What is Scrum
Scrum is a framework based on the principles of Agile software development methodology. The key feature of Scrum is its iterative approach, i.e. the workflow consists of short cycles, or “sprints”, which usually last from two to four weeks.
For each sprint, a goal and a list of measurable tasks are defined. For example, for software development, these include creating new functionality, releasing updates, fixing critical bugs, etc. At the end of the sprint, the results are demonstrated, the team’s work is analyzed and optimized, and if necessary, changes are made to the product backlog (list of project tasks).
One of the advantages of the method is the ability to defragment a large project, breaking it down into smaller tasks for greater efficiency. When there are many projects, Scrum helps the team to prioritize and build adequate time management.
The workflow in Scrum is regulated using four artifacts:
- Product requirements (product backlog);
- Sprint requirements (sprint backlog);
- Sprint goals;
- Burndown chart;
A typical Scrum team includes:
- Developers – direct implementers: programmers, testers, designers.
- Product owner – a link between the customer and developers, maintains the product backlog, sets global priorities.
- Scrum master – responsible for the proper work of the team, maintains the backlog of the sprint, conducts “flyovers”.
Workflow
The basis, or core, of the workflow in Scrum is the above-mentioned sprint, a period of time from 2 to 4 weeks, during which the team creates a finished product or service (MVP). In a continuous project, sprints follow each other. The workflow includes mandatory checkpoints:
- Sprint planning at the start: discussing the scope of work, task list and deadlines.
- Daily standup: a short 10-15 minute meeting to discuss problems and current tasks for the day.
- Sprint review: a demonstration and analysis of the product when it is ready.
- Sprint retrospective: discussion of the past sprint, optimization of the Scrum process.
In the 1990s and 2000s, when there were no full-fledged Scrum applications yet, we had to use “analog” tools – whiteboard, stickers and logs – to control the project progress. Now there are many solutions on the application software market that help to automate all this (or almost all). In other words, digitalization.
For a full-fledged Scrum process, a project management system should at least have a board with cards of current tasks, where you can see who is doing what, as well as the ability to manage sprint events, product backlog, and burndown chart generation.
Scrum automation tools
Digital Scrum tools have a lot in common in terms of basic functionality, logic, and management. The main differences tend to be performance, UX/UI design, subscription system and all sorts of extensions.
SimpleOne SDLC
SimpleOne SDLC is a Russian software product development lifecycle management system based on agile methodologies. It allows automating key processes of team development according to Scrum methodology – from forming a product portfolio and team backlog to planning sprints, resource allocation and progress visualization on customizable boards. The solution is based on SimpleOne’s proprietary platform, which allows to customize the system using Low-code and No-code tools.
Metrics important for Scrum are displayed in informative charts – berndown to monitor sprint progress, team velocity charts to evaluate iteration performance. This ensures that the team is fully aware of the project status.
The system is tightly integrated with Git tools, allowing you to tie tasks to commits in the repository and track related code changes. The built-in tools also cover role assignment between team members according to the Scrum approach.
SimpleOne SDLC will suit agile teams that develop software products. This can range from software vendors with a small team of technical specialists to large corporations such as banks or retailers with hundreds of developers.
Unlike foreign vendors, SimpleOne developers give users, potential customers and partners the opportunity to directly influence product development and prioritize the release queue for new functionality through a roadmap, idea bank and participation in research.
Jira
Atlassian solution developed in 2002. Universal bug-tracking system with full support for Scrum-workflow. It is used mostly by developers; it is considered as “platform #1” in the world of Agile development. At the same time it is not a very simple application in terms of usability.
Jira has all the necessary tools to manage sprints and track tasks: kanban boards, product and sprint backlogs, integration with third-party products (like Slack and Git), bug accounting, e-mail and push notifications, diagrams etc.
Asana
The product was created in 2011 by two former Facebook employees. It is a comprehensive Scrum application suitable not only for developers. The functionality is more modest than that of Jira (for example, Asana doesn’t have the ability to create custom project templates and fewer plugins), but the list of supported services is wider, including Gmail, Google Drive, Dropbox, among others. In addition, the free version of Asana can be used by a team of 15 people (the same Jira has only a trial version).
Wrike
The web service launched in 2007. Among other things, Wrike has handy ready-made templates for different types of projects: “Marketing Team Management”, “Agile Team Collaboration”, “Help Desk”, “Complex Multi-phase Project”, etc. Unlike Jira, Wrike’s interface is more accessible, the product has more free basic features (e.g. there are timesheets).
Trello
The app was introduced in 2011, and has been owned by Atlassian since 2017. Trello is one of the universal Scrum tools that is in demand by teams not directly related to software development. It is an easy-to-learn product with convenient visualization (kanban boards, cards) that can be used both for team and individual work.
Built-in Scrum tools
In many complex platforms for business process automation, such as ERP systems, support for Scrum methodology is realized in the form of additional plug-ins and applications. And often these options are almost as functional as the products originally “customized” for Scrum. One of the advantages of built-in Scrum tools is that they are integrated into the platform and can easily get along with established business processes. Here are some examples.
SAP Solution Manager Focused Build platform is used to deploy solutions within SAP HANA DBMS. The platform is implemented with an Agile approach and even has a separate project management tool interfaced with a task manager – CoreALM Digital Scrum Board. The solution can be used to manage Scrum projects regardless of the company’s industry.
The popular ITSM system for automating business processes ServiceNow includes an Agile Development (SDLC) application. It allows you to conduct daily standups, maintain product, sprint and release backlogs, and output burnup charts. To activate SDLC and make it fully functional, additional plug-ins must be connected.
Bitrix24 system has a Scrum tool Tasks, which can be used free of charge by a team of up to 12 people; the number of projects and subtasks is not limited. Tasks includes the necessary Scrum options, including kanban board, Gantt charts and employee workload planning.
Automation of Scrum in the SimpleOne platform
SimpleOne’s ESM platform also implements Scrum tools for project management. It includes:
- management of the structure and filling of the backlog;
- management of sprint events (including via Slack);
- visualization: kanban boards, burndown chart;
- integration with other platform tools;
- omnichannel communication with participants (various messengers, e-mail).
One of the advantages of SimpleOne is that the development team implements and tests Scrum functionality on the product itself, using the SAFe methodology (scaled Scrum for large teams of up to 100 people). This allows for a clear understanding of user needs, and for prompt customization and refinement of the relevant tools.
The evolution of SimpleOne implies the transformation of the platform into a full-fledged project management system in accordance with the best practices: ITIL, VeriSM, Scrum. This is a platform that will be suitable for any industries and tasks within the company’s internal departments – from automating the work of the HR department to implementing agile software development processes.
