Agile Transformation Strategy Is A Lot Like Lean

Fascinating conversation with an executive of an agile software development firm about transformation projects as they compare to lean manufacturing initiatives. Lean transformations have settled into starting with training heavily laced with practical activities. The reason that this is so important is that the approach is NOT intuitive.

Lean requires a person to experience how the concepts can change and increase the value of a process, whether it be software development or manufacturing products. One of the most valuable exercises is the traditional lean manufacturing simulation consisting of 4-5 iterations of improvement to clearly reveal how each lean concept influences results. Many times an executive level version of this simulation kicks off a lean project because of it’s powerful way of revealing the value of lean principles. For more on lean look at the excellent web site www.leanexecutive.com.

The paradigm shift is the most difficult barrier to overcome in both lean and agile. The agile company used to have a client strategy of doing an agile project first followed by a transformation project. The current approach flips the order to start with transformation efforts with “practical” training. It’s remarkable how similar the lean and agile approaches have evolved AND there is much to learn from being a student of both. For example, my post on agile estimating serves the lean community well. As techniques and approaches are proven out in each area, innovative application to the other area should be considered. This is a great example of looking outside the four walls for business process innovation.  

Let me know what you think about how lean and agile compare to each other.

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