Agile Delivery Framework  

Key Points

• What is the Agile Delivery Framework (ADF)?
  • ADF is a flexible approach developed by j‑labs over 15 years to deliver IT projects effectively.
  • It adapts to clients’ needs, ensuring high-quality results without rigidity, promoting collaboration and transparency.
• 4 Key Phases of ADF
  • Discovery: In-depth analysis of business and technical needs, project scope, goals, budget, and risks.
  • Setup: Preparation of team structure, communication plans, quality standards, and risk management strategies.
  • Delivery: Iterative development in collaboration with the client’s product team, ensuring transparency, feedback, and progress monitoring.
  • Finalization: Formal project handover, knowledge transfer, feedback collection, and providing recommendations for future improvements.
• Client Involvement
  • Clients are actively involved in each phase, from providing the product backlog in Delivery to giving feedback and approving deliverables in Finalization.
• Benefits of ADF
  • Predictable outcomes, reduced chaos, improved team efficiency, and higher-quality deliverables due to structured processes.
  • Supports continuous improvement in the way IT projects are delivered.

15 years of j‑labs experience condensed into a structured process – ADF

At j‑labs, we know that the quality of IT services doesn’t come from random actions, but from a thoughtful, repeatable, and transparent process. And that process comes from years of hands-on experience.

We don’t reinvent the wheel – instead, we consistently improve what already works. The result of this ongoing effort is the Agile Delivery Framework: our approach to delivering IT projects.

The Agile Delivery Framework is a model developed at j‑labs, shaped by 15 years of experience in delivering IT projects. We don’t treat it as a rigid methodology, but as a flexible approach that naturally adapts to real-world conditions and our clients’ needs – without compromising on quality or transparency.

One of its greatest strengths is how it supports the continuous improvement of the way we deliver our services. What drives success? Close, collaborative partnerships with our clients – from the very first to the very last stage of the project.

Our approach is divided into four key phases: Discovery, Setup, Delivery, and Finalization. With consistent, well-structured processes in each phase, we ensure dependable quality and predictable outcomes. In every step, the client plays a crucial role – because only through close collaboration can we achieve the best results.

1. Discovery – let’s analyze what you truly need

The Discovery phase is the foundation of the entire project. Before we plan anything, we take a deep dive into the project’s technological aspects, business context, goals, constraints, and expectations.

What we do on our side:

• Conduct an in-depth analysis of both business and technical needs
• Create a competence map to determine the required specialists
• Assess necessary resources, limitations, and dependencies
• Identify potential risks
• Define project milestones, budget, timeline, and scope

Client’s role:

• Share expectations and timeline requirements
• Discuss budget considerations with us
• Approve key assumptions regarding scope, goals, and schedule

At the end of this phase, we achieve a shared understanding of the project, a well-defined set of business and technical needs, and a complete information package essential for planning the next steps.

2. Setup – let’s get organized before we start

This phase is all about precise preparation before project kickoff. Together with the client, we establish the necessary processes and rules of collaboration.

What we do on our side:

• Together with the client, we build the project structure: team setup, roles, and responsibilities
• Create a detailed action timeline, communication, and reporting plan
• Define quality standards and acceptance criteria with the client
• Plan preventive measures in case of potential risks

Client’s role:

• Approves the Setup phase summary
• Defines and agrees on the work acceptance criteria

After the Setup phase, we’re fully ready to begin – with clearly defined rules, communication paths, responsibilities, team structure, quality standards, and contingency plans in place.

3. Delivery – we execute the project in close collaboration with your product team

This is the most intensive phase – we’re building your project. We deliver functionality iteratively, working closely with your product team to ensure full transparency and quality control.

We create an environment that supports the growth and engagement of the engineers working on your project, while we handle the administrative side – so you can stay focused on outcomes.

What we do on our side:

• Onboard your dedicated j‑labs team
• Plan development work based on the product backlog you provide – allowing us to effectively pursue shared goals
• Deliver tasks iteratively, organize demos, and report progress
• Monitor team morale, professional growth, and handle all formalities
• Provide regular reports: time tracking, risk monitoring, and delivery progress
• Your Delivery Manager acts as your right hand – ensuring smooth cooperation and quick issue resolution

Client’s role:

• Provides the product backlog
• Shares feedback after each iteration
• Approves and signs off on work based on the predefined acceptance criteria
• Works with the Delivery Manager to address ongoing challenges

During this phase, we deliver project components and features smoothly and consistently, maintaining flexibility to adapt to change while ensuring complete process transparency. At the same time, we support and care for the team – fostering skills development and effective project management.

4. Finalization – we hand over and close the project

The final phase is the moment for formal project handover and gathering feedback to improve future collaboration.

We ensure that no knowledge is lost, the client feels equipped with the domain and technical insights gained during the development, and the project is well documented.

What we do on our side:

• Deliver source code, documentation, and a summary report of completed tasks
• Organize a domain and technical knowledge transfer session
• Conduct a Deliverable Satisfaction Poll to assess project satisfaction
• Provide a technology recommendation for future improvements or next steps

Client’s role:

• Accepts and signs off on the delivered results
• Participates in a feedback session and approves the handover of code and documentation
• Identifies potential areas for further collaboration or maintenance support

By the end of this phase, the project is fully completed, delivered, and accepted by the client. We ensure peace of mind through proper knowledge transfer and provide strategic recommendations for future development or support.

Agile Delivery Framework – We do good IT – or nothing

The Agile Delivery Framework is the result of 15 years of delivering IT projects. It’s not a rigid methodology – it’s a flexible approach that adapts to your reality without sacrificing quality or transparency. On top of that, it supports the continuous improvement of how we deliver our services.

The key ingredient? Close collaboration at every stage. Because the best projects happen when there’s an engaged, informed partner on both sides.

If you want to bring order, predictability, and top-tier quality to your project delivery – let’s talk.

Challenge us. Contact us about the project you want to grow!

Check also: What is a legacy system?

FAQ

What is the Agile Delivery Framework (ADF)?

ADF is a flexible and iterative approach developed by j‑labs to ensure quality and transparency in delivering IT projects. It consists of four main phases: Discovery, Setup, Delivery, and Finalization, with client involvement throughout to ensure success.

What are the key phases in the Agile Delivery Framework?

ADF consists of four phases:

• Discovery: Analyze business and technical needs.
• Setup: Organize the team, define roles, and prepare for execution.
• Delivery: Execute the project with iterative development and close client collaboration.
• Finalization: Handover the project, ensure knowledge transfer, and provide recommendations for future improvements.

How does ADF benefit clients?

ADF allows clients to experience structured and predictable project delivery with active involvement at every stage. This ensures high-quality results, improved collaboration, and a transparent development process.

Why is collaboration important in the Agile Delivery Framework?

Close collaboration ensures that the client’s needs and expectations are met, feedback is incorporated in real-time, and the project evolves according to shared goals. This collaborative process is the foundation for successful project delivery.

How does ADF help with project success?

ADF minimizes risks by ensuring a clear understanding of the project from the beginning, supporting continuous improvements, and involving clients at every stage, which results in a smoother, more efficient process and better-quality outcomes.