Insights
Learnings, thoughts and resources for our clients and the software engineering community.
Is Fixed-Price Really Safer? Why Time and Materials Could Be the Smarter Bet for Software Development Projects
When kicking off a custom software development project, one of the most important decisions you’ll make with your technology partner is how the work will be billed. Many new clients come to us assuming that a fixed-cost contract is the safest way to protect their investment, but we’re here to tell you that’s not always the case.
In this post, we’ll explore why time and materials contracts are well-suited for software development, especially in complex or evolving projects.
Why We Make You the Product Manager: Our Unique Approach to Agile Software Development
When you work with Big Room, you get a seat at the development team table, right alongside our engineers.
We invite our clients to become Product Managers in the Agile development process. Agile isn’t just a buzzword, it’s a central pillar of how we work, and it dramatically impacts the success of every project we deliver.
Product Owner vs. Product Manager: What’s the Difference and Which Role Should You Fill?
At Big Room, we practice Agile software development. Following this practice, two roles often come up: Product Owner and Product Manager. While they sound similar (and sometimes even overlap) they serve distinct purposes and play different roles in delivering successful products.
By understanding how these roles differ, you’ll get a clearer picture of what it’s like to work with Big Room, and how we use both to drive collaboration, clarity, and success.
The Change Manager’s Role in Agile Manufacturing: Bridging People, Process, and Progress
For Change Managers, the convergence of Agile, OCM, and Continuous Improvement is both a challenge and a career-defining opportunity. You’re no longer just enabling change, you’re orchestrating the alignment of methodologies, mindsets, and machines. By helping your organization navigate this intersection, you’re doing more than managing transitions—you’re shaping a culture that’s adaptive, resilient, and ready for the future.
Custom Software vs. SaaS: Why Custom Software Wins
Off-the-shelf SaaS (Software as a Service) products are often the go-to for organizations because they tout perks like quick setups and predictable pricing—factors that are especially attractive for start ups and small teams.
But as organizations grow and their needs become more specific, the cracks in SaaS begin to show.
How Software and Efficiency Help Manufacturers Beat Tariffs
Let’s address the elephant 🐘 in the room: today’s global trade environment has never been more uncertain. Tariffs are no longer just levers for foreign policy, they’re cost drivers with potentially crippling effects for all kinds of organizations. For manufacturers, especially those dependent on international supply chains or foreign-sourced materials, rising tariffs can feel like a financial chokehold. But amidst these pressures, there's a path forward coming into focus: investing in smart software solutions and operational efficiency.