Will Software Development Projects Always Risk Delays?

Abstract

Iterative methods of software development that correct mistakes in the earliest possible stages do help to avoid or at least minimize delays. While Lean springs from manufacturing, the insights that are so relevant there are even more critical in SE. Developing high-quality software saves our money in multiple ways, as customers ask for quality: anything that falls short can result in the need to rework code, fix bugs, and sometimes even revisit requirements, architecture, and/or design. These fixes inevitably lead to delays that put off deliverables and cost extra hours that must be invested in repairing the product. The biggest impact of bad software is damage to your brand: even only one screw-up gives customers a great excuse to choose the competition next time around. There is certainly great room for improvement, but it is undeniable that the SE industry has come a long way in a reasonably short period of time.