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What is SAFe?
SAFe or Scaled Agile Framework is a set of work patterns that can be used to simplify the scaling process at organizational level. It is a framework that is used to scale lean-agile values and principles beyond a single team. The foundation of this framework is a combination of three bodies of knowledge- Lean Product Development, Agile software development and Systems thinking. SAFe practices promote alignment, collaboration and rapid delivery across multiple agile teams. This approach helps to increase productivity, frequency of delivery and efficient team performance.
Core competencies of SAFe
As mentioned earlier, this framework has been developed on combination of concepts. There are seven core competencies that structure the whole framework-
Organizational Agility
Lean Portfolio Management
Enterprise Solution Delivery
Agile Product Delivery
Team and Technical Agility
Continuous Learning Culture
Lean-Agile Leadership
Configurations of SAFe
There are four configurations of Scaled Agile Framework to acquaint different levels. The configurations are-
Essential SAFe- It is the first and the most basic configuration of SAFe. This includes ART or Agile Train Release with 50-250 people working together.
Large Solution SAFe- It is the second largest configuration which is designed to work on many different inter-related products at the same time. It uses the feature Solution Train which covers all the Release Trains.
Portfolio SAFe- It is very similar to Essential SAFe as it contains a single ART but has an additional layer called Portfolio. This layer helps business leaders to apply lean-agile practices through value stream.
Full SAFe- It is the largest configuration that is formed with the combination of Large Solution and Portfolio configurations. This configuration is adopted by very few organizations due to its expanse.
Levels of Full Configuration SAFe
There are 4 levels in a full configuration SAFe-
Team level
Portfolio level
Solution level
Program level
Roles in a SAFe team
There are a number of roles and designations involved at different levels of SAFe. Each role has its own set of responsibilities at the same time they work towards improving team performance. Let us take a look at the roles in each level:
Team Level
Scrum Master
Product Owner
Agile team
Portfolio Level
Epic Owner
Enterprise Architect
Lean Portfolio Management
Program Level
System Architect/Engineer
Product Manager
Release Train Engineer
Business owners
Large Solution Level
Solution Manager
Solution Architect
Solution Train Engineer
Tips to optimize delivery
Scaling agile beyond a single team can be chaotic if not handled properly. It also affects the quality and frequency of product delivery. Here are a few tips or steps that can help to optimize delivery-
Re-estimate the technique throughout the process.
Release frequently so that the errors can be fixed immediately.
Collaboration with the customer is utmost important to maintain flexibility.
Create a flexible environment to work efficiently.
Analysis of past errors and costs can only be done if everything is documented. Documentation is cost and time saver.
Tips to enhance Team Performance
In today’s time the work culture is Hybrid or remote in nature. This definitely increases the challenges to work as a team which eventually affects the productivity. There are a few cautions and tips that can improve the Team Performance in the organization-
Aligning the team to share knowledge and experience is important task to be performed by the leaders.
Keeping a check that the team is on the same page through communication.
Adopting new practices, methods and tools to improve ease of working.
Removing blockages or resolving issues without delay.
Using Metrics to measure the progress.
Conclusion
Features and practices like Release Trains and Solution Train can help in optimizing delivery as well as improve team performance. There are many certifications like SAFe RTEs and SAFe for Teams that can help in implementation of SAFe at organizational level. The trained professional coaches at Acekube can help you learn everything you need to know about SAFe. The platform avails a number of certifications that are recognized worldwide.
FAQs
1.Who is a Release Train Engineer?
Release Train Engineer is a professional who is responsible for smooth management of all the activities and procedures in ART. They are responsible for delivering value with the help of ART practices. The role is something similar to a Scrum Master but at organizational level. They are also responsible to coach and guide the team members in the process.
2. What are the limitations that can affect Team Performance?
Success of a project depends on the efficiency and performance of the team. There are some factors that can affect productivity and Team Performance-
Lack of knowledge of SAFe
Lack of flexibility
Dependency on hierarchy
Lack of team spirit in individuals
Communication gap
Issues among the members
Over influence of management on decision making
Rigidity
3. What is SAFe Release Train?
SAFe Release Train or Agile Release Train is a feature of the framework in which dedicated cross-functional teams work towards a single goal. This train consists of a number of Agile teams. The teams involved in the train synchronize their schedules, vision and work according to the roadmap decided by SAFe.
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