# How is progress communicated during a software project? [Home](https://3bird.nl/)/How is progress communicated during a software project? # How is progress communicated during a software project? Progress is communicated during a software project through a combination of fixed consultation moments, digital project tools, and regular status updates. The exact approach varies by team and working method, but the foundation is always the same: as a client, you want to know at any moment where the project stands, what has been done, and what is still to come. Good progress communication prevents misunderstandings, helps you course-correct in time, and ensures that the end result aligns with what you had in mind. In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions about how progress communication works in the practice of software development. ## What tools are used to track progress? The most commonly used tools for progress management in software development are project management systems such as **Jira, Trello, Linear, or Azure DevOps**. These tools provide a visual overview of tasks, who is working on them, and what phase a task is in. This way, you can see the current state of affairs at any moment without having to wait for a meeting. In addition to project tools, teams use communication platforms such as **Slack or Microsoft Teams** for daily coordination. This is where short check-ins take place, blockers are reported, and quick questions are answered. Combine this with a project board, and you have both structured and informal communication in order. Which tools work best depends on the size of the project and the team’s working method. Many teams working according to the **Scrum or Kanban** methodology use a digital board with columns such as “To Do”, “In Progress”, and “Done”. This makes progress directly visible to everyone, including you as the client. - **Jira or Linear:** for detailed task tracking and sprint planning - **Trello or Notion:** for more straightforward, less technical projects - **Slack or Teams:** for daily communication and quick updates - **GitHub or GitLab:** for technical progress at the code level ## How often do you receive updates during a software project? In a professional software project, you typically receive a **formal update weekly**, supplemented by daily or bi-weekly informal check-ins. The frequency depends on the chosen working method, the complexity of the project, and the agreements you make in advance with the development team. Teams working with two-week sprints schedule formal communication around that sprint cycle. In between, there are shorter daily stand-ups, also known as **daily scrums**, where the team discusses in fifteen minutes what has been done, what is on the agenda for today, and whether there are any obstacles. As a client, you don’t need to attend every daily stand-up, but you do receive the summary or have access to the project board. This keeps you informed without disrupting the team’s workflow. ## What is the difference between a sprint review and a status update? A **sprint review** is a scheduled meeting at the end of a sprint where the team shows what has actually been built and delivered. A **status update** is a shorter, more informal report on the current state of affairs, without anything being demonstrated. The difference lies in the depth and the purpose. ### The sprint review During a sprint review, the team presents the working software to you as the client. You see what has been built, you can ask questions, and you provide feedback. This is an important moment to verify whether the direction is correct and to pass on any adjustments for the next sprint. A sprint review typically lasts one to two hours. ### The status update A status update is a concise overview of what is in progress, what is complete, and whether there are any risks. This can be delivered via email, a short message in Slack, or an automated report from the project management system. A status update is not a moment for feedback or discussion, but for informing. Both forms complement each other: the status update keeps you informed on a daily basis, while the sprint review provides the depth. ## How does progress communication work with a remote development team? With a remote development team, progress communication takes place entirely digitally, through a combination of project tools, video meetings, and asynchronous messages. It requires clearer agreements than with an on-site team, but it works well as long as there is structure and everyone uses the same tools. An important consideration with remote teams is the time difference. If the development team works in a different time zone, schedule the fixed consultation moments at times that are workable for both parties. Asynchronous communication via tools like Loom (for video messages) or detailed task descriptions in the project board helps keep the collaboration running smoothly, even when you are not online at the same time. Good remote progress communication stands or falls with a few agreements: - Use one central project board that is always up to date - Schedule fixed weekly video calls for alignment and demos - Set expectations regarding response times for messages - Always record decisions in writing to prevent misunderstandings With a **software development partner** experienced in remote collaboration, these kinds of agreements are already built into the working method. You don’t need to reinvent the wheel. ## When should you as a client ask for an update yourself? You ask for an update yourself when you have not heard anything for longer than the agreed period, when a deadline is approaching without confirmation of progress, or when you have doubts about the direction of the project. Waiting until something goes wrong is not a good strategy: proactively checking in is a sign of involvement, not distrust. Concrete situations in which you reach out yourself: - There has been no update for more than a week outside of the fixed consultation moments - An agreed deliverable has not been delivered without explanation - You see in the project board that tasks have been stalled for some time - There are new insights or changes on your end that affect the project Good collaboration is a two-way street. If you as a client have changes in priorities or budget, communicate that actively as well. Progress communication works best when both parties inform each other openly and in a timely manner. ## How we ensure clear communication during your software project At 3Bird, we understand that good communication is just as important as good code. That is why we build progress communication in as a fixed part of every project, not as something you need to arrange separately. What you can expect from us: - A **Dutch fractional CTO** who manages the team and keeps you informed in your own language - Access to a **central project board** where you can see the current progress at any moment - Fixed **weekly updates and sprint reviews** so you are never caught off guard - A team of experienced remote developers accustomed to clear, structured communication Whether you are a startup building a first product or a growing company looking to scale its software: we offer [custom software development](https://3bird.nl/maatwerk-software-ontwikkeling) where you always know where you stand. Want to know how we approach your project? Get in touch via **+(31)75-7993038** or send an email to **contact@3bird.nl**. ## Ready to Get Started? Talk to us about your project and find the right 3Bird solution. [Contact Us Today](https://3bird.nl/contact/) --- Book a free 30-minute consultation: https://calendly.com/3-bird/3bird-oscar-30-minuten-meet Email: contact@3bird.nl | Phone: +31757993038