Optimizing Development with Early Implementation of Admin Tools

In the talk, Andy Glassman elaborates on the significant time sinks for developers, such as troubleshooting issues, adjusting production data, handling inquiries, and running maintenance tasks. He warns that the ad hoc approach to these issues can negatively impact feature development due to the inconsistent team output and the necessity for context switching. Andy proposes creating support-focused tools and processes early on, leveraging Elixir-specific admin tools, and fostering a support mindset within the team. By sharing tales from the trenches, particularly the contrast between the experiences of the 'Ant' and the 'Grasshopper,' he illustrates how admin tools aid in recovery from support disasters and streamline operations. Andy advocates for admin tools not only for engineers but also for support staff and customers, as well as for self-service systems that help prevent knowledge silos, reduce context switching, and ultimately stave off burnout. He concludes with practical advice for starting small, tying systems together, fostering documentation, and building tools with efficiency in mind.