Proof of Concept (PoC) in Agile


A proof-of-concept (PoC) is intended to confirm a presumption that a concept, technology, or methodology is practicable, and applicable. PoCs speed up delivery in contemporary software development by assisting in the quicker launch of products, which adheres to Lean and Agile concepts.

In this article we will discuss more about PoC, Requirement of PoC, PoC demonstration and finally Benefits of PoC. Let’s start.

Proof of Concept (PoC)

A proof of concept (POC) is indeed a product demonstration that aims to show whether an idea can actually be implemented. The purpose of a POC is not to determine whether there is a market for such a concept or the most effective manufacturing method. Instead of concentrating on creating or developing an idea, it determines whether it is workable and viable. Furthermore, it enables people taking part in the concrete evidence exercise to look into the prospective cash rewards.

Depending on the sort of business, a POC may be a brief paper document, an early video demonstration of the concept, or even a working product prototype. A Proof of Concept in the software industry concentrates on the technical aspects of a product or app's viability. To determine which technologies to utilize, what new or current software or updates are necessary, the number of people that will be needed, and other factors, create a Proof of Concept. It might differ from one project to another and is dependent on the needs of the client.

The distinction between a POC and an MVP or, for that issue, a prototype must be kept in mind.  A minimal viable market (MVP) is a fully operational product in its most basic form with just the features needed to run it and gauge user reaction, as opposed to a prototype, which is intended to demonstrate how a product will work once it has been completed.

Benefits of PoC

Comparable to a prototype or "minimum viable product" in lean manufacturing, the concept test is a pilot project to assess the viability of your strategy before work is started. This is why it is so valuable.

  • A POC confirms that theories and concepts used in a project will produce a good outcome. POCs do not result in deliverables because the project's viability is the main concern.

  • POC provides significant information that decision-makers and potential investors can use to assess the viability and market value of a project or product proposal.

  • POC provides development teams with crucial customer feedback, data on market demand, target demographics, and crucial pain areas.

  • It serves as the foundation for your new product and minimum viable product, proof of concept is a crucial stage in the product development process.

Need of PoC

In the world of software, making the Proof of Concept might take place, among other things, when developing a new online or mobile application for a new client or when automating a repetitive manual activity.

The POC is created in any scenario to identify the many technologies that would be needed, the setup of the systems, along with multiple hardware and software parameters. Even while a technical demonstration of a concept doesn't concentrate on the product's commercial potential, it does give you information about potentially useful, low-cost technologies.

Before moving further and being offered to potential investors or clients, the POC is intended to provide immediate internal feedback within the organization. Once it has received the thumbs-up from internal supervisors and managers, it's able to be utilized as a winning proposition when pitching it to potential investors and customers.

Writing the Demonstration of the Idea

How a suggested product or service will serve organizational goals, financial objectives, or other business requirements may be covered in a POC plan. Nevertheless, there are no established, detailed procedures for writing a prototype. They should use the following as a model for what a POC should contain −

  • Describe the POC idea, including its goals, objectives, and necessary resources.

  • To clearly analyze the project, decide on the POC process's scope.

  • Include use cases that fall inside the scope while defining success criteria.

  • Establish and set up the team that is participating, including those who are involved in the production and decision-making processes as well as stakeholders.

  • Calculate the length of the POC and the amount of work that will be required to complete the project.

  • Get user input and team insights to evaluate the POC; if a project idea requires improvement, this is the time to make adjustments before development.

  • Have a plan for what to do next in the event that the POC is successful.

The created POC ought to be able to respond to questions such as whether the idea can be produced reliably, whether there is a market for the idea, whether it would work as expected, what technology is required to execute the idea, and whether there is a chance for feedback.

Conclusion

In general, before adopting a single method, it's vital to examine POC developments with a skeptical eye and determine which one is the greatest fit for your unique project and goals. Proof of Concept doesn't constitute a fad; rather, it ought to be considered an essential stage in the development of any item that is used to confirm the feasibility of the concept and assess whether or not it's worth spending time and money on. Nobody needs to spend money, regardless of how flexible their budget may be. Rather than preserving the bees as well as the honey in anticipation of the next big thing, spend money on premium PoC.

Updated on: 28-Mar-2023

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