If you pit an agile approach against a waterfall project management methodology, there's no consistent winner. In other words, neither is better than the other in all cases. However, when it comes to individual projects, there often is an obvious choice between agile vs. waterfall methodologies.
Our team of software implementation experts runs end-to-end agile and waterfall projects for enterprise-level companies. Through this experience, we have pinpointed the key organizational factors and project requirements that determine which model is best suited to each client. Moreover, we have also developed a hybrid project management approach that offers the best of both worlds to clients stuck between both options.
This article comprehensively covers the differences between each workflow, their ideal use cases, and guidelines for selecting the best option to help you determine your project's ideal software development process.
As with any learning process, it is best to learn from the experts. So, what do specialist project teams consider the key to success?
Software implementation partners are not only technical specialists. These teams also have extensive insight into the nuances of optimal project lifecycle management. This experience shows that, above all, the key to best-in-class implementation services is flexibility.
Our project implementation team considers flexibility the most important aspect of our delivery methodology. While we have a proven framework that ensures successful project execution, we also recognize that every organization has its own culture, level of digital maturity, and project governance structure. Some companies have a well-defined IT methodology and prefer a strict project management framework. In contrast, others look to us for guidance. Our ability to adapt to our clients' preferences allows us to integrate seamlessly into their processes, whether they use tools like Jira or other PMO solutions.
There are two takeaways here. First, if you choose to work with an implementation partner on your project, you need to find a service provider that caters to your ideal project, regardless of whether it's an agile framework, waterfall method, or hybrid approach. Second, whether or not you are working with third parties on your project, you should also take a flexible approach to upfront planning. Even if you have seen success from an agile approach or waterfall methodologies in the past, each project is different, and the ideal option for your next initiative may also vary. With this in mind, understanding the core methodologies—agile, hybrid, and waterfall—will help you determine the best approach for your organization.
Before engaging in detailed planning, you must decide which project workflow you want to follow. The following breakdown of the agile method, waterfall's linear process, and hybrid project management strategies explain the benefits and drawbacks of each approach, as well as the organizational priorities that they cater to during complex projects.
Agile project management is an iterative process, allowing us to develop and refine solutions quickly based on continuous feedback. This framework started in the early 2000s and skyrocketed in popularity between 2020 and 2021. In just one year, agile adoption within software development teams increased from 37% to 86%. However, this widespread interest does not necessarily make agile development the best methodology for every project.
Think of the agile workflow as a cycle. You will go through several iterations of the same sequential process, optimizing the project each time. Iterative cycles are particularly effective for organizations that:
The greatest advantage of agile methodologies is flexibility. You and your software implementation partner can provide course corrections mid-project, ensuring the final product aligns with your evolving business needs. However, one drawback is that organizations need to have dedicated personnel available throughout the project to provide feedback and make decisions.
Waterfall project management follows a linear approach. It's a structured process where each sequential phase must be completed before moving to the next. This model is typically ideal for those with strict regulatory requirements or a highly structured internal project governance framework. Waterfall methodologies are characterized by distinct phases such as discovery, design, configuration, testing, and deployment. Think of waterfall models as a straight line. Each step in the process follows the completion of the last.
Waterfall is best for organizations that:
A pure waterfall approach can avoid uncertainty of the deliverables but can lack the flexibility to incorporate changes mid-project. A formal change control and approval process, often requiring change requests, is used to address any changes to scope. Depending on what is being changed, some may come with additional costs.
For organizations that prefer more upfront planning but still want the adaptability of agile methodologies, a hybrid approach—sometimes called "Wagile"—is an excellent choice. This method starts with a more structured, Waterfall-style requirement-gathering phase but transitions into agile sprints for development.
Hybrid is well-suited for organizations that:
This approach offers more certainty around timelines since requirements are fully defined before development begins. It also minimizes the time commitment for SMEs, as they are mostly engaged in the early stages and later in testing.
Each methodology has its strengths. The right choice depends on your priorities and work culture. Most organizations base their choice on the following key decision factors:
Ultimately, at Canidium, we prioritize flexibility and tailor our approach to each client's needs. Whether through agile's iterative approach, a hybrid structured approach, or waterfall's sequential approach, our expertise ensures a successful pricing transformation that aligns with our clients' strategic goals.
Our primary focus is delivering successful outcomes, and that means adapting to the unique culture, processes, and expectations of each client. While agile project management is the most commonly used approach, some projects require a waterfall model's more structured planning. Alternatively, a hybrid model that balances flexibility with predictability is ideal if you want to garner the benefits of both approaches.
Choosing the right methodology is not about selecting the "best" approach—it's about finding the approach that best fits your business. Contact our specialists if you are unsure which workflow is best for your project. They will talk through your unique organizational factors and requirements to give an expert opinion on your ideal approach. In the meantime, read more about software implementation project timelines in this comprehensive guide.
This article is the fifth installment of our ongoing pricing project series.
These articles are designed to meticulously unfold the complexities of pricing software implementations. Our approach provides a clear roadmap from the project's outset, introducing each crucial phase in detail and making it easier to absorb and apply the information effectively.
Over the course of this series, we will cover the following topics: