Introduction to Agile Tools
Agile tools are project management tools designed to support agile methodology, be it Scrum, Kanban, Scrumban or other agile hybrid methods. The dictionary defines the literal meaning of ‘agile’ as the ability “to move quickly and easily or to think quickly and intelligent way”. So we can apply this word deliberately in terms of delineating any kind of flexible approach or activity. The similar meaning is equally appreciable when we discuss embracing any changes in the method in project or software development.
Agile is “a project management methodology in software development which attributes to divide the whole lengthy work structure into multiple smaller tasks comprehensively and assign those tasks with short and incremental phases of work, which is known as sprints”. The main advantage to adopt agile methodology is to deliver the software product on time and on a budget as well as continuous improvement and flexible responses to adopt unavoidable changes.
That is why, some niche tools, which are known as agile tools, are essential to help in handling agile project management (PM) methodology. Fundamentally agile tools are designed to support an agile PM method, whether it is Scrum, Kanban, Scrumban, or any kind of hybrid agile method.
Essential Features of Agile Tools
Before selecting any comprehensive agile tool, it is essential to evaluate business requirements and methodology. The following features of agile tools may help the project manager and team members to consider the right one, in accordance with their business purpose.
- Team Collaboration and Communication – The agile tool facilitates collaboration and communication among team members.
- Data Storage – An agile tool provides to store content in a single database which enables to do cross-project reporting and analysis.
- Reporting and Analytics – The agile tools help in analyzing the performance and on the basis of its project manager can make a report for future success in business.
Various Agile Tools
Though there is a huge list of agile project management tools, yet here we take some popular ones to discuss elaborately.
1. Active Collab
This is a powerful management tool that helps in managing from juggling tasks to tracking time as well as generating bills. It provides a system-wide calendar that helps to comprehend the tasks assigning to each team member. Active collab has a strong documentation system that supports a collaborative writing tool that each member can take part in the documentation.
Website – https://activecollab.com
2. Jira
Jira is one of the most well-known and proven products used by many companies around the globe. It is highly widespread and customizable on the basis of requirement. It has a customizable Scrum Board which can be used to examine all the tasks in the sprint and even it shows the accurate picture of the sprint with the help of a burnout chart, sprint report, velocity chart, epic report, a cumulative flow diagram, etc. It provides custom filters using JQL (Jira Query Language). In addition, flexible Kanban boards deliver the maximum output with minimum effort.
Jira, a customizable project management tool, is also not out of flaws. The biggest flaw is its complex nature to use. Just only for setting up, it requires developers and takes a long time to learn its function properly. On the other hand, Jira is a highly expensive project management tool and even a small team compels to spend a thousand dollars just only to acquire it.
Website – https://www.atlassian.com/software/jira
3. Lean kit
The lean kit uses cards to show work items and the current status of the on-going project. It is enough flexible to give space to the team members to post all the task details, user stories as virtual notes or cards. In addition, multiple team members can get the chance to work together in separate spaces with coordinating with each other. Basically, this software system allows replicating the conference room from where all tasks related to the project begins.
Website – https://leankit.com/
4. Pivotal Tracker
Pivotal tracker bears a group of tools to aid in agile project methodology and it is ideal for web and mobile developers. The group of tools includes Whiteboard for project-related discussion, Project monitor for showing the status and sprout. The main feature of this software application is keeping a record of all the tasks as stories from inception to completion of the project. It provides tools to monitor each day’s task and the team members can point out the complexity with notes.
Website – https://www.pivotaltracker.com
5. VersionOne
Version one is ideal for IT professionals and tech-savvy designers. The tools of this software embrace methodologies like Kanban, DAD, LeSS and the Hybrid approach. Version one provides space for collaboration and stable communication among multiple team members, who have engaged in the development process of the enterprise. So every team member can get the chance to plan initiatives and documentation accordingly.
Website – https://www.versionone.com
6. Planbox
Planbox provides the following features to collaborate with multiple teams work to attain a specific goal.
- Task management
- The time tracking system helps to compare the actual time taking for completion of the task with the estimated time.
- Monitoring progress.
- Producing a report for stakeholders.
Planbox evaluates the progress of the burndown chart and it also assimilates customer feedback, bug report for the utilization of users.
Website – https://www.planbox.com/
7. Axosoft
Axosoft is scrum management software which helps to examine every step of the development process and make graph report accordingly. The tools of Axosoft attribute progress differently. The release planner, one of the tools of Axosoft, gives a tabular view of various tasks, bugs, and user stories. The developers organize different entries and the burndown chart represents the performance report graphically. One of the important features of Axosoft which makes it different from others is the customer portal.
Website – https://www.axosoft.com/
8. Taiga
Taiga is an ideal software application for content developers of various verticals. It supports Scrum and Kanban methodologies with the ability to create product backlogs with the sprints and user stories. It provides video call within team members and it is very simple for implementation.
Website – https://www.taiga.io/
9. Hygger
Hugger is a perfect combination of project management tools providing easy solutions for each task including establishing project goals and divide them into various tasks, distributing the tasks on the Kanban board and fixing prioritization through the Value/Effort matrix, collaborating and communicating with the team members. It provides almost all features what is required for the completion of any kind of project.
Website – https://hygger.io
Conclusion
We can say that Agile is a highly acclaimed project management and software development methodology and there are a lot of tools available in the market for the agile development approach. But each team of different enterprise has a different vision and product requirement, so it is essential to explore the features of available agile tools before choosing any particular one to keep the team productive.
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