Both the Agile and Scrum methodologies were created by software developers to help them improve upon the department-based production techniques common in the industry. These techniques wasted time, cost employers more, and made fixing problems on the fly nearly impossible. As a result, most of the jargon used in official Agile and Scrum communications is centered around software development. However, Scrum and Agile can be easily utilized in other industries. Today, we’ll take a look at how Scrum can help your business, even if you’re not developing software!

 

Break Projects into Small Tasks

While a final releasable product is produced at the end of each stage, Scrum’s Sprint process never loses sight of the overall goal for the final product. If you have a major project that needs to be completed, Scrum allows you to break the project into small stages, making even the largest tasks seem more manageable. At each Sprint, your teams will feel accomplished rather than overwhelmed by the prospect of more work ahead. Best of all, as priorities change, or challenges come up, your teams will be able to address them quickly before they become major problems.

 

Gain Transparency in the Workplace

One of Scrum’s main principles is a transparent work process. At any time, the ScrumMaster should be able to see exactly where each team is in the process. Many ScrumMasters implement daily meetings with their teams to see what work has been done and what challenges came up. These meetings are short and designed to provide transparency in the management and production process. Without micromanaging the teams, ScrumMasters will be kept up to date on progress throughout each Sprint.

 

Improves Flexibility

Individual teams should be made up of individuals with different areas of expertise. This effectively allows them to work as their own small division of the company, fixing any problems as they arise rather than pausing work to send the project to another dedicated department. Not only will this improve collaboration within each Scrum Team, but it also streamlines the work process, helping your employees complete tasks more quickly and efficiently.

 

Encourages Self-Management

While ScrumMasters are there to help keep things on track and convey the status of the project to the stakeholders and the CSPO, they are not managers in the traditional sense. Each team is in charge of the work they do and the organizational structure they wish to complete it in. Teams are, in effect, autonomous, and can run themselves as they see fit. This is particularly beneficial for those who find traditional management techniques stifling or ineffective.

 

Don’t believe the hype that Scrum is only for software development companies. The values and philosophies can benefit every business in every industry. Register for ScrumMaster certification course today!