The process of building business applications has transformed big time in the past few years. Many companies are ditching rigid techniques and embracing more adaptable ones to encourage creativity and faster turnarounds. And this is clearly visible in the widespread adoption of DevOps and agile methodology, which improves the productivity of the development team by enabling better workflows. The POD model is an extension of the DevOps concept, which is gaining ground all over the world as it enhances efficiency by distributing large development teams into more manageable, self-sufficient groups.
In this blog, we will shed light on the PODs business model, its benefits, and how to implement it across your organization. Let’s explore it in detail:
What Does POD Mean in Software Development?
POD is the abbreviation for “Product-Oriented Delivery,” which is a software development strategy focusing on creating small cross-functional teams to take responsibility for different aspects of a project, be it completing a task or fulfilling a given requirement. Every member of a POD team can contribute to the product’s ideation, development, testing, and operation, making the POD software completely self-sufficient.
Just to let you know, the POD model is based on agile methodology, which suggests breaking giant projects into smaller, multiple sprints to fulfill customer needs. This DevOps model is an extension of the agile method that combines the functions of development and operations to optimize efficiency and reduce the number of deployment bugs.
In fact, as per Gartner, 85% of businesses have adopted or plan to adopt a POD model soon. In this model of product engineering and team management, the typical size of a POD team remains somewhere between four to ten experts including engineers and a POD leader.
The Ideal POD Structure
A co-located, multi-disciplinary agile team lets organizations accomplish higher efficiencies. An ideal team consists of frontend and backend engineers and designers backed by quality engineers and DevOps experts and assisted by an architect who functions as the product owner. The POD software team has expertise in niche skills, such as UI, microservices, cloud-scale/native, AI/ML, DevSecOps, reusable solution accelerators, and the latest tools that can effectively help boost productivity and quality of product development.
The best traits of a POD team include result-oriented product development with adherence to Agile principles. Just so you know, PODs are self-organizing teams with a product engineering mindset that prioritizes people and communication. They are instructed to apply cutting-edge product engineering practices while paying attention to non-functional expectations.
Top 6 Benefits of the POD Model You Must Know
POD in business works best when your project requirements are complicated to define. Binmile PODs match flexibility and collaboration to let you experience the benefits of this business model that you might not have experienced yet. For instance, you can expect a POD-driven model to provide you with:
1. Improved Focus
The team deployed to POD software development delivers more productivity when they are focused on only a few tasks, goals, or a large project at a time. This dedicated nature prevents them from doing multiple things simultaneously which may hinder them from giving sufficient time to each task.
2. Increased Flexibility
Flexibility is a core principle of all Agile teams, including those structured under the POD model in business. These squads of team members are structured to quickly respond to modifications in project requirements, market conditions, or client feedback.
3. Outstanding Innovation
A product owner is responsible for prioritizing work in an Agile POD when working in a Product-oriented Delivery ecosystem. The horizontal hierarchy of a POD in Agile fosters extreme collaborative efforts, with team members motivated to recommend and experiment with new ideas.
4. Top-notch Customer Satisfaction
The team formed for product development services entails stakeholders, including customers, in the development process to take into account their feedback for changes. By leveraging a direct line of communication, the final product is developed so well that it lives up to the expectations of its target users.
5. Built-in Scalability
While every POD can run independently on various aspects of a project, such a POD model is scalable to a great extent. Businesses can increase or decrease the number of PODs based on project size and complexity without any major disruption in workflow or productivity.
6. Faster Time to Market
Last but not least, the smooth development cycles of Agile PODs, supported by a top software development company, result in a faster time to market owing to their continuous integration and delivery of new functionalities.
What else? According to a new study published on a global media company’s website, Forbes, the adoption of agile has increased from 37% to 86% for software development teams. And since work has become more unpredictable and volatile these days, ensuring high speed and flexibility in the process is key to success down the line.
How can the POD model improve teamwork and speed up results? Discover its impact on your business today!
PODs Business Model: When and Where to Apply?
There are many scenarios for which you need to hire a software engineer for POD model development. Here is a list that you must check out:
- Complex Projects: The project needs changes over time, therefore a bite-sized Agile team such as POD is the best option to allow swift pivots, especially when the project encompasses various disciplines or technologies.
- Startups and Scale-ups: For startups and growing organizations that want to respond quickly to market feedback, the agility of the POD software team expedites product development cycles and matches the speed.
- Fast-paced Industries: With their ability to swiftly adapt and innovate, PODs are extremely required in areas where market demands and technology evolve quickly, like eCommerce, healthcare, fintech, and digital services.
- R&D Innovation: The interdisciplinary approach of POD teams fits the bill of any project with innovative support, as squads of a leading MVP development company are encouraged to address challenges creatively.
- Distributed Operations: When teams are distributed across multiple locations, an Agile POD structure can help them work independently while staying aligned with the objectives of the organization.
Is Implementing POD in Business a Right Decision?
The POD model is highly advantageous for companies that value agility, have a clear vision yet flexible project scope, and are ready to invest in creating a versatile and skilled workforce. It suits the ecosystem where speed and innovation are key to success.
Determining team strategy is important in evaluating if the POD model aligns with the goals and capabilities of a company. However, startups or organizations with limited resources may find the POD’s operational cost difficult to justify for their software development projects.
How Binmile Implements the POD Model for Clients: A Step-by-Step Process
1: Evaluating Client Needs
We work with our clients to gauge their existing infrastructure, organizational culture, and processes, including their team skill sets and dynamics. Performing this assessment helps decide their preparation for Agile PODs and assists us in customizing the POD model effectively.
2: Customizing Agile POD Design
Depending on the assessment, we create a tailored Agile POD strategy that aligns with the company’s goals, challenges, and project requirements. We choose the right blend of skills for every POD team, decide their optimum size, and outline the team’s responsibilities.
3: Training & Specialized Coaching
Binmile also provides training and coaching facilities to equip clients’ teams with the essential Agile skills and mindset if needed. It includes Agile techniques, collaboration and interaction tools, and best practices for functioning within a POD team structure.
4: Adopting Collaboration Tools
Our clients get expert advice in choosing and implementing the correct collaboration tools, complete with project management solutions to simplify the movement from one place to another among POD software members and across various POD teams.
5: Measuring Performance & Governance
We help clients establish governance structures and performance metrics to track and measure the success of their Agile PODs. And this includes well-defined KPIs, creating reporting systems, and daily review and feedback mechanisms.
6: Scaling & Adaptation
Our experts also offer help in scaling the POD model up or down depending on project demands and results. This comprises guidance on changing team compositions, processes, and tools as clients get deeper insights into what works best for their business.
7: Bespoke Solutions for Unique Challenges
We grasp the specific challenges clients experience in applying Agile PODs. Our customized solutions, consultancy, and support resolve these issues for a seamless, successful transformation to the POD model.
Struggling with slow development? See how the POD model speeds up software delivery like never before with Binmile Team!
Best Practices to Follow for POD Definition Business
Irrespective of the POD model in use, there are a few best practices that you must follow:
- Have at least one POD member in your team with domain skills and expertise and create a plan to upskill the rest of the members
- Always ensure alignment with consumer-used productivity tools
- Every POD should support polyglot programming (the practice of writing software using multiple programming languages) and each POD member should learn one main and at least one trivial language or technology
- When setting up the POD team and the infrastructure, ensure not to compromise on the dev environment
- Prioritize fixing any infrastructure issue and always keep an eye on NFRs (Non-functional requirements)
Be informed that even the best-laid plan can go haywire but a team with the right set of skills and clear goals can help overcome any obstacles. PODs are the best solution to deal with such challenges. They are in high demand, can scale, and can be the distinguisher between a good and a great product. The priority should be to build the right foundation for PODs, factoring in both domain and technology. Give equal importance to both the tech and soft skills of the POD software team to create a powerful agile culture with a product mindset.
Also Read: How to Scale Engineering Teams
How Walmart Introduced POD Technology Across Its Organization?
Walmart is one of the largest retailers across the globe that has made significant advancements in adopting a POD model, especially within its digital and technology initiatives. Although the brand is traditionally known for its operations and supply chain expertise, it has invested heavily in technology and product development, strategically restructuring its business model to support such new focal points.
1: Business Structure
The business structure of Walmart has evolved from a completely operations-driven model to one that gives special importance to technology and product development. The biggest sign of this transition is the setup of Walmart Labs, the tech-focused subsidiary of the company. This Lab operates semi-autonomously, working more like a tech startup than a traditional retail unit. It is structured around cross-functional teams comprising engineers, product managers, data scientists, and designers. These POD software teams are focused on developing, testing, and tweaking digital products to improve retail operations and customer experiences at Walmart.
2: Innovation & Product Development
Every digital initiative at Walmart Labs is considered a product. Teams skilled in software development models work on a wide range of digital products, like Walmart applications, grocery pickup & delivery services, in-store technology, and eCommerce sites. They rely on a consumer-focused, iterative approach to product development, often making the most of agile methodologies to rapidly test and refine their work by taking inspiration from customer feedback and data-driven insights.
3: Data as a Product
Another important aspect of Walmart’s transformation towards a POD model is its innovative use of data. Data is considered a product, with dedicated teams accountable for its gathering, analysis, and application. This allows Walmart to obtain valuable insights and inform strategic decision-making, from personalizing buyer experiences to enhancing supply chain operations.
4: Integration with Traditional Retail Operations
Although Walmart Labs operates with a great degree of freedom, it is not separated from other Walmart’s operations. There is a robust feedback loop and partnership with the traditional retail units. This makes sure that the virtual products created by Walmart Labs following a proper software development process are completely aligned with the comprehensive organizational strategy, and can effectively support and
5: Improve Walmart’s Retail Operations.
All in all, Walmart’s transformation to a development POD model is clearly evident in its business structure, especially within Walmart Labs. The focus on technology, data, and product development lets Walmart innovate, enhance consumer experiences, and maintain its competitive edge in the quickly evolving retail environment.
Wrapping Up
Now you have understood the entire model, you must have grasped the usefulness of the POD model in product engineering. Leverage faster time to market, improved collaboration, better accountability, and enhanced quality by adopting it. Investing in this model is the best way to go for businesses that wish to reap the benefits of a flexible, scalable, and adaptable approach to managing their software development projects. By merging cross-functional teams and taking advantage of the agile methodology, you can build excellent products that suit the needs and preferences of your customers and stakeholders. All you need to do is consult software development team for startups and discuss your project requirements to get a high-quality application built within a few months.
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