In the world of DevOps, the topic of value stream management( VSM) is hot. Can a data-driven approach help organizations improve their value streams? Many think that it is possible. However, a few skeptics believe that this approach should be busted. Below are some of the more common myths surrounding value stream management services from companies like ValueEdge.
Myth 1: It Conflicts with DevOps
Many users seem to wonder if another tool is even necessary with DevOps. They feel VSM may get in the way of workflows. The truth is that both DevOps and value stream management are powerful allies. Both are focused on helping organizations improve their software’s value streams.
DevOps’ rise has allowed developers to improve software delivery speed, but doing so without real value to the customers is not good enough. As a result, businesses can measure their value from their software delivery and practices through value stream management. This approach can help improve the performance of any value stream within an organization.
Through value stream mapping, organizations can identify areas of waste and process blocks and uncover opportunities for automation. This approach can help DevOps teams identify the steps they need to take to achieve their goals.
Myth 2: VSM Results in Developers Being Treated Like Cogs
Some argue that value stream management is too focused on measuring how software teams perform, allowing people to weaponize the data. This is not an effective way to use the tools. Instead, they can help organizations avoid costly delays by identifying the root causes of their issues. For instance, if a release is delayed due to a lack of approvals, then the solution can help justify the cost of training and other changes.
We’ll need to invent better tools to prevent people from blaming others for their shortcomings. But in the meantime, new methods like pair mapping can help people better understand the data gaps. Another common myth is that value stream management leads to developing a factory-like environment where developers lack autonomy. This is not the case, as the goal of value stream mapping was never to create a depressing workplace.
Value stream management aims to remove the repetitive tasks that no one wants to do. It’s designed to help developers have more autonomy and purpose in their work.
Myth 3: Developers Don’t Need VSM
Most developers don’t understand why they need to implement value stream management. They often think of it as an abstraction that doesn’t connect to their day-to-day work life. Instead, developers should care about this concept because it can help them realize that what they’re doing makes a difference. Through value stream management, they can clearly understand how their work contributes to the company’s overall success.
Most people want to feel like they’re contributing to a larger mission. Through value stream management, they can see how their efforts make a difference in the company. They can also gain a deeper understanding of the customers they’re helping. Depending on the organization’s size, implementing value stream management can be challenging for developers. However, it can help bring everyone on the same page.
Developers in larger organizations tend to face a slower pace of progress, leading to a lack of enthusiasm and creativity among the team members. Value stream thinking can help them restart their projects and reinvigorate their efforts.
As you can see, these myths have no ground to stand on. Instead, a reliable VSM platform can help organizations improve performance and make necessary changes. Bust any myth by
