Project derailment can happen to everyone. Why? Too many factors affect the software development process. 25 – 85 % of software projects lose momentum. A half-baked, unmanageable codebase can be a result in the worst-case scenario. Still, with exceptions to rare cases, project rescue services help finish software with minimum overruns.
Here is what you need to know about the reasons for project failure, signs that the development process has already gone wrong, and the required steps needed to get it back on track.
Why do software projects shatter?
There is a lack of experience and established processes. Most common reasons why software development projects fail include:
- Miscommunication between product owner and development team
- Lack of coordination between and inside teams
- Use of irrelevant technologies
- No quality control
- Costs overruns due to unforeseen complexity
- Low commitment
- Lack of technical and/or managerial skills by the team
What are the signs the project is going wrong?
Usually, it becomes clear that the team has no control over the development process at a certain point.
Keep track of the following signs to detect project derailment:
- Communication barriers – The team does not do what the product owner asks for.
- Schedule delay – Sprints take longer than estimated.
- Cost overruns – Every Sprint includes unforeseen costs.
- Quality – Source code keeps crashing after it has been fixed.
- Lacking transparency – It is not clear from reports what the team actually does.
If the issues above repeat, start looking for a new, dependable outsourcing partner.
What are the immediate actions?
Even if your project seems to have stuck, it can be rescued after an experienced, reliable team takes it over.
Software development company IT Craft uses a three-step approach to project rescue:
- Diagnostics – the team does code inspection and reviews requirements to determine critical points and prioritize.
- Stabilization – the team turns to action to eliminate negative impact and ensure the source code is stable and ready for the next step.
- Expansion and delivery – missing functionality is added to software; now it is ready for release and maintenance.
No need for waiting
Software development is always a risky activity. When it does not go best-case scenario, it is time to take action and improve the situation.
Pick the right team capable of handling your project and see it move toward a successful launch in clear steps.
