Successful project delivery isn’t just about speed, it’s about structure, adaptability, and control. Say you’re launching a new product or meeting regulatory deadlines, the framework you choose to guide delivery should be the one that helps you deliver the outcome on time, within budget, and with as little friction as possible.
For many organisations, that framework is Agile.
Agile isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. But when used in the right environment, it can be a powerful way to manage complexity, prioritise effectively, and enable cross-functional teams to move forward with clarity and speed.
What is Agile? And why do some sectors use it so widely?
Agile is most commonly associated with software development, where change is constant and iterative progress is often more valuable than rigid, upfront planning. But it’s also widely used in sectors such as insurance and other financial sectors, where priorities frequently shift due to regulatory updates or evolving market needs.
The appeal of Agile lies in its responsiveness. New requirements can be accommodated quickly, without derailing the entire project. Teams work in short, focused cycles, typically called “sprints”, and regularly assess what’s working, what’s not, and what needs to change.
Core concepts and tools in Agile
Agile is a broad umbrella, but some tools and terms are consistent across most Agile environments:
Kanban Boards
A visual tool for managing work in progress. Tasks are displayed in columns (e.g., “To Do”, “In Progress”, “Done”), giving teams a clear overview of what’s moving and where there might be blockers.
Scrum
A framework within Agile that structures teams around daily stand-up meetings (scrums). A Scrum Master ensures the team stays on track and removes barriers to progress, while team members commit to short, goal-oriented work sprints.
Sprints
Fixed time periods (usually two weeks, but can go up to a month) where teams focus on delivering a specific set of tasks. At the end of a sprint, completed work is delivered, progress is reviewed, and priorities are reset.
Backlogs
A backlog is a prioritised list of work items that need to be completed. It’s constantly updated based on team feedback, changing requirements, or evolving customer needs.
Stand-Ups & Sprint Planning
Daily stand-ups keep teams aligned and accountable, while sprint planning sessions set the goals and workload for each sprint. Other Agile tools include retrospectives (to review how things went) and planning poker (a way to estimate task effort as a team).
Agile vs. other project frameworks
While Agile works well in many fast-paced, evolving environments, it’s not the only approach to project management, nor is it always the most appropriate. Some projects benefit from more linear, milestone-based approaches like Waterfall, or from hybrid frameworks that borrow elements from multiple methodologies.
Ultimately, the best framework is the one that matches the nature of the work, the experience of the team, and the goals of the organisation.
Verto: Agile-ready. But not Agile-only.
Verto is a platform designed for flexibility. Whether you’re working in Agile, Waterfall, hybrid, or a completely bespoke way, Verto gives you the tools to plan, track, and deliver work your way.
- Build Kanban boards to track tasks visually
- Manage backlogs and priorities in real time
- Plan sprints and allocate resources with clarity
- Run retrospectives, daily stand-ups, and sprint reviews, all from the same central platform
- Configure workflows to match your governance structures and delivery approach
And crucially, you’re not tied to a single method. You can use different approaches for different teams, switch methodologies mid-project, or evolve your setup over time, all within the same system.
Bring all your project work together
Agile projects. Strategic programmes. Business-as-usual tasks. With Verto, you can bring them all together in one place, and give your teams the structure and flexibility they need to thrive.
Want to see how it works? Request a demo if you’re interested in understanding how our single platform can help you deliver your programmes of work using the methodologies that suit your team.
/Benefits/shutterstock_2124464021.jpg)
