In our pursuit of continuous improvement in all aspects of our business and to meet increasing demand, Volpi recently underwent an Agile transformation. By rolling out Agile methodology to multiple teams, implementing new tools and utilizing designated Agile coaches, Volpi achieved impressive results.
Increasing demand for highly specialized optical detection technology requires Volpi to grow its R&D organization. That necessitates a more systematic approach to doing things. At the same time, Volpi needs to remain customer-oriented, flexible, adaptive and efficient. A state-of-the-art work environment is paramount to ensuring Volpi can continue delivering value to customers and attracting highly knowledgeable and capable talent. The Agile work mode provides a perfect template to support all these goals. That’s why, in October 2021, Volpi embarked on a journey to adopt Agile methods and implement a more self-organizing Agile culture.
After a successful pilot in one of the product development projects, the rollout of the Agile methodology included more and more teams. During this scaling of the Agile transformation, the work mode had to be slightly adjusted to the needs of each team and project. A balanced approach was followed to advance Agile methods and the mindset and behavior change toward committed, self-organizing teams concurrently. Designated Agile coaches facilitated the transition and ensured that the work mode of each team followed a common pattern and enabled seamless coordination between the teams.
Implementing Atlassian Jira/Confluence with customized issue types and project structures supported the Agile transition and provided the basis for systematic, adaptive planning and execution in sprints. The work mode had to be adapted to the complex reality at Volpi, with the teams working on multiple projects in parallel and helping each other with resources and expert knowledge.
Volpi’s team structure is simple and efficient. It serves to overcome the high complexity of managing several projects per team, with projects at different stages with various implementation times. With the new approach to team structure and Agile methodology, Volpi’s project teams achieved impressive results (e.g., releasing software within days and multiple hardware iterations within 3-6 months).
Initially, the Agile transition was undertaken in the product development teams. Multiple projects have been executed successfully. Even though the transition has been completed, it’s only the first major step on the long road to continuous improvement. Volpi is blessed with highly competent project teams eager to embrace the Agile approach and take further development into their own hands.
Recently, the Agile approach has been extended throughout the entire organization. We’re committed to developing a lean, responsive and effective organization to continue delivering high customer value. The transformation is a testament to Volpi’s commitment to improving patient lives by improving the instruments used to diagnose and treat them.
Rolf P. Maisch
Director of Strategic Projects