Step by Step flow for implementing SAFe in an organization

Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) is a popular scaling framework to scale Agile product delivery with multiple teams. SAFe is also used to transform an organization to focus more on customer centricity approach. Here you will learn the steps involved in implementing SAFe in an organization.

Step 1: Prepare for SAFe

1. Get Leadership Support: Ensure buy-in from senior management and key stakeholders.
2. Understand SAFe: Familiarize yourself with SAFe principles, values, and implementation roadmap.
3. Select a Change Agent and Lean-Agile Leaders: Identify and train internal change agents and Lean-Agile leaders who will lead the transformation.
4. Create a Lean-Agile Center of Excellence (LACE): Establish a team to drive the implementation.
5. Identify Value Streams and Agile Release Trains (ARTs): Map the organization’s value streams and define ARTs to align around delivering value.

Step 2. Assess Current State

1. Current Processes Assessment: Understand the current state of your processes, team structures, and workflows.
2. Readiness Assessment: Evaluate the organization’s readiness for change, identifying any potential obstacles.

Step 3: Train Teams and Leaders

1. SAFe Training: Conduct SAFe training sessions for executives, managers, and practitioners. Courses like Leading SAFe, SAFe for Teams, and SAFe Product Owner/Product Manager are essential.
2. Certify Change Agents and Coaches: Ensure that key change agents and coaches are certified and well-versed in SAFe practices.

Step 4. Define the Implementation Plan

1. Implementation Roadmap: Create a roadmap that outlines the steps and timeline for the SAFe implementation.
2. Identify Value Streams: Map out the value streams in your organization to understand how value flows from concept to delivery.
3. Form Agile Release Trains (ARTs): Organize teams into ARTs, which are the primary delivery vehicles in SAFe.

Step 5: Launch the ARTs

1. Plan the ART Launch: Create a detailed plan for launching the ARTs, including timelines, resources, and training.
2. Train the Teams: Conduct SAFe for Teams training to prepare the teams for their roles in the ART.
3. Set Up the Agile Teams: Form cross-functional Agile teams within each ART.
4. Prepare the Program Backlog: Identify and prioritize features for the initial Program Increment (PI).
5. Conduct PI Planning: Organize a PI Planning event to align all teams on objectives and work for the upcoming PI.

Step 6: Execute the Planning Increment (PI)

1. Implement Iterations: Teams execute iterations (sprints), delivering value in short cycles.
2. Continuous Integration and Delivery: Ensure continuous integration and delivery practices are in place to maintain quality and speed.
3. Inspect and Adapt: Hold regular Inspect and Adapt (I&A) workshops at the end of each PI to review progress, identify improvements, and adjust plans.

Step 7: Launch More ARTs and Value Streams

1. Scale the Framework: Gradually launch additional ARTs and value streams based on the initial success and learnings.
2. Sustain and Improve: Continuously improve the implementation by incorporating feedback and best practices.

Step 8: Extend to Portfolio Level

1. Align Strategy and Execution: Ensure alignment between business strategy and execution through the SAFe portfolio level.
2. Lean Portfolio Management (LPM): Implement Lean Portfolio Management to govern and optimize the portfolio.
3. Funding and Governance: Establish lean budgeting and governance mechanisms to support the portfolio.

Step 9: Measure and Grow

1. Measure Performance: Use SAFe metrics to measure the performance of teams, ARTs, and the portfolio.
2. Foster Continuous Learning Culture: Encourage a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
3. Evolve and Adapt: Continuously adapt and evolve SAFe practices to meet changing business needs and improve outcomes.

Implementing SAFe is a significant transformation that requires commitment, collaboration, and continuous improvement. This step-by-step approach provides a structured path to guide organizations through the process.