4 Myths About Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe®)
SAFe is a framework that is designed to help companies work better and more efficiently. It provides a template for running an Agile project. But before going into the decision with this Scaled Agile Framework, one must know about its facts. In this article, we will be taking a look at some myths about SAFe.
Myth 1: Prescriptive
Some people say that the SAFe framework is a must for agile development. Let's take a closer look, the word "prescriptive." means "the enforcement of method." Even more significant synonyms: dictatorial, authoritarian, repressive, narrow, and more.
There are not any specified rules for this framework, however, it must be carefully adjusted to the situation. It is dynamic and possesses ten principles for lean enterprise. Of course, SAFe allows corrections as long as the rules are not complicated.
Myth 2: Heavyweight
At first look, SAFe looks heavy, too complicated, and simply calls it comprehensive. The agile transformation in any enterprise is complex! Mostly, the enterprises need a fair comprehensive framework to reach whole enterprise agility. Scaled Agile Certification Training helps leaders to understand the SAFe principles to reach business agility.
Scaled Agile Framework has been specially designed for large complex companies and solves important enterprise-level challenges such as:
1. The challenge of translating a business strategy into effective agile development.
2. How to ensure business & IT collaboration.
3. Funding
4. Lean economy
5. Pull-based model on attracting people to work with persistent teams
6. A consistent approach to estimation in teams
Myth 3: Rational Unified Process (RUP)
RUP has 4 phases of the project life cycle: Inception, elaboration, construction, and transition. While it sounds like a waterfall, these phases did overlap, allowing some inception and adaption between phases. RUP also advises repeating the development during construction.
It is often used as a method for bridging the transition from waterfall to agile development. There is nothing in SAFe that resembles a RUP at all. SAFe is scaling agile or existing framework in the industry. In fact, SAFe and RUP have one thing in common - they are both product development systems that help teams succeed. SAFe stands for progressive, evolving, mature, agile thinking - across the enterprise.
Myth 4: Approach of All-Or-Nothing
A popular misconception is that the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) should be used regardless of the situation. However, it is not right to say. As Full SAFe consists of 3 tiers: Essential, Portfolio, and Large Solution. SAFe is customizable. If you don't need a level, don't use it. For example, Essential SAFe is made up of Team and Program levels only. Many business transformations only use Essential SAFe. Others start with Essential SAFe and add a third tier over time to manage even more initiative or portfolio management (portfolio level) to define business and financing.
There are many roles, structures, and events in each layer. If any of these things don't make sense to you in your situation, don't use them. However, always compare your solution to the SAFe ten Principles to ensure you are still on the right track from a Lean-Agile perspective. To lead the agile transformation at the enterprise level, consider undergoing Scaled Agile Certification Training.
This deprivation system covers all or most of the situations in a fully agile business transformation. The Agile Guide who wants to use SAFe can choose which levels to use. You can just start with 2-step Essential SAFe, which offers easy scaling out of team agility. You can deduce aspects that don't fit your culture. You can also tailor specific best practices to your company's culture and needs without violating SAFe's ten core principles.
Conclusion
The Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) has been adopted by many organizations to assist them in scaling Agile within their enterprises. Some critics say it is too complex, but it should be carefully considered by leaders hoping to lead Agile transformation.
To gain knowledge on the framework, SAFe Certification training is the best way to go. In specific, become Certified SAFe Agilist through Scaled Agilist Certification and be a part in leading enterprise-wide lean-agile transformation.