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The benefits of using Scrum as a working method are manifold. The Scrum framework is based on fundamental principles of transparency, inspection, and adaptation while emphasizing collaboration, teamwork, and delivering value in iterative increments.
It is a framework that enables teams to adapt quickly to changing circumstances. Unlike traditional project management approaches, which rely on detailed planning and rigid control, Scrum enables teams to respond flexibly to changes and challenges that arise during project development.
These benefits make Scrum an attractive option for companies looking to optimize their processes to increase value in their products and achieve successful results.
Below, we will explore the benefits of using Scrum in project management and product development and how this framework can drive organizational success.
What is Scrum?
Before learning about the benefits of using Scrum, it is necessary to understand what this framework is:
Scrum is based on the regular application of a set of collaborative practices to get the best results in a project. These practices are supported by an exhaustive study of independent and interdisciplinary teams.
“Scrum is characterized by periodic and partial delivery of the final product, prioritizing according to the benefit it brings to the recipient of the project.”
Scrum is especially suitable for complex environments where fast delivery is required, requirements are changing or poorly defined, and innovation, competitiveness, flexibility and productivity are key elements.
Scrum is characterized by the execution of projects in short, fixed-duration time cycles, known as sprints. These iterations, which generally last 2 weeks (although in some teams they may be 3 or even 4 weeks maximum in order not to lose sight of the goal), set a maximum limit to get real feedback in retrospective and reflect.
Each iteration aims to provide a complete result, an increment of the final product that can be delivered to the customer with minimum effort when requested.
Benefits of using Scrum
Some of the benefits of using Scrum as a working method in enterprises are:
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Adaptability to change
Scrum is a dynamic framework that provides flexibility for teams to respond with agility to changes in project specifications, customer needs, or market conditions. The Product Owner has the duty to prioritize those PBIs or User Stories in the Product Backlog that he/she believes can add the most value to the product.
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Maximizing Return of Investment (ROI)
Regular project management allows maximizing the ROI by constantly evaluating the pending benefit to be obtained in relation to the development costs. This provides the ability to terminate the project when the expected benefits outweigh the remaining costs.
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Early return of investment
By allowing the customer to start using the most important results of the project before its full completion, an earlier return on investment can be obtained. This allows for self-funding and to take advantage of market opportunities before competitors.
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Early delivery of value
The framework is based on the delivery of functional increments in each Sprint. As a result, customers and stakeholders get tangible, functional results in a shorter period of time. Enabling timely delivery of value gives you the ability to verify if the project is on track and get useful feedback that will help shape future iterations and ultimately increase the level of quality in the final product.
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Early risk mitigation
By addressing issues early in the first iteration and making them visible, risk mitigation can be initiated early. This saves time and effort by avoiding costly technical errors and resolving problems before they become major obstacles.
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Effective collaboration and team self-management
Scrum promotes a team-centric approach and encourages active collaboration among members. Scrum teams are self-managed, which means that they have the responsibility for planning, organizing, and performing their work. This autonomy and shared responsibility fosters motivation, creativity, and productivity, leading to better results and a greater sense of ownership in the team.
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Continuous improvement and learning
The Scrum framework incorporates a cycle of continuous improvement through retrospectives. At the end of each Sprint, the team meets to analyze and reflect on the results.
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More Accurate Estimating and Planning
Scrum uses techniques such as point-based estimation and sprint planning, which helps to improve estimation accuracy and to have a clearer view of project scope and timelines.
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Increased customer satisfaction
By making regular, partial deliveries of product increments, Scrum enables early feedback from the customer and ensures that the product meets their needs and expectations.
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Increased transparency and visibility into project progress
Scrum provides tools, such as Scrum boards, and practices that promote transparency in project development, allowing clear tracking of progress and early identification of potential problems.
Scrum promotes transparency by clearly defining roles and responsibilities, which helps set clear expectations and keep everyone involved informed about who is responsible for what aspects of the project.
Get the benefits of Scrum with DoneTonic
DoneTonic is an intuitive software for agile project management using agile methodologies, such as the Scrum framework or Kanban boards.Benefits of Using Scrum
In DoneTonic, project management with Scrum has proven to be highly beneficial for teams and product development.
DoneTonic allows users to create projects using the Scrum framework, which will prioritize the elements of the product backlog. It will also visually capture the tasks to be performed, allowing to assign those tasks to certain team members, assigning them a priority, a completion date, a label, etc.
DoneTonic also provides metrics such as the burndown chart where development progress can be easily observed.
Although the tool has a paid version with enhancements, it has an unlimited version that is completely free.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the benefits of Scrum in project management can bring many advantages to organizations.
Using an agile approach allows teams to easily make adjustments in response to change, promote effective collaboration, facilitate early delivery of value, and provide greater visibility and transparency into the development process. Customer satisfaction is enhanced by actively involving them in the process and delivering tangible results on an ongoing basis. In addition, Scrum fosters continuous improvement and learning through periodic retrospectives, leading to greater project efficiency and quality.
In summary, Scrum has become a widely recognized and successful methodology that drives project success by focusing on collaboration, adaptability and value delivery.