Agile Coaches Align Three Projects Under Single SCRUM Framework

  • Published
  • By David Riley

The Agile Coaching Service provided by the Agile Services Office within the Business and Enterprise Systems (BES) Services Division is actively coaching the Cargo Personnel Movement System (CPMS) Product Line to align its three projects into a focused, single outlook, Scrum framework.

The Cargo Movement Operations System (CMOS), Movements Automated Record Keeping System and On-Line Vehicle Interactive Management System) make up CPMS. These three systems are related and share a userbase, so merging under a single Agile framework is a natural progression.

The Agile coaching team consists of a diverse mix of backgrounds that complement their Agile training and experience as well.

Leading the CPMS engagement, Hanna Gabriel, an agile coach within BES, brings a business analyst and product owner background, Tony Maddin, also an agile coach has a strong technical background and Scrum Master experience, and Daniel Smith a program manager rounds out the team with his Agile contracting knowledge.

By migrating to a single Agile framework, the three Capability Delivery Teams (CDTs) developed release management that hits the userbase at the same time, so the software upgrades will be coordinated under a centralized release time box.

Synchronizing the release cadence ensures less system downtime for customers.

Additionally, CPMS incorporates the cybersecurity team early in the development lifecycle.

“Adding security early will shorten delivery time because cybersecurity requirements will be captured and addressed earlier in the software development lifecycle, they will be involved throughout the process as part of the integrated team,” Gabriel explained.

By incorporating all development team members in our training, level-sets the playing field of their Scrum transformation and shifts the focus to delighting the customer,” added Maddin.

The Agile coaches leveraged their Scrum 101 educational materials to increase skills and knowledge and guide the CDTs framework approach to align with BES Agile Scrum strategy. Seasoned CDT members, personnel in key roles, and newly assigned teammates learned and enhanced skills through the Product Owner 101 and Scrum 101 workshops that were tailored to accommodate the needs of the three CPMS programs.

A focus on enhancing the knowledge and ability of these Scrum teams will allow our Agile coaches to provide additional guidance on maintaining a healthy Agile Strategy for this Product Line, ultimately, reinforcing healthy change management practices. Daniel Smith, agile coach with BES, also provided Contract Reviews to provide feedback and help strengthen contract proposals and Request for Proposal language.

The Agile coaches are thankful for their partnership with Agile leaders on the CPMS product line and were pleased with the determination and willingness of the CPMS CDT members to enhance and learn new skills. They are motivated to bring meaningful software delivery to the customers in a timely manner.