What is the waterfall method in project management?

The waterfall method is one of the oldest and most traditional models in project management. It is characterized by a clear, linear and sequential approach, in which each phase must be completed before the next one begins. This model is particularly frequently used in industries such as software development, construction or regulated industries such as medical technology.

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The phases of the waterfall method

The waterfall method follows a fixed process, which is divided into several clearly defined phases:

1. Requirements analysis — All project requirements are fully recorded and documented at the start.
2. design — The system architecture and technical concept are being planned.
3. implementation — The project is being developed or implemented.
4. Test phase — The product is intensively tested to identify defects and ensure quality.
5. introduction — The finished product is handed over to the end user.
6. maintenance and support — After implementation, optimizations are made and errors are fixed.

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Benefits of the waterfall method

The waterfall method has several advantages that make it particularly suitable for specific projects:

• Clear structure and predictability — Thanks to the strict sequence of phases, progress can be traced at any time.
• Detailed documentation — The structured procedure ensures complete traceability.
• Suitable for stable requirements — Especially ideal when project requirements barely change during implementation.

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Disadvantages of the waterfall method

Despite its benefits, the waterfall method also has some challenges:

• Low flexibility — Changes during the project are difficult to implement, as each phase builds on the previous one.
• Late fault detection — Problems or unclear requirements often only become apparent in later phases.
• Long development cycles — The customer only receives the finished product at the end, which can lead to misunderstandings or disappointment.

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When is the waterfall method suitable?

The waterfall method is particularly suitable for projects with:

• Clearly defined and stable requirements
• Large, structured processes such as construction or production projects
• Industries with strict regulatory requirements, such as medical technology or aviation

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conclusion

The waterfall method is a proven model for projects with predictable processes and fixed requirements. It enables a high level of planning and structure, but is less flexible and less suitable for dynamic projects with changing requirements. In the modern project world, it is therefore often combined with more agile methods to enable greater adaptability.

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