In the previous blog post, we talked about Ad Hoc Engineering, the lowest level of engineering team maturity. In this blog post, we'll discuss the next level, Repeatable Engineering. Teams at this level have basic processes in place and can consistently repeat their successes. However, there are still some common problems that teams at this level encounter, and risks that come with them.
What is Repeatable Engineering?
A repeatable engineering process is a set of procedures and best practices that a software development team uses to ensure consistency and quality in their work. It involves implementing processes that can be repeated across different projects to ensure that the team can consistently deliver high-quality work.
For example, a repeatable engineering process might involve creating a standardized development environment, such as using virtual machines, which can be easily replicated across different projects. This ensures consistency in the development environment, reducing the likelihood of bugs and other issues.
Role of Engineering Managers
Engineering managers play a critical role in creating a framework for success, setting clear goals, providing guidance, and being available to answer questions or provide support when needed. They can also help solve problems typical of this stage, such as limited documentation and version control, a lack of defined roles and responsibilities, and limited problem-solving capabilities.
For example, an engineering manager may establish a code review process to ensure that code is adequately documented and adheres to the team's standards. They may also establish a clear framework for documenting work, tracking changes over time, and ensuring that everyone on the team understands their individual responsibilities.
Common Problems at Repeatable Engineering Level
Limited Documentation and Version Control
Without proper documentation and version control, it's challenging to keep track of changes and ensure that work is adequately tracked and managed. According to a survey by GitLab, 47% of developers believe that documentation is crucial for effective collaboration, yet only 27% of teams have a defined process for creating it. This can lead to delays in the project, misunderstandings, and confusion among team members.
For example, a lack of documentation and version control may lead to mistakes in the product. If you have an update to the project specification from a manager and post it on a Slack channel, expecting it to be done, mistakes may arise if it's not adequately documented, leading to confusion and delays in the project.
Lack of Defined Roles and Responsibilities
When team members are unclear about their individual responsibilities and what is expected of them, it can lead to confusion, misunderstandings, and ultimately delays in the project. According to a study by the Software Engineering Institute, 30% of development project failures are due to poorly defined roles and responsibilities.
For example, a lack of defined roles and responsibilities may lead to misunderstandings in the team, causing developers to work on the same task, or leaving important tasks unaddressed.
Limited Problem-Solving Capabilities
When a team is not proactive in addressing problems and instead relies on past successes, it can lead to stagnation and missed opportunities. According to a survey by Deloitte, 94% of executives believe that a culture of innovation is essential to their success, yet only 14% believe they have a clear and concise strategy for fostering innovation.
For example, limited problem-solving capabilities may lead to developers relying on past solutions to problems, rather than taking a creative approach to finding a solution. This may result in missing opportunities to solve the problem in a better way.
Risks of not addressing problems at Repeatable Engineering Level
Developers may become complacent due to the repetition of their work and lack of variety. This can lead to a decline in productivity and creativity, which can ultimately impact the success of the project. To avoid this, it's essential to keep the team engaged and motivated by introducing new challenges and opportunities for growth.
For example, providing opportunities for developers to learn new technologies, or to work on different projects can help them stay motivated and engaged, allowing them to take on new challenges and grow their skills.
Solutions for a Repeatable Engineering Process
To mitigate the common problems and risks, it's essential to establish clear documentation and version control processes, clarify roles and responsibilities, and promote continuous improvement through training and problem-solving exercises.
For example, to establish clear documentation and version control processes, a team may use a version control system, such as GitLab, to keep track of changes and ensure that documentation is always up-to-date. To clarify roles and responsibilities, the team may create a document outlining each member's role and the tasks they are responsible for. To promote continuous improvement, the team may hold regular retrospectives to identify areas for improvement and implement changes.
Conclusion
A repeatable engineering process is critical for the success of software development teams. By implementing the solutions we have discussed and being aware of the potential problems and risks, you can help your team operate at the highest level. Remember that engineering managers play a crucial role in establishing a repeatable engineering process, solving problems typical of this stage, and mitigating risks for developers. By doing so, the productivity, motivation, and growth of developers can be enhanced, leading to higher quality work and overall success for the team.
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