What is Scaled Agile Framework?
Scaled agile framework is a product management framework for managing large-scale software development teams. By utilizing the structure of SAF for large teams handling complex projects, managers can introduce structure and organization into their teams.
Agile Vs SAF
Agile framework is an approach to dividing the work into rounds. Before each round, the dev team decides exactly what needs to be done in order to streamline the workflow. Agile methodologies help smaller teams in managing small, specific roles.
On the other hand, when businesses expand in size, they usually need to upgrade from their traditional project management and scale agile practices for their entire organization. Traditional agile frameworks do not possess the quality of scalability. To address this issue, Dean Leffingwell and Drew Jemilo launched SAF in 2011 to help organizations design better systems and software to meet the demands of customers.
Why Scaled Agile Framework?
SAF promotes a high degree of agility across multiple domains at the same time. The cross-functional collaboration across teams ensures accelerated feedback loops. When teams receive constant feedback on their work, team engagement increases, and the quality of work drastically improves as well. All of these factors result in enhanced productivity.
Levels of Scaled Agile Framework
The SAF framework works on three levels:
Project
Program
Portfolio
Project
At this level, SAF focuses on an individual team working on a single small-scale project. Agile teams are working in iteration to develop and deliver products.
For example, teams working on a user authentication system for a web application.
Program
At this level, multiple teams work on a larger and more complex project. The teams coordinate the planning, execution, and delivery of the product.
For example, in a company working on an e-commerce platform, different teams work on all aspects of the project, such as front end, back end, and user inventory.
Portfolio
SAF is implemented for the entire enterprise at the portfolio level. A company has different teams working on multiple projects at the same time.
At DevPath, we offer different products with each of these products has separate teams working to improve the quality and delivery of the products.
Principles of SAF
Scaled Agile Framework is based on 10 principles:
Take an economic view
Apply systems thinking
Assume variability, preserve options
Build incrementally using integrated learning cycles
Base milestones on an objective evaluation of the working system
Make value flow without interruptions
Apply cadence, synchronize with cross-domain planning
Unlock the intrinsic motivation of knowledge workers
Decentralize decision-making
Organize around value
Take an economic view
Making products requires investments. Understanding the economic aspects of product development ensures that the dev teams are aware of any economic implications that would result from delays in the process. In this manner, teams learn to operate within the designated project budget.
Apply systems thinking
Systems thinking is an important agile practice as it provides a full picture of the project. Systems thinking offers an understanding of the connections between different aspects of the project, which then enhances problem solving through unconventional solutions. In this way, systems thinking streamlines product development and improves the overall engineering team’s productivity.
Assume variability, preserve options
When working on a complex problem, it’s crucial to remain flexible in your problem-solving approach. Because software product markets are constantly evolving, anticipating changes and accommodating these changes in the development process is essential for making a valuable product. Explore different design possibilities, and then when you have sufficient information, make a well-informed decision. In this manner, SAF promotes innovation among the dev team.
Build incrementally using integrated learning cycles
SAF focuses on developing solutions through a series of short iterations. This allows feedback at every loop of the development process, reducing any potential risks.
Base milestones on objective evaluations of the working system
The progress of product development needs to be assessed objectively by setting clear and unbiased metrics for working systems. This will ensure that goals are achieved using an accurate, data-driven approach.
Make value flow without interruptions
A vital aspect of agile practices involves breaking down complex projects into smaller tasks. In this manner, teams can integrate end-to-end processes to optimize value streams. Additionally, this process avoids overburdening the team by ensuring that there aren’t too many tasks happening at the same time.
Apply cadence, synchronize with cross-domain planning
Assign timing for each set of tasks through sprints or iterations. Sprints help teams maintain focus on specific tasks within a set time frame, ensuring that they stay on track and deliver work regularly against a timetable.
Unlock the intrinsic motivation of knowledge workers
The internal drive is vital in harnessing the full potential of developers. When developers are inherently motivated to perform, their productivity significantly improves, resulting in better project outcomes.
Decentralize decision-making
A core principle of SAF is to grant autonomy to teams. While the leadership still has authority over areas of strategic significance, all of the team’s internal decisions are left to individual teams themselves.
Organize around value
The central focus of product development is delivering value to customers. This customer-centric approach ensures that the product you’re developing addresses the needs and expectations of your customers.
SAF Pros and Cons
The SAF can only achieve its maximum potential when its benefits and drawbacks are fully understood. We have crafted a list of pros and cons that SAF has to offer:
Pros | Cons |
Scale agile practices in large organizations | Too much planning |
Promote cross-domain collaboration | One-size-fits-all approach |
Align projects to organizational goals | _ |
Conclusion
To wrap it all up, a Scaled Agile Framework (SAF) is a set of agile practices that promote efficient workflow through planning, organizing, and managing. Leveraging the advantages of SAF, such as flexibility and continuous improvement, guarantees the alignment of organizational objectives across projects. SAF focuses not only on the whole of the finished product but also on the ability of the different components of the product to work together effortlessly.
Want to learn more about agile methodologies? Read on!
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