Recorded webinar: Predictable software releases at scale

Table of contents

How to improve release predictability
Workflow disruption from undefined done criteria
Avoid release cycle bottlenecks
Trust and predictability for smarter decisions

TL;DR

The webinar explains how establishing a clear “definition of done,” catching user acceptance testing and feature specs early, and using tools like Easy8 to increase transparency are vital for reducing release chaos and building trust between business and technology.

How to improve release predictability 

Achieving predictable releases is crucial for any company, bridging the gap between business and technology. The webinar with Dušan Pavić who has been in a role Scrum master, CEO, Agile coach and product manager highlighted common pitfalls and expert advice for improving predictability.

One of the first steps to ensuring predictable releases is to establish a shared "definition of done" across all departments and teams involved in the process. Adding more developers doesn't automatically equate to more output; it can create overhead if the fundamental processes aren't correct. The sources suggest that fixing the basics is paramount before scaling teams.

Workflow disruption from undefined done criteria

Without a clear and consistent understanding of what "done" truly means, projects can suffer.

Recurring symptoms of poor predictability include:

• Customers complaining about the product.
• Releases not being prepared or delivered on time, often followed by hotfixes shortly after going live, which disrupts workflow and costs time and money.
• Missing transparency between business and product teams, leading to misunderstandings about complexity and effort.

Avoid release cycle bottlenecks

To achieve predictable releases, user acceptance testing must happen before the release, and there needs to be transparency and clear communication across teams, often facilitated by visual tools like Easy8. 

It's crucial to understand that a great project management software alone isn't enough; proper process hygiene and discipline are essential to maximise its value.

Common bottlenecks often experienced in release cycles include:

• vague feature specifications accepted by the product team, 
• defects found too late, and skipping user acceptance testing,
• unfocused project meetings can also significantly impede progress.

Trust and predictability for smarter decisions

Predictability allows for informed decision-making, as evidenced by CEOs often being the last to recognise issues.

Want to dive deeper into how to achieve predictable releases and build trust within your organisation? Watch the full webinar to gain comprehensive insights and practical advice!