Business owners and software developers share a common trait: resilience. To succeed, each career requires the individual to operate at the forefront of technology and market awareness. So when the software project you’ve invested significant time and resources into begins gathering dust in the corner, you might wonder what’s going on.
Well, in reality, most software projects struggle and either never reach completion or contain worrying problems. However, reviving a stalled project is entirely possible. All you need is a calculated approach and a way to unleash that inner resilience in both you and your development team.
This blog explores how to kickstart your stalled software project and set it back on a path to success.
Identifying the root causes of your stalled software project
Before you can begin the software recovery operation, you need to understand why it stalled in the first place. Once you know that, you’ll know what changes to implement to get the operation back on track.
So, it’s time to gather some data. There are several ways you could approach this:
- Formal meetings: Gather your managers and relevant leaders to discuss what they think might be wrong.
- Informal chats: These might give your lower-level employees more confidence to speak up and explain their actual thoughts.
- Send out surveys: Instrumental in certain industries or remote-based workforces. Plus, you get insightful data that you can instantly turn into easy-to-understand reports.
- Video conferences: While also valuable for remote workplaces, video conferences also present unique opportunities like the ability to open live surveys or use whiteboard functionalities.
- Consult experts: Understanding how an expert might have approached your project from scratch could give you a baseline on what to look for. However, remember that every organisation is different, and to focus on what your business needs rather than generic suggestions.
- Examine project documentation: When the project began, you’ll have had a document (or several) detailing objectives, goals, timelines, milestones and so on. Check this documentation to see if the team has adhered to it.
The most likely pain points to hear from your team include unclear requirements, shifting priorities, scope creep, lack of resources, poor communication and low morale. Of course, you might find other problems. Remember to listen to your team to get the most accurate information and begin the recovery process.
Kickstarting a stalled software project: action plan
Take the time to diagnose the issues as above. Once you’ve grasped those, it’s time to move forward with the software project rescue.
Now it’s time to take a fresh look at your project goals and timelines. Ask yourself: are the original objectives still fit for purpose, or have they become about as relevant as a floppy disk in a cloud storage world? Chat with relevant stakeholders to get varied perspectives and ideas. If you need to make some changes, go ahead.
Next, re-engage your stakeholders. Their support is essential if you’re to move forward. Schedule a meeting with all relevant stakeholders and outline your revised plan. Transparency goes a long way here. They’re probably already aware that the project has hit a few bumps in the road. Share the challenges your team has faced and the steps you’re taking (through them) to overcome those obstacles.
Simultaneously, adopt more effective project management tools and methodologies. Agile frameworks can be particularly beneficial, promoting flexibility and encouraging iterative progress. Plus, utilising project management software keeps everyone on the same page. Nothing breeds wild confusion like a dozen emails flying back and forth.
Finally, focus on re-energising your team. Stalled software projects inevitably take a toll on morale, so take a step back and allow your team members to breathe a little. Acknowledge all the hard work they’ve already put in and reassure them that it won’t be wasted. Finally, celebrate small wins, even if they seem minor. An excited workforce is far more productive than if they’re bored or stressed.
As your project starts to gather momentum, reflect on those initial hiccups. Compile a checklist of best practices and common pitfalls to avoid, and weave these insights into your organisational culture, doing everything possible to ensure they don’t become a recurring feature.
Communication is critical throughout the rescue phase. Schedule regular check-ins to review progress and address any concerns before they escalate.
Revive your stalled software project with Evergreen
Reviving a stalled software project may seem daunting, but it’s achievable with the right approach. If you find yourself in a bit of a pickle, we’d love to offer a hand, helping keep you resilient against the challenges of modern business.
At Evergreen Computing Ltd, our expert team specialises in helping businesses like yours navigate software project challenges. With years of experience developing, maintaining and – sometimes – rescuing bespoke software projects, we’d love to learn more about your organisation and its needs. Reach out today for an obligation-free chat.
More information on legacy systems
- How can you tell when your software project needs rescuing?
- What is software project rescue?
- What types of software projects need rescuing?
- How to rescue a failing software project
- How to save your software project
- Software project rescue tactics that work
- How to get a failing software project back on track
- Signs that a software development project needs rescuing
- Why software projects fail and what you can do to rescue yours
- What are the critical steps in a software project rescue?
- How to kickstart a stalled software project