Top 10 SAFe® Elements to Begin Your Agile Journey

The Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe^®) is a robust and efficient tool to solve and respond to complex problems in modern enterprises helping companies achieve Business Agility. Implementing SAFe^® brings about a transformation in modern organizations. SAFe^® is a reliable, trustworthy, and proven framework, hence used by most enterprises. Many complex product development projects have been completed effectively and delivered on time by implementing SAFe^®. Irrespective of the size of the business, SAFe^® can be implemented.

Essential SAFe^® is the primary configuration of SAFe^® and also the basic foundation on which everything else is built. To effectively implement SAFe^® within an organization, SAFe^® Agile training is crucial.

Here are the 10 SAFe^® Agile elements to begin your Agile journey:

1. Lean-Agile principles

Every enterprise is different and has its own unique challenges. SAFe^® makes the implementation of Lean-Agile principles and values and makes it more accessible. Following the Lean-Agile principles in SAFe^® implementation ensures that an organization is moving in the right direction and not just moving through the motions. It prevents an enterprise from going off-track even if there is a dilemma or uncertainty.

2. Agile Teams and Release Trains

Agile Teams and Agile Release Trains (ART) are the key SAFe^® Agile elements for the successful implementation of SAFe^®. An Agile team consists of highly trained individuals that are cross-functional and self-organizing. An Agile Release Train (ART) comprises multiple Agile teams grouped together. The Agile teams are capable of managing and organizing themselves independently. The Scrum Master or Scrum Owner guides the Agile teams.

The aim of ARTs is to create solutions that deliver value to customers. A SAFe^® Agile Product Management course from AgilityPAD will help provide in-depth knowledge about how to develop customer-centric value using an Agile Release Train.

3. Cadence and Synchronization

Uncertainties are a part and parcel of any development project. Both Cadence and synchronization provide the tools for iteration despite the uncertainties. Both Cadence and synchronization allow the teams in ART to start and finish iterations simultaneously. This empowers ART teams to be more collaborative and get faster feedback on the integrated product.

4. Program Increment (PI) planning

PI is a powerful event in which all the ART teams, business owners and executives gather together to plan and work towards the same goals and objectives. PI forms the core planning event of ART, often referred as the true magic of SAFe® or the heartbeat of SAFe® framework. It is a well-organized and planning event that happens over two days or three days. PI encourages shared vision amongst team members. PI allows teams to discuss and find solutions to various problems via a collaborative approach.

5. DevOps and release on demand

The main goal of DevOps is to effectively connect the development and operations teams in an organization. DevOps allows organizations to achieve superior results and improved performance by having quick releases and faster learning curves. SAFe^® also encourages organizations to create a Continuous Delivery Pipeline (CDP) to provide solutions that focus on the customers’ needs at a fast pace.

6. System Demo

A system demo is a key event that occurs every two weeks. In this, the collaborated work of all ART teams is displayed to the stakeholders. The purpose of this meeting is to get relevant feedback, which the ART can use to progress in the right direction. A system demo also helps resolve any issues.

7. Inspect and Adapt

Inspect and adapt are two key SAFe^® Agile elements. It happens at the end of every PI event. It involves inspection and retrospection of the created customer-centric solutions. Also, specific steps are decided to improve the next PI planning event. ARTs also conduct the PI Demo that helps get feedback on the features that were prioritised for that PI and measure qualitative and quantitative feedback.

8. Innovation and Planning (IP) iteration

IP iteration is a key component of PI planning. It helps with dedicated time for Innovation, an important pillar of the SAFe® House of Lean and Planning for the next PI based on the next set of priorities and product vision.

9. Architectural runway

The architectural runway is built using the Enablers across various backlogs and takes guidance from the System Architect/Solution Engineer. The main purpose of architectural runways is to provide a base for enterprises for implementing new business features.

10. Lean-Agile leadership

The last of the SAFe^® Agile elements is the Lean-Agile leadership, which is a major factor in the success of any transformation. If you are looking to drive Lean-Agile transformation in a SAFe^® organization, a Leading SAFe^® (SA) course from AgilityPAD can help you gain valuable skill sets.

If you are looking to gain Agile skills or upskill your existing skills, the SAFe^® Scrum Master Certification and SAFe^® Agile Scrum Master online training from AgilityPAD will help you.

To know more details about SAFe^® Agile training courses, contact AgilityPAD today.