How Is Automation Going to Impact Software Teams?
We are currently navigating a pivotal time in the software industry. While there is still a global demand for software developers, market dynamics have evolved with trends such as AI and low-code/no-code platforms. These technologies are reshaping the demand for traditional development roles, requiring developers to adapt to new tools and methodologies.
Post-COVID Workplace Dynamics
The “Great Resignation” is now in the past, and the industry has stabilised. However, job mobility remains a factor, driven by a desire for work-life balance and remote work opportunities. With remote and hybrid work becoming the norm, companies are rethinking team models to adapt to these new realities.
Maximising Automation through Jidoka
Jidoka, from the Toyota Production Systems (TPS), encourages building each software component by hand to ensure quality before automating. This “automation with a human touch” has new relevance as organisations look to streamline legacy systems in the context of evolving technology trends. AI-powered tools, like GitHub Copilot, align perfectly with Jidoka’s philosophy, enabling automation at scale while maintaining craftsmanship.
DevOps: Beyond Pipelines
In 2024, DevOps practices have matured, with a focus on GitOps, AI integration in pipelines, and infrastructure-as-code. The use of AI for pipeline automation has brought new dimensions to software development, emphasising speed, quality, and collaboration. These advancements break down traditional barriers between development and operations, facilitating repeatable, automated build and release processes.
Model-Driven Engineering (MDE): Integrating AI and Automation
MDE continues to provide an abstracted way to manage complexity in software development. In 2024, it is increasingly integrating with AI and machine learning models, allowing for automated code generation, testing, and even software design. Recognising “everything as a model” means acknowledging opportunities to use AI for creating formal connections between models, reducing air gaps that would otherwise require manual intervention.
Emerging Technologies and Their Impact
New automation platforms, such as AI-powered coding assistants, are significantly influencing software development workflows. Incorporating
these advancements into Jidoka, DevOps, and MDE practices enables more streamlined processes, greater productivity, and the ability to
handle larger workloads effectively.
Summary
The modern software landscape demands more than simply adding developers to projects. By embracing Jidoka, leveraging advanced DevOps practices, and adopting MDE with AI integration, organisations can maximise automation and enhance productivity. These strategies, along with a focus on emerging technologies, will continue to shape the future of software development in 2024.
