VersionOne just works. Out-of-the-box. It allows for very specific configuration and customization, but when you just need to get-up-and-going, only a few things are needed to start planning and tracking your agile project. Here is a short guide on the essentials.
* Create Project in the Project Tree (Administration > Projects)
- A Project in the Project Tree provides a place to capture a Backlog of Stories and Defects.
- The Project can represent a Product, a Project, or a Release.
* Create a Sprint Schedule and assign to the Project (Administration > Projects > Sprint Schedules)
- A Sprint Schedule is a collection of Sprints following the same duration, e.g., two-weeks.
- Assign the Sprint Schedule to the Project to create, in essence, a Sprint calendar.
* Add Team Members to your Project (Administration > Members > Members)
- Default Role is Team Member - this allows the member to create, edit, plan and track Stories and Defects.
- Assign them to the Project (Administration > Members > Project Assignment).
- This provides the Team Members access to the Project and its Backlog.
* Create or import Stories for the Project (Product Planning > Backlog)
- Stories and/or Defects can be created in the Backlog tab of the Product Planning section or imported into the system via the Import tab – VersionOne provides a default Import Template that provides guidance on which fields can be immediately imported by default.
- Stories and/or Defects can be estimated in a desired unit of estimation – e.g., Story Points; completion of this Estimate given to the Stories or Defects drives the Release Burndown chart to show progress being made against the Project Backlog.
* Create a Sprint(s) and assign Stories to it (Sprint Planning > Sprint Scheduling)
- Create a Sprint(s) for the Project.
- With the Project Backlog selected, drag-and-drop Stories from the Backlog into desired Sprint.
- Stories can be broken down into Tasks and Tests and estimated in desired unit of detail estimation – e.g., Hours; this Detail Estimate provides a To Do value to each Task/Test; reducing the To Do value by a Team Member during the Sprint drives the Sprint Burndown chart to show progress being made against the Sprint Backlog.
* Track work and progress during the Sprint (Team Room)
- Use the board views to track work during the Sprint; this is particularly valuable if used in the manner of a physical whiteboard – project onto a wall or display in a large monitor for the Team to use.
- Drag-and-drop Stories, Tasks and Tests to a Status column to show progress; reduce number of To Do values to show progress.
- Alternatively, use the My Home > My Work view independently to update assigned work.
The Quick Start Guide in our Community Site provides you with a walk-through of the setup process, as well as resources and tips on getting started. You’ll also find short videos on each area of the application; these can also be helpful in getting you up and running.
Don’t wait – start planning and tracking your agile project!
