Is industrial Agility comparable to software developer Agility?

No. Industrial Agility requires deep adaptations to handle physical deliverables, multi-site and cross-functional teams, as well as integrated risk management, unlike purely software artefacts.

Why not apply IT Agile methods directly to industry?

The contexts are radically different. Industry has strong trade-specific constraints (physical deliverables, manufacturing lead times, regulatory standards) that require a specifically adapted hybrid version.

How do you convince leadership that industrial Agility is not an IT fad?

By presenting concrete results such as Airbus (-10% costs), by highlighting the industrial origin of the approach that accounts for physical constraints, and by showing documented sector references.

Do you still follow the Agile Manifesto?

The Agile Manifesto was written in 2001 for software developers. It is now considered outdated in demanding professional environments. SolidCreativity critiques it for its counter-productive effects on modern Agility.

Can you mix Agile with ISO 9001/13485 standards?

Yes, through adapted document management and the articulation between iterative cycles and quality audits. Integration with GMP and ISO 13485 is possible, as demonstrated by our references in the pharmaceutical sector.

What types of projects are suited to industrial Agility?

Non-predictive early stages, complex and innovative multi-site projects, and all cases where the V-model shows its limits in terms of flexibility and responsiveness.

Is Agility compatible with heavily regulated projects?

Yes, for example in pharma with GMP requirements. Iterative cycles can be adapted to audits while maintaining ISO 13485 compliance.

How do you adapt Agility to industrial subcontracting constraints?

Through contractualised supplier cycles, ultra-short technical check-ins (15-30 minutes) and a collaborative evaluation grid to maintain alignment.

How do you introduce Agility in a company?

Start with a pilot project accompanied by training, then progressively adapt the tools. Measure with concrete indicators such as lead times and review pass rates.

What budget should you plan for a first Agile experience in industrial R&D?

Budget EUR 5 to 10k for a pilot team. Return on investment typically comes within 3 to 6 months, measurable through reduced delays and improved review pass rates.

Do you need to hire a Scrum Master for industrial projects?

No, it is sufficient to train an existing project manager. The training takes just a few days and this approach has proven successful with clients such as ArcelorMittal.

What tools should you use for visual management in an industrial environment?

Excel spreadsheets combined with physical Post-it notes, a burn-down chart, and collaborative tools suited to multi-site teams.

Our senior engineers are sceptical. How do you convince them?

Through hands-on experimentation on a sub-project. A 2024 study shows that 90% of sceptics change their mind after trying the method, and often become active advocates.

Hardware Agility | Training & Coaching for R&D

Hardware Agility: Agile Management for R&D and Scientific Projects

Your R&D projects falling behind despite rigorous management?
Hardware Agility structures cross-functional teams around physical constraints while respecting your industry standards.

Training organisation since 2002 | 4.9/5 from 69 reviews
Airbus, Renault, ArcelorMittal, IMV Technologies
Qualiopi-certified training

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Measured gains at our clients

-10%
development costs
Airbus

+25%
design productivity
IMV Technologies

4.9/5
training satisfaction
69 verified reviews

Why your R&D projects stall despite rigorous management

Common symptoms

Schedules obsolete within the first few weeks
Delays discovered too late
V-model that loops into VvwvV
Teams in permanent firefighting mode
Silos between disciplines (mechanical, electrical, bio, software)

Hardware Agility

Hybrid management: Agile in early stages, V-model for industrialisation
Iterative-incremental approach adapted to physical validation
Steering by measurable objectives, not by tasks
Compatible with ISO 9001, ISO 13485, GMP
SolidScrum: Scrum optimised for industry

A hybrid approach adapted to industry

Hybrid management diagram combining Agile and V-model for industry

Example of a hybrid model with switchover at TRL4 (the transition point varies according to your context)

Hardware Agility does not replace the V-model: it complements it. The uncertain early stages (exploration, feasibility, technical validation) use short iterations to reduce risk. Once the product is stabilised, industrialisation follows a proven sequential process.

During the Agile phase, the project remains under rigorous control because the validations stay the same - it is the path between milestones that is made Agile.

Agile early stages: iterations of n weeks, demonstrable progress at each cycle

Progressive validation: regulatory constraints integrated from the start

Controlled switchover: objective criteria for transitioning to industrialisation

Standards-compatible: ISO 9001, ISO 13485, GMP, DO-178

They trust us

“-10% costs on the A320neo”

Airbus

“Tailored responses to our challenges”

Renault

“Practical, industry-oriented”

Envea

“+25% design productivity”

IMV Technologies

“Successful Agile kick-off”

Photonis

“Agility in R&D really works”

ArcelorMittal

ArcelorMittal testifies: Agility in industrial R&D

Get trained in Hardware Agility

Training

5 Qualiopi-certified courses. For project teams, managers and leadership.

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Coaching

On-the-ground support for your projects. Progressive implementation with your team.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Hardware Agility

These questions come up regularly from R&D managers and industrial project leaders.

How do you manage an R&D project that keeps falling behind despite rigorous planning?

Delays despite rigorous management (up-to-date Gantt charts, V-model, regular reviews) often indicate that the project is too uncertain for a purely predictive approach. Hardware Agility offers a hybrid management model: short iterations for the uncertain early stages, then a switch to the V-model for industrialisation. This approach helped Airbus cut development costs by 10% on the A320neo.

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What is Hardware Agility and how does it differ from Scrum?

Hardware Agility adapts Agile principles to physical product development (R&D, technical validation, industrialisation), unlike Scrum which was designed for software. Key differences: physical deliverables instead of code, cross-functional and multi-site teams, integration of regulatory constraints (ISO, GMP), and management of material risks. SolidCreativity developed SolidScrum, a version optimised for these environments.

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What measurable results can you expect from Agility in industry?

Documented studies show: +16% productivity (QSMA), -10% costs (Airbus A320neo), +25% design productivity (IMV Technologies), two-thirds reduction in overtime (University of Calgary). 86% of SalesForce employees reported improved work-life balance 15 months after adoption. These results are transferable to industry when Agility is properly adapted.

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How do you get started with Agility in an R&D team?

Introducing Agility is itself an Agile project. Recommended steps: identify a suitable pilot project, train the team (2 days is enough with field support), adapt the tools to your context, measure with real indicators (not just ticking boxes). Budget: EUR 5-10k for a pilot team, visible ROI within 3-6 months.

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What training exists for Agility outside IT?

SolidCreativity offers differentiated pathways: project teams (autonomous in 2 days + coaching), managers and cross-functional departments (evaluate and foster Agility), leadership (manage an Agile/hybrid portfolio). Qualiopi-certified training courses. 95% of participants recommend these courses to their colleagues.