What we think of as ‘project management’ encompasses a wide variety of different approaches. No project is exactly the same, which means the approach you choose should be tailored to fit. This article will let you know all about the Waterfall approach to project management, how it works, and how it stacks up against other project management approaches.
What is the ‘traditional’ Waterfall approach to project management?
In 1970, the computer scientist Winston W. Royce developed the modern method of building a system that has come to be known as the ‘Waterfall model’. It is based on a thorough system analysis and strictly sequential activities. The name ‘Waterfall methodology’ implies that everything from the beginning of a project to its end flows logically in progressive steps like a waterfall. The chronological process is based on fixed dates, requirements and outcomes. One phase does not begin until the previous one is completed.
Waterfall project management examples
The Waterfall method was widely used up until 2000 for CRM systems, human resources, supply chain and inventory management systems or point of sale systems for retail. But there are still some areas where the Waterfall model of project management continues to be preferred to Agile methodology, such as systems where system failure could endanger human life, or systems where time and money are secondary, or where strict rules need following such as in the banking and military industries or government and healthcare agencies. This method is suited for projects with clearly outlined objectives without any ambiguity and projects with a high level of predictability.
What is the Waterfall approach to project management?
The Waterfall approach is a thoroughly structured management method that follows a linear formula to deliver a product to the customer. The Waterfall approach is based on a key element – the assumption that all requirements can be gathered upfront during the requirement phase. Project management software like Vault ERP is used to structure the project processes from start to finish.
Read on: How Vault works with various project management methodologies.
The phases of the Waterfall model
Sources differ slightly on what the phases of the Waterfall approach can be, but the project sequences listed below are widely accepted.
1. Requirements – The success of the project depends on this. It is essential that all requirements are gathered and understood upfront. Having clarity about the product requirements, performance quality and expectations are a must for defining the scope of the project.
2. Design – The software development team designs a solution to meet the requirements laid out in the previous step. The design describes the purpose and scope of the project, the flow of each component, and the integration points. The system architecture needed for the project is determined and the schedule and tasks created in this step.
3. Implementation – This is the phase where the software developers build the app by following the design finalized by the architect. The project manager assigns tasks, monitors and tracks progress, manages the workload and resources and reports to the customer and stakeholders.
4. Testing/Verification- The testing team tests the completed application and identifies any errors in logic or coding that could result in a functionality failure, unpredictable results, or deviation from the specifications. Detailed bug reports with unique IDs for each defect are prepared and sent to developers for fixing. Fixed bugs are re-tested and the integration testing process is conducted to verify that all the components of the system work together properly.
5. Deployment/Maintenance – In this phase, the application is released to customers or deployed into the market. An assigned team takes care of any upgrades or requests from the users and provides maintenance.
Pros and cons of the Waterfall project management approach
Pros:
- Easy to measure development progress
- Accurate estimate of cost and building time
- Simplicity of planning and scheduling, structured workflow
- Customers are not tempted to change specifications too often
- Testing is easier
- Easy to manage, each step has defined deliverables and dependencies
- Requires less coordination
Cons:
- Difficulty getting user feedback and validating apps
- Project can’t move forward until a potential roadblock has been resolved
- It can be difficult for the customer to articulate all requirements at the start and any changes to the project at a later phase can be costly
- Lacks flexibility to cater for unexpected events
- Longer time to deliver
Waterfall vs Agile vs Scrum vs Kanban vs Six Sigma vs PRINCE2 project management methodologies
Each project management methodology will help you to manage your work processes through structure and communications. However, they differ in how they function. The sheer variety of project methods can be confusing, so let’s explore their characteristics in more detail.
Waterfall
As explained above, Waterfall uses phases instead of simultaneous work on multiple components. You cannot go back to a phase once finished. Thoroughly documented requirements allow to team members to exit and enter the project without disrupting the workflow.
Agile
Agile methodology is a collaborative, cross-functional approach that breaks down a project into iterative periods. This method type usually includes Kanban and Scrum boards. The workload can be adjusted as needed. The Kanban board makes the team’s work processes and tasks highly visible and lets them know what needs attention. Kanban helps you continuously adjust and correct processes, whereas Scrum gets the work done faster.
Scrum
Scrum methodology usually tackles complex knowledge work such as software development. It uses two week sprints to complete the work. The team holds a scrum meeting every day for each scrum to discuss any issues.
Looking to go Agile? Find out more about how Vault ERP can help.
Six Sigma
Six Sigma is another agile project management methodology which uses a data-driven approach that applies statistical formula to improve processes by reducing the likelihood of errors. This method is helpful for identifying and solving problems early. You will need to clearly define what type of data will be collected and why.
PRINCE2
PRINCE2 (PRojects IN Controlled Environments) is an agile process-based method. PRINCE2 has a series of processes which cover all the activities of a project from start to finish. Each project has a PRINCE2 board made up of customers (or executives), someone representing the user, and someone representing the supplier. The board is informed of progress and issues. PRINCE2 project assurance provides an independent view of how the project is progressing and brings customers and suppliers together.
How can Vault ERP help your Waterfall approach?
Vault ERP is an application that supports various types of project management technologies. If you prefer the Waterfall approach, our business analyst will work alongside you to make sure the requirements are properly documented. The project phases will be described, tracked, and monitored using Vault ERP's project management tools from the beginning of the project to its delivery. Project boards and other tools in Vault ERP provide visibility of project progress and alert the team about any potential issues.
Whether you use Waterfall, Agile, Kanban or other project methodologies, as long as you execute it well and use it as intended, each one of them will improve your project management. Find out which project methodology is best suited for your project.
Think that Vault ERP could help with your project management? Get in touch to find out more.
