A successful DevOps implementation comes with a wide array of benefits, which is why many executives and entrepreneurs are tempted to try it.
However, a large percent of the organizations that try a DevOps implementation without taking the time to understand the process will fail. This happens because DevOps is a lot more than just integrating technology into the business process. The overall implementation focuses on collaboration between teams and challenges the standard organizational culture. As a result, many organizations are DevOps resistant (at first, at least) which is why successful implementations require assistance from experienced DevOps consultants.
On the other hand, a DevOps-based transformation may be the right step forward for organizations that are looking to remain competitive in a dynamic market. So, if your organization is considered a DevOps transformation, here are the top three tactics (or best practices) to consider as you move ahead.
#1: Take Your Time
We know, when you hear about benefits like increased productivity, shorter production time, and fewer bugs after product release it’s difficult to be patient. But this is one of the main reasons DevOps implementations fail.
It is crucial that decision-makers in your organization understand that this is a long-term process that will be performed in several complex steps. Such an implementation brings transformation that will impact the very core of the organization, so you can’t rush things. If you do, you will encounter resistance from your employees, and the chances of success will plummet.
Additionally, proper DevOps implementation requires both effort and financial resources. Also, for the process to work, you need acceptance from both employees and external factors such as stakeholders and collaborators.
In an ironic twist of events, a process that seems to be all about automating processes and increasing productivity through the use of modern technology is, in fact, about human resources and collaboration.
#2: Analyze & Observe
DevOps is more or less a reform of an organization’s development processes, which is why it’s important to start from a place of knowledge.
What does this mean?
It’s simple: in order to transform and improve, you have to know the sensitive issues and identify the problems that hinder further development. Otherwise, if the organization is running smoothly without any bottlenecks or conflicts, there is no need for DevOps, right?
Once you’ve identified the problems, analyze the situation and act on it. For instance, if you find the code development process to be slow and buggy, focus on continuous integration and source control. If the problem is in testing, find the areas where you can automate the process and implement continuous testing to get the ball rolling. Basically, each problem has a best-practice solution that fits your situation. So don’t waste the time – start changing things where possible!
But, make sure to follow the data. If the data shows progress, continue with the implementation. Otherwise, adapt the strategy and see if things improve. In summary, keep your actions under observation and maintain a flexible approach.
#3: Be Consistent
DevOps is a long-term strategy that requires constant supervision and adjusting. Moreover, it’s important to start from the top and engulf the entire organization in the process. This way, employees will be more open to change and, as the implementation moves forward, there will be less resistance.
For instance, since DevOps focuses heavily on team collaboration, the organization will have to work with various modern communication technologies (such as Cloud Computing Services) that further collaborative work even between remote team members. This transformation can be difficult to accept even by the decision-makers in the organization because it implies a certain openness and relinquishment of control. Still, with consistent practice and small steps, everything is possible.
In Summary
The list of best practices and tactics for a successful DevOps implementation is way longer and inclusive than this, but the three tactics mentioned above will be on every list. Patience, analysis paired with constant observing, and consistency are the three founding elements of a successful implementation.
In the end, your organization will emerge better, more powerful, and more capable of adjusting to changes in the market. Your new culture will be based on collaboration and flexibility, common goals, and productivity. In the long term, these are the elements that make a business competitive and reliable.
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