Can we use Traditional metrics as-is in Agile?

Figure 2 Traditional Metrics do not fit in Scrum

Traditional Metrics usually focus on measuring various aspects of planned versus actual. The idea is to track any variances against the detailed plan. They also measure quantum or size  of scope delivery. 

Intention of these metrics is to measure and showcase the efficiency of the delivery be it the schedule or cost adherence, Scope delivered or quality of the delivery.

Some of the usual metrics companies track are

1. Schedule Variance or Cost Variance
2. Size of work packets (KLOC / No of use cases / No of test cases etc)
3. Scope adherence – how we track Scope variance or rework and how we reduce the rework
4. Productivity  

The above metrics are set to track if we are delivering as per agreed plan. – But in Scrum and Agile the plans are changing often as we believe that while planning is indeed valuable – plans need to be updated often. Then these metrics to track against a plan do not seem relevant when plans are being updated very often.

Another key point missing in the above metrics is the focus on value – Agile Manifesto says that as agilists our highest priority is to deliver Valuable Software. The metrics listed above measure only “what work the team did” they do not measure “what Value was generated” – For a Scrum Team to ensure their effectiveness and efficiency we need metrics that can quantify the Value.

Do we need Metrics in Agile Projects?

We saw in earlier section that traditional metrics do not help when working in an Agile manner. The question then comes to mind is, do you really need metrics while working in Agile?

The answer is a definite yes – When done well, Metrics provide us with transparency by giving quantified information that does not depend upon individual perception. This quantified information helps us to inspect the work we are doing and the value we are delivering. The inspection then allows us to adapt our way of working to improve the value we deliver.

In other words, metrics help us to work in an empirical manner.

Figure 3 Why do we need Metrics in Agile?

What should we measure while working in Scrum?

In my experience there are 3 major dimensions where metrics provide us basis or the transparency to inspect and adapt

1. Value – Are we delivering Value? Scrum focuses on Value and our Product Owner is tasked in maximizing value of product. We need to have metrics that quantify and capture the value we have created. 
2. Frequency – Are we delivering value frequently enough so that we help our customers have competitive advantage? – Agile Manifesto tells us that we believe in continuous delivery of valuable products. 
3. Day to Day Metrics – These are the metrics which helps the Scrum Team to inspect and then adapt their way of working so that they become more effective and efficient.

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2020 taught us to be Agile

Most of us wanted 2020 to go away as soon as possible. 2020 will be remembered as an year of catastrophe. We all got affected in some way or the others. Some of us lost our friends, neighbors, family members, acquaintances… Someone whom we knew was gone…  It was certainly the most challenging year for the mankind.

However 2020 also taught us one very important aspect of life. And that is to be open to “inspecting and adapting”. This central “agile DNA” of mankind got activated in 2020.

In our personal life, we had to change quite a lot. Wearing masks, social distancing, avoiding crowds, waiting for the next elevator if it’s having 3-4 people already, spending more time with family, finding personal space even with everyone around you, focusing on only the necessities and keeping it simple… And the list goes on……

In our professional life, we had to change the way we work, business models changed, travel stopped, in-person meetings stopped, the meaning of face-to-face changed from being co-located to zoom-face-to-face, the way we looked at data-security changed… And again the list goes on….

Did we all have to “inspect and adapt”? The answer is a big “YES” everywhere.. Are all challenges over as we turn the year from 2020 to 2021? The answer is a big “NO”…

“Being Agile” is now a part of our lives. It’s a central DNA of us as a mankind. As more uncertainties emerge in 2021, we will have to remain on our toes. If we need to change then we need to change…. period….

As professional life unfolds in 2021, we may see a lot of changes in the way people work

• We will start valuing our colleagues more. We will value “individuals and interactions over processes and tools”.
• We will have more openness to change rather than getting stuck to long-term-baselined plans. We will value “Responding to change vs following a plan”.
• We will still believe that “the most efficient and effective method of conveying information to and within a team will still remain face-to-face conversation”. Most of us did learn over last few years about communicating in-person instead of sending emails. Now, people will even remove the misunderstanding about face to face being the same as co-location. Zoom communications will still be face to face communication.
• We will learn the importance of “trust” when people work remotely. Leadership teams will learn to create environment of support and trust. The importance of “self-organization”, “trust” and “motivation” will increase. The role of a “manager” will slowly change to a “leader” who “enables and serves”.
• “Collaborations” would increase since we would use the online communication channels more effectively rather than waiting to meet someone in person. We will start valuing “Collaborations over contracts”.
• The products that we would develop would be more on the “Inspect and Adapt” concepts. The importance of “working products over comprehensive documentation” would increase.
• We will start focusing on “simplicity”. We have learnt big-time in 2020 that keeping it simple always help. Focus on essentials and not on everything. We could simplify our life so much during the lockdowns.
• And the list goes on…..

Do this not bring the relevance of what those 17 great people wrote in the “Agile Manifesto“?

2020 taught us a lot. 2020 was a learning. Let us take a moment and inspect what we learnt in 2020. Let us use the learning and adapt to the whole new “world of agile“. Happy new year to everyone.

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