and interviewing candidates, you can turn to team extension services like Sibedge for help. You will be able to quickly fill in the gaps existing in your team with specialists with the necessary experience.

3. Reduce Multitasking

If several jobs are started simultaneously, the attention of workers is scattered. As practice shows, multitasking is the least effective approach in the long term. Various task management systems (like Kanban boards) can help you limit the number of WIPs. Thus, until some tasks are completed, employees will not start performing the new ones. It also helps identify bottlenecks in the team’s work, as you can pinpoint exactly where development is stalled.

4. Automate Some Processes

Of course, you cannot completely automate software development, but some jobs can be performed without the participation of engineers. Automated testing significantly reduces the time it takes to validate codes and allows your employees to pay attention to other issues. Continuous Integration and Delivery also positively affect the work speed on a project due to fast iteration and reduction of manual errors.

5. Track Business Hours

It would seem that the more hours a day you work, the more tasks you can complete. However, it is not true. After a certain amount of time, you feel fatigued, and your efficiency begins to decline. It is believed that a person can remain productive for six to seven hours, after which they start making mistakes. Avoid your employees’ overworking, and give them time for short breaks.

Focus on the Human Factor

No matter how clear and correct the process of organizing work from a technical point of view might seem, in the end, a lot depends on the human factor. Develop your soft skills to find an approach to each team member and listen to the requests and advice of your employees. The important thing is not to focus on getting the product out as soon as possible but on organizing the work most efficiently.

Do you agree with these points? How do you manage to increase the speed of work?