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Modified Agile for Hardware Development Framework

Agile for Hardware Skills: The MAHD Approach

Build Agile Skills for Physical Products

Since 2016 we have helped companies implement agile methods to hardware-based products with incredible results. We found agile methods focus the team, improve efficiency and provide the framework to adapt to changing requirements.

Learn Modified Agile for Hardware Development

However, software-based agile had to be modified for the needs of physical products and cross-discipline teams.To make agile more practical for hardware we founded the Modified Agile for Hardware Development (MAHD) initiative, and provide programs based on this proven framework. Browse our programs below or learn more about the MAHD Framework at www.agileforhardware.org.

Key Skills You Will Learn

  • Why agile provides clear advantages over traditional product development processes
  • Techniques to kick off an agile project quickly and in the right direction
  • Methods to write and prioritize effective user stories, develop a focus matrix and build your overall project plan quickly
  • Right approaches to develop a cross-discipline backlog, breakdown tasks and define and manage your overall project
  • Best ways to develop sprints, iterations and track efforts for physical products
  • Tips to manage the challenges of schedules, dependencies and shared resources
  • Removing roadblocks and staying on track

Modified Agile for Hardware Framework

Software teams have discovered Agile methods increase customer focus, accelerate development and enhance collaboration. Hardware-based development teams can also get big benefits over traditional PD processes with Agile, but since it wasn’t designed to manage physical products, the methods must:

  • Adapt to new insight, but allow designs to freeze
  • Accommodate a range of disciplines (including SW)
  • Incorporate all production considerations
  • Integrate with Stage-gate, Lean, or other systems

Join the MAHD Community

To learn more, join the free MAHD Community to download a range of free learning resources.

Learn More about MAHD

Three Learning Options

Custom Tailored

Contact us to discuss your team’s objectives and we’ll propose a program that fits your needs. We can provide group online or in-person training as well as 1-on-1 coaching tailored to your specific needs.

Public Online Workshops

Browse our regularly scheduled 4-hour, live online courses below. These are small group sessions to allow time and interaction to address specific needs. A great way to get started!

In-house Workshops

Select from our standard programs below and contact us to schedule an online or in-person training session. We use a range of interactive tools, examples and case studies to ensure learning is retained.

Foundations of Agile for Hardware Development

Overview

This workshop gives a comprehensive overview to apply the Modified Agile for Hardware Development (MAHD) Framework. We provide an understanding of the key elements, how to kick off a project, how to develop your first Iteration plan and the tactics of executing iterative development cycles.

Key Questions

  1. What are the major elements of the MAHD Framework?
  2. Why must scrum or other software-based agile methods be modified for hardware products?
  3. How do you manage dependencies, manufacturing, and schedule needs of physical products?
  4. How should the roles of project, program and product managers be reconsidered using agile methods?
  5. How should you think about “requirements” and “specifications” in agile where these terms don’t usually exist?
  6. How can you get customer feedback when you don’t always have a functional prototype?

Agenda

PART 1: THE AGILE FOR HARDWARE FRAMEWORK

A foundation of agile for hardware methods using the MAHD Framework:

  • Introduction – An intro to agile as applied to hardware and cross-discipline teams
  • The MAHD Difference – How managing tasks, dependencies and schedules differ from scrum
  • MAHD Elements – Review of key agile steps and their unique application to physical products
  • The Hardware Agile Challenge – Where companies fail and how you can succeed using agile
  • Agile Case Study – An example of how agile can lead to success with physical products

PART 2: STEP-BY-STEP MAHD

Using an agile project as an example, and the opportunity to work on your own projects, we walk through each step of the agile for hardware process from project kickoff to initial release. Along the way we review specific methods, challenges and tips for success:

  • Roles and Kickoff Success – The right way to get your project started
  • The Agile On-ramp – User stories, requirements, backlogs and your iteration plan
  • The Agile Engine – Managing sprints, iterations and acceptance criteria to drive execution
  • The Fuel – Setting up a customer engagement and feedback system
    Common challenges and solutions
  • Q&A – We’ll leave time for specific questions related to your situation

Our Agile for Hardware Learning Series

With So Many Choices, Why Auxilium?

Five Reasons...

Practical, Proven Tools and Methods

Every method and tool we provide, with either a training or consulting program, has been proven in real-world projects.

Live, Experienced Consultants

You'll work directly with senior consultants who have over 20 years of R&D experience. No inexperienced trainers or fresh MBA's.

Cost Effective

As a virtual team with low overhead, you'll get the experience of a tier one consultancy group at a fraction of typical fees.

Concise, Comprehensive Programs

We focus every training or consulting program on the essential skills and implementation to get immediate results.

A Passion for Results

We understand the risk and expense of getting outside help. Our goal is to ensure you get the results you need.

Contact us to schedule a complimentary discussion of your situation.