"AGILien" VDI Travel Guide Published – Now Available for Free

The new VDI guidebook “AGILien” is here! The publication is the result of the work of the VDI Technical Committee on “Agile Development of Mechatronic Products,” which was developed under the leadership of Prof. Dr.-Ing. Kristin Paetzold-Byhain with members from industry and research.

Using the metaphor of a journey, the guide raises awareness that the introduction of agile methods in the development of mechatronic systems is not a sure thing, but rather requires an active engagement with culture, goals, and framework conditions. Based on best practices and scientific findings, the publication offers recommendations for preparing for and implementing an agile transformation.

From the history of its origins to culture, leadership, and self-organization, all the way to concrete case studies from the field (including those from KSB, SIKO, and Weinmann Emergency), the guide offers practical guidance. Timed for the summer vacation season, the publication will officially be released in August 2026. Starting in early October, the guide will also be presented at the DfX Symposium in Radebeul. The PDF is now available for free download at www.vdi.de/agilien.