Examples of Large-Scale Agile Projects in Enterprise Settings

Projects are often misunderstood in the context of agile methodologies. While some may argue that an agile approach is inherently best for smaller, more frequent deliveries and continuous customer feedback, it is by no means limited to such scenarios. Large-scale projects can also benefit significantly from agile techniques, especially in enterprise environments. This article will explore how a mobile app rollout for a bank across 28 countries demonstrates the practical application of agile principles in a large-scale project, and the use of the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe).

A Comprehensive Agile Rollout: A Bank's Mobile App

The case study in question involved the deployment of a mobile banking application for a major international bank. The goal was to provide a consistent user experience across 28 different countries, each with its own unique cultural and regulatory landscape. This required a significant degree of coordination and collaboration among diverse teams, while still delivering value to customers on a regular basis.

Unifying Design with Country-Specific Adaptations

The roll-out began with the development of a universal design for the mobile app, ensuring that it could be adapted to the specific needs and preferences of each country. This universal design served as a backbone, allowing the app to function consistently across all 28 markets. Each country's team was responsible for customizing the design to align with local market requirements, ensuring that the product met the unique needs of each region's users.

Leveraging the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe)

To manage the complexity and scale of this project, the team adopted the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe). This framework is designed to manage large, multi-team projects and align them with their strategic business objectives. SAFe provides a comprehensive set of practices and tools that help teams collaborate effectively and deliver value continuously.

Role of Shared Services in Large-Scale Agile Projects

In addition to the 28 scrum teams, there were shared services that played a critical role in the success of this project. These included shared responsibilities for database design and architect teams. By centralizing certain functions within shared services, the team was able to manage dependencies more effectively and ensure consistency across the project. This model allowed different teams to focus on their specific areas of expertise while still maintaining a unified vision for the project.

Quarterly Planning: Strategic Proactivity

To manage the project effectively, the team employed quarterly planning cycles. These planning sessions helped the team to stay proactive in addressing potential risks and dependencies. By aligning the work of the teams with the strategic goals of the organization, the team was better able to deliver value to customers consistently and address any issues that arose in a timely manner.

Conclusion

The case study of the international bank's mobile app rollout demonstrates that large-scale projects can indeed benefit from agile methodologies. By leveraging a framework like SAFe and employing strategies such as shared services and quarterly planning, the team was able to deliver a consistent experience across 28 countries. This approach not only ensures that the project stays on track but also builds trust and understanding between the development team and the customer.

Key Insights for Enterprise Agile Projects

1. **Unified Design with Adaptation:** Develop a universal design that can be customized to meet local needs, ensuring consistency across a large geographic footprint. 2. **Leverage SAFe Framework:** Use the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) to manage complexity and align with strategic business objectives. 3. **Shared Services:** Institute shared services for common functions to centralize management and improve coordination across teams.

For enterprise teams embarking on large-scale agile projects, adopting these strategies can lead to successful outcomes, paving the way for consistent value delivery and customer satisfaction.