Lab 05: Step-by-Step Guide

Overview

This guide walks you through completing Lab 05: The POC Sprint, from initial scoping to final demo.

Phase 1: Planning (1-2 hours)

Step 1: Scope the POC

1. Review templates:

   cd labs/05-poc-sprint
   ls templates/

2. Fill out scope document:

   • Open templates/poc-scope-document.md
   • Fill in all sections
   • Define objectives
   • Set scope boundaries

3. Define success criteria:

   • Open templates/success-criteria.md
   • Define must-have criteria
   • Define should-have criteria
   • Define nice-to-have criteria

4. Get stakeholder approval:

   • Share scope document
   • Get sign-off
   • Set expectations

Step 2: Prepare Demo Materials

1. Review demo script:

   • Open demo-prep/demo-script.md
   • Customize for your POC
   • Practice the flow

2. Prepare backup demo:

   • Review demo-prep/backup-demo.md
   • Prepare screenshots
   • Prepare architecture diagrams

3. Review common questions:

   • Open demo-prep/common-questions.md
   • Prepare your answers
   • Practice responses

Phase 2: Deployment (15-30 minutes)

Step 3: Deploy Infrastructure

Option A: GCP Deployment

cd labs/05-poc-sprint/minimal-deployment
cp terraform.tfvars.example terraform.tfvars
# Edit terraform.tfvars with your project ID

cd ..
./scripts/quick-deploy.sh

Option B: Local Deployment (Kind)

# Create Kind cluster
kind create cluster --name poc-cluster

# Deploy Argo Workflows
helm repo add argo https://argoproj.github.io/argo-helm
helm install argo-workflows argo/argo-workflows \
  --namespace argo \
  --create-namespace \
  --wait

Step 4: Verify Deployment

# Check cluster
kubectl get nodes

# Check Argo Workflows
kubectl get pods -n argo

# Check services
kubectl get svc -n argo

Step 5: Deploy Demo Workflows

# Deploy all demo workflows
kubectl apply -f manifests/

# Verify workflows
kubectl get workflows -n argo

Phase 3: Preparation (30-60 minutes)

Step 6: Prepare Demo Environment

./scripts/prepare-demo.sh

This will:

• Verify Argo Workflows is running
• Deploy demo workflows
• Set up demo namespace
• Provide access information

Step 7: Test Demo Workflows

1. Access Argo UI:

   kubectl port-forward -n argo svc/argo-workflows-server 2746:2746

   Open: http://localhost:2746

2. Test each workflow:

   • Submit simple workflow
   • Submit multi-step workflow
   • Submit parallel workflow

3. Verify everything works:

   • All workflows execute
   • Logs are accessible
   • UI displays correctly

Step 8: Prepare Backup Materials

1. Take screenshots:

   • Argo UI dashboard
   • Workflow executions
   • Architecture diagrams

2. Prepare architecture discussion:

   • Review architecture
   • Prepare talking points
   • Prepare diagrams

3. Test backup demo:

   • Practice with screenshots
   • Practice architecture discussion
   • Ensure materials are ready

Phase 4: Execution (1-2 weeks)

Step 9: Daily Standups

Use templates/daily-standup-format.md:

1. What did you accomplish yesterday?
2. What will you do today?
3. Any blockers?

Step 10: Track Progress

1. Update success criteria:

   • Track must-have criteria
   • Track should-have criteria
   • Document nice-to-have

2. Document issues:

   • Track problems
   • Document solutions
   • Update stakeholders

3. Adjust if needed:

   • Scope adjustments
   • Timeline adjustments
   • Resource adjustments

Phase 5: Demo (15-30 minutes)

Step 11: Deliver Demo

Follow demo-prep/demo-script.md:

1. Introduction (2 min)
2. Architecture Overview (3 min)
3. Simple Workflow (3 min)
4. Multi-Step Workflow (4 min)
5. Parallel Workflow (4 min)
6. Q&A (3-5 min)

Step 12: Handle Questions

Use demo-prep/common-questions.md:

• Answer technical questions
• Address business concerns
• Discuss next steps

Step 13: Follow Up

1. Send materials:

   • Demo recording
   • Architecture diagrams
   • Documentation

2. Answer questions:

   • Respond to outstanding questions
   • Provide additional information

3. Schedule next steps:

   • Based on demo feedback
   • Address concerns
   • Plan implementation

Phase 6: Documentation (1-2 hours)

Step 14: Create Final Report

Use templates/final-report-template.md:

1. Executive Summary
2. What Was Accomplished
3. Success Criteria Results
4. Lessons Learned
5. Recommendations
6. Next Steps

Step 15: Share Outcomes

1. Distribute report:

   • Send to stakeholders
   • Share with team
   • Archive for future reference

2. Present findings:

   • Present to decision makers
   • Answer questions
   • Discuss recommendations

3. Plan next steps:

   • Based on outcomes
   • Address recommendations
   • Plan implementation (if approved)

Phase 7: Cleanup (5 minutes)

Step 16: Clean Up Resources

./scripts/cleanup.sh

Or manually:

cd minimal-deployment
terraform destroy

Tips for Success

Planning

✅ Start with clear problem statement ✅ Define specific objectives ✅ Set realistic timeline ✅ Get stakeholder buy-in

Execution

✅ Deploy quickly ✅ Test early and often ✅ Communicate regularly ✅ Stay focused on scope

Demo

✅ Practice beforehand ✅ Have backup plan ✅ Engage audience ✅ Be honest about limitations

Documentation

✅ Document everything ✅ Capture lessons learned ✅ Provide clear recommendations ✅ Share knowledge

Common Pitfalls

Pitfall 1: Scope Too Broad

Problem: Trying to prove everything Solution: Focus on 2-3 core objectives

Pitfall 2: No Success Criteria

Problem: Unclear what success means Solution: Define measurable criteria upfront

Pitfall 3: Poor Communication

Problem: Stakeholders don't know status Solution: Regular updates, daily standups

Pitfall 4: No Backup Plan

Problem: Demo fails, no recovery Solution: Always have backup materials

Pitfall 5: Incomplete Documentation

Problem: Can't remember what happened Solution: Document as you go

Additional Resources

• Scoping Guide
• Demo Guide
• Troubleshooting
• Templates