What are the 9 Principles of the Scaled Agile Framework?

The Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) is reportedly the most widely-used technique for scaling agile, with almost 1/3 (29%) reporting that SAFe is the way they "follow most closely," according to Version One's 12th Annual State of Agile Report. Additionally, according to the research, 52% of respondents said that more than half of the teams in their firms use agile principles.

SAFe Agile Framework

Because of all the advantages SAFe has for software development, businesses all over the world utilize it. Scaled Agile Framework is abbreviated as SAFe. The SAFe model, the SAFe approach, or SAFe software development are other names for it.

However, its official name is SAFe. SAFe is an integrated, scalable, and adaptable framework that combines the ideas and practices of Lean, Agile, and DevOps.

It enables both small and large businesses to provide goods and services as quickly as feasible. Directing the roles, responsibilities, and activities in software development to their most beneficial means and purposes, provides you with a significant technical competitive edge.

9 Principles of Scaled Agile Framework

The guiding concepts that form the basis of the Scaled Agile Framework must be covered when describing what it is.

1. Observe The Economy

Every member of the leadership chain, including executives, managers, and knowledge workers, must be aware of the financial implications of their decisions.

At all levels, economics should guide and inform choices. One of the main causes of failing solutions is poor economics.

To adopt an economic perspective, you need to do the following:

• Deliver frequently and early
• Apply a framework for the economy

2. Put Systems Thinking to Use

The development of solutions is approached holistically with systems thinking. And SAFe has three systems.

The first system is the actual solution you're coming up with. Developers, therefore, need to be aware of how the system interacts with its surroundings and other systems.

They must also understand that optimizing a component might not necessarily improve the system. A component can consume resources like memory or processing power.

Your business serves as the second system. You create a solution (the first system) using people, management, procedures, and workflows. This first system is also a system.

The whole value stream is the third system. Additionally, value streams are crucial to SAFe.

Value stream mapping is an excellent technique to improve this system since it makes all the necessary processes clear. This enables you to identify the processes that account for the least percentage of the overall time to market.

SAFe Agilist Exam

3. Consider variability keep options open

Variability is a given and cannot be avoided. You can stay adaptable and in charge by preparing for it and expecting that it will come up.

With a set-based design, alternatives may be preserved. This strategy enables designers to take into account several design options from the outset of a project. They can then assess the trade-offs in terms of technology and economics at integration-based learning points.

4. Develop gradually using rapid, integrated learning cycles

High investment expenses accrue using outdated methodologies like the waterfall model until the final product of agile is delivered.

And because of this, value isn't offered until every feature that has been committed is accessible. Integration points, however, alter this.

The solution is constructed progressively across a succession of brief timeboxes rather than requiring you to commit to a single design and requirement option throughout the development process.

5. Base milestones on a thorough assessment of functional systems

Every milestone in the Scaled Agile Framework incorporates requirements, designs, tests, and other components since the software is developed in small steps. Therefore, each achievement adds value.

Additionally, because this is done often, it enables regular assessment. The system is capable of being measured, analyzed, and evaluated at every point of integration.

This implies:

• It is possible to reassure stakeholders that their financial commitment was worthwhile
• Before they become a significant issue, testers may uncover all of the concealed defects and mistakes
• Additionally, information on developers' performance is available

6. Reduce batch sizes, manage queue lengths, and see and limit WIP

Attaining a constant state of "flow" and bringing new systems from conception to sale should be your constant focus. However, a couple of factors are preventing you from getting there.

One of them is having too much-unfinished work (WIP). A large amount of WIP produces overload, confusion, and increased overhead.

7. Utilize cadence and coordinate cross-domain planning

Developers that use Cadence may concentrate on controlling the variable aspect of solution development.

To comprehend and combine several solutions, synchronization is helpful.

Cadence may:

• Make erratic circumstances predictable
• Supports frequent planning and cross-functional collaboration
• Decreases batch sizes
• Regulates and controls new work
• Provides integration points that are planned

Synchronization can also:

• Make several things happen at once
• Cross-functional sacrifices should be made
• It offers several viewpoints on comments

8. Unlock Knowledge Workers' Intrinsic Motivation

The Scaled Agile Framework naturally unlocks knowledge workers' intrinsic drive; you don't need to understand motivational approaches to do so.

SAFe is a system unto itself, as are its guiding principles.

Knowledge workers can:

• Transcend operational limits while communicating
• Make decisions based on economics
• Get instant feedback on a solution's effectiveness
• Participate in gradual, ongoing learning
• Take part in a more fruitful and rewarding process for developing solutions

The concept is that if you don't give a developer enough money at some point, they won't be motivated.

But when time passes and that need is met, a point may be reached where money is no longer a driving force. However, just as money will not be able to inspire them, neither will intimidation nor terror.

9. Decision Making Decentralization

Decentralizing decision-making helps speed up product development by reducing delays. Additionally, it can encourage quicker feedback and cleverer solutions.

This does not imply that all decisions should be made at the local level. Many strategic and important decisions must be taken by certain, chosen persons or groups.

However, choices that must be made frequently, quickly, and with the help of local knowledge should all be decentralized.

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