How to rescue your software application

One thing is certain in software development, and that is that uncertainty is part of the process. With this comes all manner of potential obstacles, from budget blowouts to missed deadlines. Today I will be exploring what to do when your software project has taken a turn for the worse. 

1. Re-assess 

The first thing one must do when you have recognised that a project isn't going to plan is to take a step back and try to look at the bigger picture of what has happened. Often it is easy to just focus on the tiny minutiae of what is happening in the 'now' without looking outside of our field of view. 

a. Find the source 

Find the core issue through open, communicative investigation. Avoid the blame game and instead collaborate as a team to uncover where things went wrong. You can leverage AI-powered project management tools to analyse past project data and identify potential root causes of issues quickly. 

b. Strategic direction 

Now that you know what went wrong, you need to develop a strategy to ensure these mistakes are not repeated. Adjust timelines and budgets as needed, acknowledging the unforeseen circumstances that brought you here. Use modern project management tools like Jira or Asana, which include AI-enhanced features to suggest optimal workflows and highlight potential risks before they become critical. 

“Failure is instructive. The person who really thinks learns quite as much from his failures as from his successes.” 

- John Dewey 

Adjust timelines and budgets as needed, acknowledge the unforeseen circumstances that brought you to this point and focus on what can be delivered in the next steps. 

2. Resourcing 

Often timelines are blown out through lack of proper resourcing, if you don't have the correct skillsets or enough people to complete the project then obviously it is doomed from day one. 

a. Evaluate current team  

Analyse the list of requirements from your new strategy and discuss them with your team. Ask if they feel comfortable being accountable for these tasks. In 2024, remote work is more prevalent than ever, so take advantage of this when considering new hires. Platforms like GitHub and GitLab provide insights into developers’ code contributions, which can help identify skills gaps. 

b. Do we have enough people? 

If the team has the right skills but not enough hands to complete the project in the required timeframe, it’s time to bring in more talent. In today’s landscape, hiring can be more flexible. Consider hiring remote developers, contractors, or even using AI-based development tools to handle routine coding tasks and increase project velocity. 

3. Technical assessment 

a. Evaluate the codebase 

A comprehensive codebase evaluation is crucial if your software project is struggling. AI-driven code analysis tools, such as DeepCode or Snyk, can quickly scan your codebase for bugs, security vulnerabilities, and inefficiencies. These tools can provide actionable insights without the need for a full manual audit.  

b. Determine legacy implications 

After evaluating the codebase, a decision must be made whether to carry on with it or whether to spend time rebuilding the application. This will largely depend on the evaluation step above. 

c. Migrate 

Migration may be necessary depending on the outcomes of steps 3(a) and 3(b). Many development agencies now offer automated migration services using AI to facilitate data migration, refactor code, and ensure minimal downtime. Ensure that any agency you choose has a proven migration process that aligns with your project’s complexity and requirements. 

4. Communicate 

Open communication is the key in understanding what has happened and what you would like to happen moving forwards in a project. When looking to rescue a software project you must encourage open communication lines. 

a. Set goals 

Everyone has heard how important goal setting is both in your professional and personal life in order to get from where you are to where you want to be. The same is with software projects, in order to achieve your desired outcome, first you must set clear goals to keep yourself and the team on track. If you're outsourcing to a software development company, ensure that clear goals and success criteria are in place. That will allow you and the agency to review the success of the engagement once a build has been completed. 

5. Get cracking 

Now that you’ve identified what went wrong, it’s time to integrate those learnings into the next phase of the project. If you’re working with an internal team, map out potential risks based on your earlier experience and devise a mitigation plan. If outsourcing, vet new development agencies by discussing how they will handle the risks you’ve identified. 

When evaluating a new development company in 2024, ask about their use of modern tools and best practices. Do they employ CI/CD pipelines? How do they handle automated testing and quality assurance? Do they provide resources like a Legacy Modernisation Resource Hub? These considerations are vital in ensuring a smooth and successful project. 

Bonus Step: Enjoy the Success of a Completed Project! 

With modern tools, transparent communication, strategic planning, and a skilled team, rescuing your software application in 2024 is not only possible but can also be a rewarding experience. Celebrate the milestones and the final success – you’ve earned it!