Complex projects often involve intricate front-end and back-end interactions, multiple components, and extensive collaboration across teams or even geographical locations. These projects present numerous unknowns and technical risks. How can we approach such projects effectively?
The answer lies in the principles of agile delivery:
1. Acknowledge that initial knowledge might be incomplete and adapt as we learn.
2. Implement parts of the solution incrementally to reduce technical risks.
3. Foster a collaborative environment to address challenges promptly.
In this context, I introduce the concept of Test-Driven Integration (TDI), a model where testing is not an endgame but a driving force throughout the project.
Benefits of TDI:
- Secure incremental deliveries, ensuring the final solution is robust.
- Early identification and resolution of issues, reducing potential late-stage project costs.
For practical understanding, let’s delve into the three stages of TDI:
1. Loosely Connected Testing:
At this initial stage, not all components might be available. However, individual components can be validated in a quasi-standalone mode, akin to unit testing. For instance, in a recent project, even though we could only produce unencrypted test assets, we successfully verified the fundamental playout and video quality.
2. Partially Connected Testing:
When most components are delivered but not fully integrated, this testing comes into play. Some manual intervention is required, but it facilitates early problem-solving. In a project, even when there were gaps in the metadata flow, we managed to analyze and refine metadata configurations, setting a benchmark for what's expected.
3. Fully Connected Testing:
This final stage occurs when all components are integrated seamlessly. The aim is to test the entire system without manual intervention, although adjustments for troubleshooting are permissible.
Effective Team Management: The SWAT Model
Large-scale projects require the coordination of many professionals. The SWAT (Seamless Working Across Teams) model is recommended. Instead of viewing a project as segmented workstreams, it treats it as a singular, cohesive team. This model minimises communication delays and fosters a cooperative atmosphere, hastening problem-solving.
Conclusion:
Large integration projects are undeniably daunting. But with a testing-centric approach like TDI, uncertainties are progressively minimized, leading to smoother and more successful deliveries.
Comments