Body
This article explains what a Sprint is in TeamDynamix (TDX) and how it is used with the Cardwall feature. It is written for departments that are beginning to use TDX as a standard way to submit, track, and manage project work.
Sprints are intended to support collaboration and visibility by providing a clear and professional explanation without assuming prior experience with project management frameworks or Agile terminology, making them well suited for departments adopting TDX as a standard project intake and project management tool.
Overview
In TDX (TeamDynamix), a Sprint is a short, defined period of time used to organize and manage a set of related work items.
A Sprint helps teams:
- Identify which work will be addressed next
- Track progress in a consistent and visible manner
- Clearly understand what work is complete and what work is still underway
Sprints are used alongside the Cardwall, which provides a visual view of work and its current status.
Key Characteristics of a Sprint
A Sprint in TDX has several core characteristics:
- Time-bound: Each Sprint has a start and end date, commonly one or two weeks.
- Focused: Only selected work items are included during the Sprint period.
- Transparent: All Sprint work is visible to the team on the Cardwall.
- Practical: Sprints are designed to support real work and can be adjusted as priorities change.
Departments do not need to follow formal Agile processes to use Sprints successfully. The purpose is to create structure and clarity without adding unnecessary complexity.
The Cardwall and Sprint Work
The Cardwall is the primary workspace used during a Sprint.
On the Cardwall:
- Each card represents a work item, such as a task, request, or project activity.
- Columns represent stages of work. Common examples include:
- Not Started
- In Progress
- Waiting for Review or Input
- Complete
As work progresses, cards are moved from one column to the next. This allows team members and stakeholders to quickly understand current status and identify any delays.
How Sprints Are Used in TDX
Selecting Work for a Sprint
At the beginning of a Sprint, the team identifies which work items will be addressed next. These items are added to the Sprint and displayed on the Cardwall. Sprint dates help set shared expectations around timing and progress. This approach replaces informal tracking methods such as long email threads, spreadsheets, or individual task lists.
Managing Work During the Sprint
During the Sprint, team members work on their assigned cards. As progress is made, cards are updated and moved across the Cardwall. Anyone with access to the project can view current status without requesting separate updates.
Sprint Review and Transition
At the end of the Sprint, completed work remains documented in TDX. Any work that is still in progress can be moved into a future Sprint. This creates a natural checkpoint to review progress and plan next steps.
Benefits of Using Sprints
Using Sprints in TDX provides several benefits for departments:
- Clear visibility into active work and priorities
- Improved communication with fewer status update requests
- Consistent tracking of progress over time
- Shared understanding between departments and project or IT teams
- A documented record of completed work
Sprints support an organized and flexible approach to managing projects and requests.
Additional Support
- OU Technology Center
- 44 Oakland Center
- Rochester, MI 48309-4479
- (248) 370-4357
- Office Hours: M-F 8:00am - 5:00pm