What is Scaled Agile Framework or SAFe?
Date: Wednesday, January 25 @ 07:42:00 EST
Topic: PMConnection Articles


What is Scaled Agile Framework® or SAFe®?

Scaled Agile Framework® or SAFe® is an online, freely revealed knowledge base of proven success patterns for implementing Lean-Agile software and systems development at enterprise scale.[1]

SAFe®, as the name indicates can be applied or scaled to various levels of an organization.  Its principles can be applied to the Team, Program, Value Stream or the Portfolio level.

 

There are Nine Principles of SAFe[2]

1.       Take an economic view

2.       Apply systems thinking

3.       Assume variability; preserve options

4.       Build incrementally with fast, integrated learning cycles

5.       Base milestones on objective evaluation of working systems

6.       Visualize and limit WIP, reduce batch sizes and manage queue lengths

7.       Apply cadence, synchronize with cross-domain planning

8.       Unlock the intrinsic motivation of knowledge workers

9.       Decentralize decision-making

These principles are built off the Agile Manifesto Principles (http://agilemanifesto.org/principles.html )

 

Organizations who have implemented SAFe are getting outstanding business benefits[3]:

·         20 – 50% increase in productivity

·         50%+ increases in quality

·         30 – 75% faster time to market

·         Measurable increases in employee engagement and job satisfaction

Their website is really cool!  Here is a screenshot from the homepage:

But, on their site it's not just a picture.  It is very dynamic!  Each icon or image contains a hyperlink that will allow you to drill into more information about the item.  Just like the definition states; "an online, freely revealed knowledge base."  Give it a try: http://www.scaledagileframework.com

 

Regardless of the type of product you are delivering here are a few tips for implementing SAFe:[4]

·         Have the business engaged the whole way.

·         Tailor your agile process to the culture. 

·         If Agile doesn’t fit a particular type of work, don’t force it.

·         Quickly agree on the initial level of process, tools and governance required for your organization. Agree that these processes must and will change. Learn to fail fast, learn from the mistakes, and relentlessly improve.

·         Automate everything you can such as build, deployment, testing and release. The more you automate the smaller your teams and the documentation of yesterday is now in code.

For more information on Scaled Agile Framework® (SAFe®), visit this link.

 

 

 






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