Our Simple Approach
Computer Science remains a scientific discipline. As of 2024, there are relatively few established laws governing computer science and productivity. In practice, strategies that are effective in one organization may not necessarily succeed in another. Even within a single organization, approaches that work for one team might fail for another. Consequently, in the pursuit of better software outcomes, it is more practical not to look for prescriptive solutions, but rather to identify and avoid ineffective practices. By eliminating negative factors, we are left with either neutral or positive outcomes.
As with any scientific field, establishing reliable facts for your organization requires methodical experimentation and valid measurements. Academia and research institutions maintain strict adherence to this rigorous approach, which consistently leads to superior outcomes. Our mission is to integrate this level of scientific scrutiny into your software engineering processes. By applying these principles, we aim to optimize the performance and results of your organization within its specific operational constraints.
We are staunch advocates for the empowerment of individual software developers, believing firmly in their potential to refine and enhance their practices for better software outcomes. Our objective is to develop these key competencies at the individual level while simultaneously fostering an environment that supports these capabilities organization-wide. We are confident that with these practices in place, your organization will possess the ability to self-improve at a quantifiable rate, independently of continuous external assistance.
In our evaluations, we measure the impact of software development efforts primarily through the lenses of economic outcomes and risk mitigation. Should our initiatives not significantly affect these critical areas, we maintain a healthy skepticism about their value. We also champion the notion that individual engineers should proficiently communicate within their teams, aligning all activities and behaviors with these economic and risk-related metrics. Moreover, these engineers should be equipped to independently advocate for necessary enhancements to executive leadership, articulating their arguments in terms relevant to business economics.
Our overarching strategy is centered on minimizing waste in software delivery systems. This focus holds irrespective of the specific academic methodologies employed, whether they be Agile, Theory of Constraints, Lean, or another framework. Our goal is to improve outcomes through the education and empowerment of engineers, enabling them to self-advocate in terms that resonate with executive decision-makers, all without relying on the prolonged presence of external consultants or coaches.
Rather than precipitately initiating the implementation of technical practices and process improvements—potentially influenced by existing biases—our methodology emphasizes the foundational step of education and accurate measures within your organization. We guide your leadership team through the meticulous creation of a comprehensive diagram that outlines the necessary processes and workflows for effective software delivery. This strategy employs Value Stream Mapping, which we have dubbed the ‘map of truth.’ This critical tool does more than merely catalog processes; it provides a detailed examination of the value contributed by each code repository, clarifies its function within the product portfolio, and delineates the essential processes for building and deploying new value to your customers. Additionally, this approach includes a thorough analysis of quantifiable inefficiencies present across all activities involved.
The execution of this mapping is not left to chance but is spearheaded by your directors, augmented by the expertise of our specialized consultant. We assert that it is crucial for these executive leaders to rapidly assimilate this capability, as it empowers them to propagate this invaluable knowledge throughout the organization effectively.
Upon the completion of this detailed mapping, our focus shifts to identifying and cataloging existing inefficiencies. Subsequent steps involve the collaborative development of a strategic action plan aimed at eradicating these inefficiencies through precise organizational, process, or technical modifications.
The journey does not end with initial improvements; it is cyclical. We engage in continuous cycles of remapping, applying corrective measures, and reassessing outcomes. This iterative process ensures that the organization not only achieves but sustains improvements, ultimately fostering an environment where teams are equipped to self-optimize continually with measurable, investable changes.