Scrum Beyond Software Development

This data is taken from the State of Agile report created by Digital.ai

I think that a lot of people are surprised to learn that Scrum is not just for software development. Scrum was first presented in 1995 by Ken Schwaber and Jeff Sutherland. Later, the Agile Manifesto, written in 2001, identified 12 principles and 4 values which are important to the smooth operation of Agile teams.

Most early Agile teams were software development teams. You might say that Scrum - like other Agile frameworks - 'grew up' in software development.

In recent years though, Scrum adoption has expanded far beyond its original roots in IT and software development. Today, Agile frameworks including Scrum are used in Operations, Marketing, Human Resources and in product development for industries as varied as industrial microscopes, fighter jets, appliances, candies and more.

According to recent data from the State of Agile annual report, Agile adoption has seen a significant rise across several industries, highlighting the versatility and effectiveness of Scrum methodologies.

Key Statistics:

• Operations: Agile adoption grew from 12% in 2019 to 29% in 2020, maintaining a steady rate of 26% in 2022. This sector experienced the fastest growth rate, showcasing a 10x increase over three years.

• Marketing: Adoption increased from 7% in 2019 to 17% in 2020, slightly rising to 19% in 2022. Marketing teams are increasingly leveraging Scrum for its iterative approach to campaign management and customer engagement.

• Human Resources (HR): Agile practices in HR rose from 6% in 2019 to 16% in 2020, stabilizing at 17% in 2022. HR departments benefit from Scrum by streamlining recruitment processes, onboarding, and employee development programs.

• Sales/Sales Operations: Adoption in this sector increased from 5% in 2019 to 11% in 2020, with a slight rise to 12% in 2022. Scrum helps sales teams improve pipeline management and adapt quickly to market changes.

Fastest Growing Sector: Operations

The Operations sector has witnessed the most remarkable growth in Agile adoption, with a tenfold increase from 2019 to 2022. This surge highlights the significant benefits Scrum can bring to operational efficiency, project management, and continuous improvement processes within this domain.

Why Scrum is Effective Across Different Industries

1. Flexibility: Scrum’s iterative approach allows teams to adapt to changing requirements and market conditions, which is beneficial across various sectors.

2. Transparency: Regular stand-ups and reviews promote transparency and accountability within teams.

3. Collaboration: Scrum fosters a collaborative environment where cross-functional teams can work together efficiently, enhancing productivity and innovation.

4. Continuous Improvement: The emphasis on retrospectives helps teams continuously improve their processes and outcomes.

Conclusion

The expansion of Scrum into sectors beyond software development and IT demonstrates its robust framework and adaptability. Operations, Marketing, HR, and Sales have all seen notable increases in Agile adoption, with Operations leading the charge. As organizations continue to seek efficiency and adaptability, Scrum’s principles are likely to gain even broader application in the future.

Interested in learning more about Scrum? Join us at Scrum Day on October 23, 2024, in beautiful Madison, Wisconsin. Scrum Day is hosted by Rebel Scrum.