Combining Lean Thinking and Agile Methods for Software Development: A Case Study of a Finnish Provider of Wireless Embedded Systems Detailed

Lean Software Development has attracted a great deal of attention during last years. However, it remains unclear how Lean is implemented in a domain that fundamentally differs from the automotive industry in which it originated. This study provides empirical evidence of how Lean can be combined with Agile methods to enhance software development processes. A case study was conducted at Elektrobit Wireless Segment, which has used Agile from 2007 and began to adopt Lean in 2010. Our findings evidence numerous compatibilities between Lean and Agile. In addition to well-established practices in Agile, Lean thinking has brought new elements to software development such as Kanban and work-in-progress limits, a “pull” and “less waste” oriented culture, and a stronger emphasis on transparency and collaborative development. Scaling flexibility, business management involvement and waste reduction were found as challenges, whilst setting up teams, self-organization and empowerment appeared easier to achieve.