WBISCT Pty Ltd – Enterprise Architecture Consulting and Training

Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) and Architecture

written by Daniel Lambert

Lean and agile developments and architecture may seem to be two conflicting approaches to deliver software initiatives as first glance. In reality, they can be very complimentary. Agility allows very quick reaction times and expedient delivery of initiatives in a continuous flow, which is a necessity in quickly changing corporate environments. Using an analogy, agility allows you to run extremely quickly. Architecture, on the other hand, allows you to see far enough so that you do not hit a brick wall at full speed, while your running with agility. This article will examine closely how one of the most used and thought-out agile approach, called Scaled Agile Framework® (SAFe®), can integrate with business and enterprise architecture to the benefit of large organisations.

Scaled Agile Framework® (SAFe®)

In brief, SAFe® is a knowledge-based framework for delivering solutions that deliver business value, scales agile practices, and incorporates lean principles and practices into an organisation, as shown in Diagram 1 above. This framework provides requirements teams and business analysts with a way to decompose strategic value streams and deliver focused value using 150-employee ‘train’ development teams to reduce software development cycle time. SAFe® provides comprehensive guidance to develop better systems and software in large organisations more rapidly. The framework is getting very popular and is generating great results as shown in numerous business cases. It is not surprising that today 60% of US Fortune 100 companies have SAFe® trained practitioners, according to this blog.

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