Agile methodology to
boost efficiency


Agility
 
Cegedim Insurance Solutions deploys a development based on "agile" methodology.

This is very distinct from more standard methodologies such as the V- or waterfall models, which require each stage in the project to be completed before testing and roll-out.

These are predictive approaches. The main issue they throw up is the late detection of risks, requiring the development phase to be completed before the test phase can begin.

Agile methods were born out of the realisation that it is counterproductive and risky to plan each and every detail of a product before development. This is particularly the case for IT projects, wich always throw up unforeseen challenges.

This is why Cegedim Insurance Solutions has integrated agile methods into its solution development: this process allows for optimal results within set deadlines.

Four fundamental values

Individuals and their interaction before processes and tools:


Teamwork is highly valued and interaction between team members
is a source of improvement.

Collaboration with customers, not contractual relations:


Customers are stakeholders during the development phase and give regular feedback to confirm that all developments comply with their wishes. Our customers also get better visibility as to how to implement their chosen solution.

Operational functions before documentation:


Application functionality is the central concern, while other aspects of the project are of secondary importance.

Accepting change rather than sticking to plans:

              
Flexibility is everything in agile development, coming into play in the project scope, schedule and more.

Key principles of the V-model cycle
Versus agile methodology

Key principles agile methodology  

Using agile methodology
to guarantee customer satisfaction

Agile methods are resolutely based around efficiency and creating added value. It creates a genuine relationship
between customers and software developers, employing collaborative practices that use a shared objective as the vision for the project.

Why has Cegedim Insurance Solutions chosen to use agile methodology?


Proven flexibility and improved adaptability to limitations in scope
Transparency and continual information about how a project is developing
A quicker operational handover process
Functions can be used as soon as a product is launched
We deployed the Scrum method among almost all our teams in 2016.

Barriers between our various roles disappeared as collaborative approaches took over, along with an attitude in which a vision for the product is shared between the product owner and the development team. Our common objective is to provide our customers with value.

The dynamic this creates goes beyond simply forming teams: it leads to practice communities being implemented (namely architecture, user interface, product owner and scrum master). These are made up of colleagues committed to sharing knowledge and passing on best practice about a particular subject or role.

Thanks to agile methods, we have also introduced new tools which encourage dialogue and creativity such as story mapping, graphics workshops, innovation games and so on.
This new practice is very effective - and well liked!

 
Florence Haroutiounian 
R&D process manager, leading and supporting changes in teams

 

 

7 agile teams
January 2016


 

24 agile teams
December 2016



Explore the solutions we’ve developed using agile methods

Our solutions

Take it from our developers...

Virginie Jugie

Virginie Jugie

Team member


Communication is very open and cooperation really drives our work within the team. Any difficulties get resolved quickly. Because objectives are clear and there is transparency about where the project is heading, you're working in a very pleasant environment. As a result, objectives are met more frequently.

Philippe Fel

Philippe Fel

Manager


Before, the manager had to bear a lot of responsibilities on their shoulders, such as distributing tasks, identifying technical solutions and operational monitoring. Teams often worked under very standardised management. Everyone was working on their own task and only a few people were involved in keeping it all under coherent control. It wasn't the ideal way to get the best out of every employee - but that was before all the changes! It's now all about collective working.Teams are independent and they use their own initiative. From managing daily workloads to monitoring our advances, everything is done within the team in a more efficient way. Our role has become more dedicated to facilitating, organising and communicating. We clear the path of any obstacles, guide people's ideas and break down any limitations. And we do all this with our ultimate objective in mind: satisfying our customers!

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