{"id":4505,"date":"2019-02-15T06:15:30","date_gmt":"2019-02-15T11:15:30","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/flevy.com\/blog\/?p=4505"},"modified":"2020-12-19T20:37:46","modified_gmt":"2020-12-20T01:37:46","slug":"the-principles-and-implementation-of-scaled-agile-framework-safe","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/flevy.com\/blog\/the-principles-and-implementation-of-scaled-agile-framework-safe\/","title":{"rendered":"The Principles and Implementation of Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe)"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"The pace of digital disruption is putting even large corporations at risk of closure.\u00a0 Startups are using disruption to their benefit by embracing robust approaches and creating unique business models.<\/p>\n

This intense competition and disruption warrants organizations to keep evolving in order to thrive.\u00a0 They can do this by creating cutting-edge systems and software, adopting pragmatic methodologies, and embracing an organizational culture that motivates innovation, agility and teamwork.<\/p>\n

To develop state-of-the-art systems and software in this disruptive age, waterfall or even the agile methodology isn\u2019t sufficient.\u00a0 These methods work well with small teams. \u00a0However, for large enterprises and teams these approaches do not match the scale requirements.<\/p>\n

In order to apply Lean<\/a> and Agile<\/a> practices on a higher scale, the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe)<\/a>\u2014a knowledge base of organization and workflow patterns\u2014was developed by Scaled Agile, based on insights and practical experience helping clients address their real-world scaling issues.\u00a0 The approach can be applied to small teams as well as large enterprises comprising of teams of several thousand individuals.\u00a0 The SAFe approach leverages 3 bodies of knowledge:\u00a0 Agile Software Development, Lean Product Development, and Systems Thinking.<\/p>\n

The SAFe Project Management<\/a> philosophy is illustrated by one comprehensive visual, known as the \u201cBig Picture.\u201d\u00a0 There are 2 versions of the \u201cBig Picture\u201d\u2014a 3-level view and a 4-level view.<\/p>\n

The 3-level view is suitable for smaller systems, products, and services.\u00a0 The 3 levels are:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Portfolio Level<\/strong><\/li>\n
  2. Program Level<\/strong><\/li>\n
  3. Team Level<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    The 4-level view\u2014is ideal for organizations implementing and maintaining large, complex solutions that need hundreds of practitioners\u2014entails:<\/p>\n

      \n
    1. Portfolio Level<\/strong><\/li>\n
    2. Value Stream Level<\/strong><\/li>\n
    3. Program Level<\/strong><\/li>\n
    4. Team Level<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      \"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

      Now, let’s take a deeper look at these levels.<\/p>\n

      Team Level <\/strong><\/h2>\n

      SAFe teams define, build, and test stories\u2014small pieces of new functionality\u2014and deliver value in sprints (series of fixed-length iterations).\u00a0 The teams use a common iteration cadence to synchronize their work with other teams and to allow all teams to iterate simultaneously.<\/p>\n

      Program Level<\/strong><\/h2>\n

      At this level, SAFe teams are organized into a virtual program structure, known as the Agile Release Train (ART).\u00a0 Each ART is a long-lived, autonomous team of Agile teams and other stakeholders to plan, commit, executive, inspect, and adapt together.\u00a0 The ART aligns teams to a common mission, provide architectural and user experience guidance, facilitate flow, and provide continuous objective evidence of progress.<\/p>\n

      Value Stream Level<\/strong><\/h2>\n

      This level supports the development of large and complex solutions\u2014that necessitate multiple, synchronized ARTs\u2014and has a stronger focus on solution intent and solution context.\u00a0 Suppliers and additional stakeholders contribute to the Value Stream level.<\/p>\n

      Portfolio Level <\/strong><\/h2>\n

      This level organizes and funds a set of Value Streams.\u00a0 The Value Streams realize a set of solutions, which enable an organization to achieve its strategic mission.\u00a0 This level provides solution development finding through Lean-Agile budgeting, governance, and coordination of larger development initiatives.<\/p>\n

      In addition, there is a Foundation layer<\/strong> in the SAFe Framework that supports the entire organization in development through 5 key attributes:<\/p>\n