The Pros and Cons of the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe)
Scaled Agile Framework deals with the two primary things those are iterative development approach of agile and the lean manufacturing mindset. It is one of the leading frameworks for scaling Agile in the organization. Thus, this framework is now used by the maximum of software development companies around the globe. It helps the organization to deliver a quality product to the market at a faster rate, thus there is an increase in productivity and improvement in employee engagement.
SAFe is designed in such a way that it helps the business to earn its value in a regular and periodical schedule. Moreover, this framework offers a knowledge base of proven, integrated principles as well as practices that support the enterprise agility.
Motive of SAFe
SAFe was introduced in the year 2011 to help the software development companies to produce high-quality products faster to the market. Depending on the combination of the Agile and lean principle, SAFe can be said as the close collaboration and alignment among the whole team and focuses to centralize the decision making. Based on the size of the teams SAFe depends on various configuration and it involves three levels: Team, Programs, and Portfolio.
As per the requirement of software development by mapping roles, responsibilities and activities SAFe helps the organization to get the idea of the bigger picture. This framework helps the entrepreneurs to answer all the questions regarding the software development initiative alignments for business purposes. Moreover, it helps the organization to measure success and find the opportunities to enhance the workflows.
The main motive behind the SAFe is to allow the Agile principles to scale up the large enterprise. The framework can bring a top-down mindset to the bottom-up process which will help you in achieving your goals.
Pros of SAFe
SAFe is a publicly available framework which is used for implementing the lean/ agile practice in the enterprise for scaling it. Some of the advantages of SAFe are as follows:
Value
Scaled Agile Framework improves the work culture of the organization. Thus, this framework helps the organization in producing a quality product at a faster rate, get customer satisfaction and perceptible value delivery. Therefore, this improves the ability to innovate. Those organization who implemented SAFe is now receiving a rapid and compelling increase in solution quality.
Production:
With the increase in production, there is an improvement in system development economics and employee engagement. Productivity is a critical and personal need for team members. Someone feels better when they contribute more without doing something wasteful.
Employee engagement:
As per the report of the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM), most of the employees have a high level of commitment performance which is 21% better. With the implementation of the SAFe, the percentage of employee engagement is increased by 9.8%.
On-time production:
Well, the Lean-Agile Framework helps the organization to bring the product to the market quickly. Those companies that have incorporated Agile development practices are now gaining large advantages at a faster rate. At the time of marketing the product with SAFe, there is a 30–75% improvement which is almost three times more.
Execution of Program:
Program Execution is the core value of SAFe. When there is a collaboration between the management and the teams for a common mission all the energy is used in helping the customers. With this framework, everyone is directed toward the same goal. Further, Alignments helps to intent the mission and enables the team to focus on how the team will achieve its objectives.
Transparency:
SAFe improves the transparency between everyone in the organization. Thus, this helps in the production of quality products on time. This adds benefits to the organization by moving it towards success.
Cons for SAFe
Scaled Agile Framework is one of the most efficient Agile frameworks which offers an additional layer of oversight, administration, and coordination. For this additional layer, this framework becomes suitable for big companies.
SAFe demands the use of the administrative rules to work on the problems other than giving freedom to the developers. This because it has similarities with the waterfall model and developers have no freedom. Thus, this framework can slow down the entire process and becomes less flexible.
Is it right to choose SAFe?
SAFe permits large organizations to scale the agile approach of software development throughout the teams where there are hundreds of developers and testers. Thus, there is no right and wrong about the frameworks. You must make sure that your team knows different agile frameworks which will help them to make use of the right framework at the right time.
SAFe certification:
To apply for SAFe certification, you need to have a minimum of 5 years of experience in the field of product development and Scrum.
You will have to attain two-days classroom training under the SPC4 SAFe consultant. After the training session for certification, you need to take up the online examination. There you will be given 45 multiple-choice questions among which you need to answer 34 correctly that is you must score 76% to qualify. As soon as you complete the examination successfully you will be provided with the certification and one-year membership with the Scaled Agile Academy. To renew your certification after one year you need to pay an amount of USD 100. If you can’t clear the exam at one go, then for the second time you need to pay $50.
Conclusion:
SAFe is one of the most effective and best frameworks for large software development companies. If you are looking forward to becoming a SAFe Agilist then choose the best training institute like LeanWisdom to complete your SAFe Agilist certification. In this training center, you will get the opportunity to get trained by experienced consultants who have hands-on experience in implementing Agile and Scaled Agile.
“Make a wise choice for achieving success.”
