Spotlight on Community Involvement – Agile Enhancement Team (AET)

August 28, 2024

The Agile Enhancement Team or AET is a small group of agency stakeholders who partner with a PTF member and the Infotech Team to deliver enhancements through the Hybrid Agile process. The process utilizes our most valuable resource, you!

In the words of Brad Finch, Nebraska Department of Transportation:

“The AET’s have been such a valuable resource for developing out the TMRs and features that we as agencies want to see implemented as we all work towards improving AWP. The process of the AETs allows each agency to have a voice in the direct development of the software and it has opened members of the AET to be not just a technical analyst but can be anyone that the agency deems can provide the needed feedback for the development of the TMR. Many times, that is our analysts, but at times it is more value to have a someone that does the actual day-to-day work on the area being developed.

There is also representation from other agencies, so there is generally a good spread of different skills and perspectives that are put to work in the process of implementing the enhancements. The iterative process allows the features of the TMR to be broken down into small pieces so it is easy to address concerns as they arise rather than waiting until the whole thing is built, then realizing there may have been issues that weren’t properly addressed, and having to rework everything over again or create another TMR to fix what was fixed. You are right there with the developers, InfoTech Team, and other agencies to talk about, discuss, and test as the features are being built. Working in the team environment, you get the support of the team. If you have questions, everyone works together to figure out the answers. The hardest part is realizing how much freedom you have to jump in, ask questions, and get involved, but that is what the AET is:- the opportunity to be involved and make a difference. You make a difference, and you see the results!

It also encourages looking at AWP from other states’ and agencies’ perspectives. You learn new ideas and ways of doing business. You develop friendships and have a better understanding of the product, which encourages further innovation for the future. I truly encourage anyone with an interest in making the product better to step into it with an open mind and the courage to make difference!”

Interested in joining an AET? Watch for announcements regarding enhancements to be developed, attend the Pre-Design meetings, and get involved!