Integrating Global Sites into the Lean and Agile Transformation at Ericsson

Abstract

Transforming a large organization from a plan-driven process to agile development is challenging. Despite this, large organizations are increasingly adopting agile development and lean thinking. However, there is little research on how to conduct a successful transformation in large organizations, which often are globally distributed. In this paper we discuss how one R&D unit of Ericsson integrated three global sites into their lean and agile transformation involving 400 persons in Finland, Hungary and the US. We describe the challenges and success factors in integrating the global sites. We collected the data by 45 semi-structured interviews and longitudinally observing the transformation during over 20 site visits. Success factors include: early and broad involvement of global sites at all organizational levels, constant communication and cross-site visits, and creation of joint infrastructure. The challenges include: creating a shared understanding of the change, enabling end-to-end development, bridging cultural differences and creating transparency.