Construction is an industry that has been reliant on structure, strict processes and a straightforward project management approach. However, in our progressing world, project management practices must advance as well. This is where Agile IT practices find their value. Agile IT practices are a methodology originally created for software development but have shown much crossover value in the construction space.
Below we will discuss how Agile can be flexible, collaborative and efficient in project management for construction, and transform how projects are planned, executed and completed.
How Does Agile Work?
Agile got its start in technology, focusing on iterative progress, collaboration and adaptability. Teams break projects into smaller tasks, called sprint and work in short cycles to continuously improve through feedback and changing inputs. Agile’s flexibility allows quick and frequency adjustments, which fits perfectly in construction.
While Agile may have started in software, its focus on adaptability and incremental progress has value in many industries. The construction industry stands to benefit significantly from this approach as it’s heavy on strict timelines/turnovers and persistent challenges.
The Need for Flexibility in Construction
Construction is always changing – unexpected weather impacts and delays, or safety/standard changes can derail a robust plan very quickly. Traditional project management takes a linear approach, while Agile allows for routine updates to plans based on new developments. Agile breaks down the project into smaller chunks, allowing some areas to change as needed without having notable impacts on other sections not affected.
Agile still requires project planning, but gives room for flexibility and quick reaction time to changes. As construction projects become more complex, this flexibility helps remove risk and allows project teams to adapt with the incoming changes.
How Agile Can Benefit Construction Projects
1. Improved Collaboration and Communication
In construction, multiple parties are involved and communication issues can cause delays. Agile promotes daily stand-ups – brief meetings to discuss current statuses and next moves. These brief updates involve all parties so everyone is up-to-speed and can coordinate accordingly.
Improving communication between involved parties and project teams can get ahead of problems before they arise. In addition, creating a collaborative environment breeds more creative solutions and better problem-solving.
2. Better Risk Management
With Agile, risks are dealt with early through daily stand-ups and project feedback periods. If/when issues arise, the team can quickly adjust priorities, schedules and/or resources. Being proactive with risk minimizes disruptions to the project timeline.
Instead of waiting for issues to develop and impact the job, Agile’s continuous feedback loop works to identify risks out front and develop solutions to mitigate risk before they can impact the project at all.
3. Faster Delivery and Efficiency
Another advantage of Agile is the accelerated turnover of small parts of the project (called sprints). Instead of waiting for the final deliverable, teams can work on individual components and revise them based on feedback. This cycle of small improvements reduces rework and accelerates final deliveries.
With the Agile approach, if a design problem is discovered, it’s handled early in the process, rather than discovering it late and creating a panic to avoid delays. Agile allows teams to move quickly and adjust project elements, which improves overall project pace.
4. Enhanced Stakeholder Engagement
Agile involves stakeholders throughout the project for exposure to progress. With old-school construction, clients may only see results at major milestones. Agile provides continuous updates, so progress can be documented and tracked throughout the life cycle of the job. This transparency helps manage expectations and ensures the final product aligns with the client’s vision.
Constant stakeholder involvement allows for their feedback to directly influence the project. This will lead to fewer revisions and surprises at the end and creates a strong, trusting relationship between teams and clients.
Challenges of Agile in Construction
While Agile offers clear benefits, its implementation in construction has many challenges as well. Construction is a highly-regulated industry and some teams may resist Agile due to inexperience or disagreement with sprints/turnover approach.
External factors including suppliers, permitting and regulation firms may not have a much flexibility as Agile demands. However, effective communication and buy-in from all parties can aid in overcoming this. Gradual implementation and stakeholder education are just a few methods to implementing Agile in construction projects.
Getting Started with Agile in Construction
If you’re considering Agile for your next construction project, here are a few tips:
- Educate Your Team: Teach your team about the approach and utility of agile. The more they understand, the more efficiently the team can operate.
- Start Small: Implement Agile on small jobs first to see its real application before jumping to bigger projects.
- Foster Collaboration: Keep all parties informed and in constant communication.
- Encourage Feedback: Feedback is what makes Agile work. Ensure effective feedback loops are installed
- Iterate and Improve: Refine the process to constantly improve and gain more through each phase of the job until completion.
Conclusion
Agile practice takes the entire project and breaks it down into smaller parts that segment the project into “sprints”. This approach allows for increased flexibility to mitigate changes and keep projects on track.
In the change-heavy industry of construction, using Agile IT Practices can be a solid approach to keep projects on schedule and turn over more of the project before final deliverables are due. Agile uses constant feedback to improve and involve stakeholders for transparency in progress.