SAFe® (Scaled Agile Framework) continues to evolve to meet the demand for simplicity and clarity. The latest updates aim to make the application of Lean-Agile principles more straightforward while offering a clear distinction between the framework itself and the practical guidance for implementation. In this article, we introduce these changes and explain how they enhance the understanding and use of SAFe.
New SAFe Big Picture – Focus on the Essentials
The new SAFe Big Picture is more streamlined, focusing on the most essential elements relevant to organizations of all sizes. Its goal is to enable intuitive and accessible navigation through the framework. By simplifying and emphasizing the core components, the Big Picture is now easier to understand and apply. You can download the new SAFe Big Picture from the Scaled Agile website.
Distinction Between Framework and Implementation Guidance
One of the key updates is the clearer structuring of articles, which now make a more explicit distinction between the core framework—defining the SAFe elements—and the implementation guidance. These “Enhanced Framework Articles” provide readers with various components to deepen their understanding, including:
- Definition: The core description of the framework element.
- Summary: A quick overview of the implementation guidance.
- Table of Contents: Direct links to the sections of the article.
- Key Takeaways: A summary of the most important insights to remember.
- Implementation Guidance: Practical tips and steps for application, divided into sections accessible via the table of contents.
This structure helps SAFe improve both understanding and practical application. An example of this article format can be found in the PI Planning article
The Importance of Distinguishing Between the Framework and Implementation Guidance
Our experience shows that it is crucial to differentiate between the core framework and its implementation guidance. This distinction is essential for:
- Consistently applying the core framework.
- Adapting the implementation of core elements to suit specific organizational needs and realities.
The core elements and their interplay are key to effectiveness. Implementation guidance, on the other hand, serves as a helpful starting point. When shaping SAFe elements, agile experience, inspection, and adaptation are necessary. For example, Kanban boards should visualize the workflow steps of your organization. The Kanban boards depicted in SAFe provide inspiration but are not tailored to individual organizations.
The separation between the core element descriptions and the implementation guidance clarifies where organizations need to start customizing solutions to meet their unique needs.
New Articles for Deeper Insights and Implementation Support
New articles have been introduced to provide deeper insights into key aspects of Lean-Agile:
- Portfolio Leadership: This article focuses on the role of leaders in portfolio management, offering valuable insights into making and implementing strategic decisions within a Lean-Agile portfolio. It highlights how leaders can perform their roles more effectively and which principles in portfolio management help maximize value flow.
- Feedback Systems: This article explains how feedback systems can be implemented and used within SAFe to gather quick and valuable market insights and integrate them directly into product development.
- Product Innovation: This article explores how SAFe supports companies in fostering innovation processes and continuously adapting their products to market demands.
- Business Value: This article provides practical guidance on prioritizing and measuring business value within the SAFe framework.
Conclusion: Enhanced Structure and Clarity for Successful SAFe Adoption
SAFe 6.0 provides a comprehensive toolkit to design Lean-Agile organizations and achieve business agility. With the streamlined Big Picture, improved separation of the framework and implementation guidance, and new articles on key topics, SAFe takes a significant step toward greater clarity and usability.
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Curious about how Lean-Agile or SAFe can benefit your organization? Let’s take the next steps together. Whether through consulting or tailored SAFe training, wibas offers customized workshops and hands-on support for Lean-Agile and the SAFe framework. Our experienced coaches are ready to guide you and your team on the journey to a successful agile transformation.
