Joshua Tarbutton

You have probably heard of “Scrum,” the Agile framework for software design, and wondered if it could tame hardware and systems projects and help get them done on time, on budget, and defect-free. Here’s a look at Scrum and the challenges in applying it outside of software. What is Scrum? As shown in the infographic, the Scrum development process is built around two- to four-week design efforts called sprints.

Saab Aerospace used the Scrum method to design the JAS 39 Gripen E, the Swedish strike fighter. This jet plane is faster than the Lockheed-Martin F-35 Lightning, and has similar combat range, but is not stealthy. Its initial cost is about half that of the F-35 and its operating costs are about 25% of the F-35’s. These cost benefits are attributed in part to the use of the Scrum. Scrum methodology has had significant success in improving software development.