Every delay increases the risk of failure

Delaying software releases increases failure risk. Frequent, small releases improve success rates, adaptability, and recovery, as shown by CHAOS Report and DORA metrics.

Published on 10 February 2025

Written by Martin Hinshelwood

1 minute read

https://nkdagility.com/resources/-hq1U7x2uea

Every delay increases the risk of failure.

Organizations that take too long to release software fall behind. While they refine, plan, and internally validate, their competitors deliver, learn, and adapt.

The Standish Group’s CHAOS Report found that only 29% of long-cycle projects succeed, while agile, frequent-release projects succeed up to 64% of the time. DORA metrics confirm that teams that release more often have lower failure rates and faster recovery times.

Deliver small, deliver fast, and adjust. If you are waiting for the perfect release, you are already losing.

Frequent Releases Time to Market Software Development Product Delivery Deployment Frequency … 10 more Market Adaptability Value Delivery Metrics and Learning Pragmatic Thinking Team Performance Release Management Continuous Delivery Operational Practices Decision Making Continuous Improvement

Connect with Martin Hinshelwood

If you've made it this far, it's worth connecting with our principal consultant and coach, Martin Hinshelwood, for a 30-minute 'ask me anything' call.

Our Happy Clients

We partner with businesses across diverse industries, including finance, insurance, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, technology, engineering, transportation, hospitality, entertainment, legal, government, and military sectors.