What is Scaled Agile Methodology ?

What is Scaled Agile Methodology ?

Learning Mudra, Category - SAFe Agilist

The agile methodology has made it simple to manage projects efficiently. It is an iterative technique to project management and software development that saves money, time, and resources. It gives clients more value by releasing software in modest increments. Many larger firms are unsuitable for the benefits of Agile development. In this regard, the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) is a fine-tuned solution to assist larger organizations in overcoming the issue that has a negative influence on project success. This approach is also referred to as the SAFe technique.

Scaled Agile is a framework that includes processes, organizational patterns, concepts, and best practices for implementing agile approaches in large enterprises. The SAFe framework structure is made up of a body of knowledge that includes roles and duties, work management, and the use of relevant values. The SAFe methodology is appropriate for big teams managing complex projects at multiple levels, including program, portfolio, and project. SAFe's appeal stems from its structured and systematic approach.

SAFe Methodology Competencies

The SAFe methodology focuses primarily on five competences that assist firms in adapting to changing market situations, customer requirements, and evolving technology. Lean-Agile Leadership, Agile leaders may inspire individuals and teams to achieve their goals while also supporting organizational change and efficiency. Technical Agility and Team, to produce speedy solutions, the agile team should have critical abilities and follow the Lean-Agile approach. Meanwhile, the technical knowledge of the team is as important because they are accountable for the final job supplied to the clients.

Lean Portfolio Management, to successfully implement the SAFe methodology, a comprehensive organizational plan that takes into account multiple elements like as compliance management, portfolio management, and financial considerations is required. Organizations that provide Business Solutions permit Lean-Agile Practices to drive the whole project planning, development, and deployment. DevOps on Demand, or the building of a continuous and ongoing pipeline delivery for deliverables, is critical for adding value to the customer's requirements.

Why Should You Use the Scaled Agile Methodology?

The Scaled Agile Methodology is used by large organizations across the world. It increases the quality and productivity of work, increases the staff involved in product delivery and provides faster time to market. Some situation where the methodology can be used are - When the team wants to work autonomously and execute an agile strategy across many team programs and portfolios. While implementing agile, the team faces delays, setbacks, and impediments. When the team wants to extend agile across the organization but is unaware of the new jobs that must be created, what modifications must be made to current roles, and how the changes should appear. To improve the product development strategies of the firm. When attempting to grow agile across the organization, yet encountering challenges in developing a consistent and unified strategy across diverse departments.

Levels of Scaled Agile Methodology

Team Level

The Agile Release Train includes all SAFe teams (ART). They are cross-functional, self-managing, and self-organizing, and are in charge of team definition and development. This is comparable to any Scrum team. The Agile Release Train is provided by the team level, which encompasses events, roles, and processes (ART). The development period is commonly divided into 8-12 week iterations called Program Increments (PI).

Program Level

In SAFe, the program level functions similarly to the team level, with several teams reporting to the program management team. The level consists of roles, actions, and artifacts used to provide solutions via the Agile Release Train (ART). Stakeholders, development teams, and other resources essential for the development process are included at this level. The ART group consists of 5-12 teams that collaborate in a time-boxed methodology with product increments of 8-12 weeks.

Portfolio Level

SAFe's highest level of concern is the portfolio level. This level provides the techniques, roles, and concepts needed to launch the set of development streams and aids in the development of solutions and systems in the creation of strategic themes. The portfolio level provides the necessary foundation for building the Lean-Agile Enterprise around the value flow, taking into account two or more value streams. It provides a basic budget and governance procedures, as well as ensuring that value streams and ARTs are focused on generating acceptable things with appropriate investment levels.

Value Stream Level

Value Stream Level is an optional level that primarily targets large solutions, necessitates numerous ARTs, and introduces a number of new capabilities. The primary goal of this level is to teach the Lean-Agile ways to defining, developing, and implementing important solutions that will assist you in dealing with obstacles throughout the process. When a solution fails, it usually has unfavorable social and economic effects. The Value Stream level is typically concerned with program increments and coordinating through Agile Train Release (ART). This level also includes before and post Program Increment planning meetings, as well as a solution demo, to discuss the project's progress and prepare accordingly. Various employment roles are available at this level, including value stream engineer, solution engineering, and solution management.

Scaled Agile Methodology Principles

The SAFe methodology is built on Agile and Lean principles that are already in place. Here are a few SAFe principles that form the foundation/bedrock - Use the SAFe framework to implement systems while taking into account all aspects of development. Distribute decision-making to teams, which will allow them to become nimbler. Set milestones based on object estimation and by reviewing working systems to ensure a financial advantage. Reduce batch size, limit work in progress, and regulate queue length to facilitate continuous processing. Create a product using an incrementally fast methodology, milestones, integrated learning cycles, user feedback, and risk reduction. Consider the project from an economic standpoint, allowing for appropriate lead time for the team and product development flow.

Conclusion

The SAFe technique is suitable for large teams managing complicated projects at several levels, such as program, portfolio, and project. The disciplined and systematic approach of SAFe is what makes it appealing. The Scaled Agile Methodology structure consists of a body of knowledge that encompasses roles and responsibilities, work management, and the application of appropriate values. The Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) is a refined method to help larger enterprises overcome the issue that has a detrimental impact on project success.