Software Delivery Value Stream Graphs Across Heterogeneous Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of software development across multiple teams and tools makes it difficult to understand and track software delivery value streams within an organization, as no single tool or team holds all the information about how software is developed and delivered.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system for autonomously generating software delivery value stream graphs (SDVSGs) that integrate data from specialized software tools, analyzing these graphs to determine aspects of the software development process, and visually representing them to provide insights into development stages, teams, and tools involved.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple specialized software tools are used by different teams to develop software, then each team can work efficiently with tools optimized for their specific tasks, but it becomes difficult to understand and track the overall software delivery value stream across the organization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system that connects multiple specialized software tools and teams. This intermediary automatically collects, integrates, and visualizes data from diverse tools (requirements management, development, testing, deployment) into a unified value stream graph, enabling organization-wide visibility without disrupting individual team workflows or tool efficiencies
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the software delivery value stream into distinct components that can be viewed from multiple perspectives (development stage perspective, team perspective, tool perspective). Each perspective provides a focused view of relevant data while the system maintains the ability to integrate all segments into a complete organizational view
2Device complexity
If multiple teams are used to develop a software system, then the complexity of building software can be managed, but no single tool or team holds all information about how software is developed and delivered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal visualization system that serves multiple functions simultaneously: it tracks work units across development stages, monitors team contributions, integrates data from various tools, and provides multiple perspectives (development stage, team, tool) all within a single platform that benefits the entire organization
3Productivity
If specialized software tools are used by each team, then work efficiency is maximized, but integration and tracking across heterogeneous platforms becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system acts as an intermediary layer between heterogeneous software tools and the visualization interface. It automatically collects data from diverse tools through standardized mechanisms, processes the information, and presents unified insights without requiring teams to change their existing tools or workflows
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates graphical representations (copies) of the actual software delivery processes occurring in various tools. These visualizations replicate the flow of work units across development stages, teams, and tools in an easily interpretable format that maintains fidelity to the underlying complex systems
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods to autonomously generate emergent software delivery value stream graphs from work units (e.g., tasks) that are created and managed through different specialized software tools by the many teams of an entity (e.g., company, other organization) involved in large software delivery activities. The emergent software delivery value stream graphs may be produced by autonomously monitoring and integrating the activity from individual software development tools. Additionally or alternatively, emergent software delivery value stream graphs may be produced by altering a previously captured event stream based on a description of changes to a development stage stream and team information. The generated value streams may be analyzed and/or visualized to report on various aspects of the software development for an organization.