An Agile Release Train (ART) is the primary mechanism of value delivery to the end customer in the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe). It is a self-organizing team of agile teams that plans, commits, and executes together within a specific timebox called a Program Increment (PI).
Key Facts
- Train SAFe Program Consultants (SPCs): SPCs are change agents who lead the transformation and connect the Scaled Agile Framework to your enterprise. They teach the company’s leaders and stakeholders and act as coaches and trainers that lead the Agile Release Trains (ARTs).
- Train Lean Agile Leaders: Lean Agile leaders understand the principles and philosophy of the framework and base decisions on these. They also take on the responsibility to lead and facilitate SAFe adoption within the company and help improve business outcomes.
- Perform a Value Stream Workshop and Identify your FIRST Agile Release Train: Value Streams are a sequence of steps that optimize the value of delivery to the customer. The purpose of a value stream workshop is to understand and identify value streams for your organization, select your first value stream, and identify your first ART.
Steps to Launch an Agile Release Train
- Train SAFe Program Consultants (SPCs): SPCs are change agents who lead the transformation and connect SAFe to the enterprise. They train leaders and stakeholders and act as coaches and trainers for ARTs.
- Train Lean Agile Leaders: Lean Agile leaders understand the principles and philosophy of SAFe and base decisions on them. They lead and facilitate SAFe adoption within the company and help improve business outcomes.
- Perform a Value Stream Workshop and Identify the First ART: Value Streams are sequences of steps that optimize value delivery to the customer. A value stream workshop aims to identify value streams, select the first value stream, and identify the first ART.
Additional Resources
- 10 Steps to Launching your First SAFe Agile Release Train
- 5 Steps to Lay the Tracks for Your Agile Release Train
FAQs
What is an Agile Release Train?
An Agile Release Train (ART) is a self-organizing team of agile teams that plans, commits, and executes together within a specific timebox called a Program Increment (PI).
What are the benefits of using an Agile Release Train?
ARTs can help organizations to:
* Improve alignment between teams and stakeholders
* Increase transparency and communication
* Reduce waste and improve efficiency
* Deliver value to customers faster
What are the steps involved in launching an Agile Release Train?
The steps involved in launching an ART typically include:
Training SAFe Program Consultants (SPCs)
Training Lean Agile Leaders
Performing a Value Stream Workshop and identifying the first ART
What are some common challenges that organizations face when launching an Agile Release Train?
Some common challenges include:
* Getting buy-in from stakeholders
* Aligning teams on a common goal
* Managing dependencies between teams
* Measuring and tracking progress
What are some best practices for launching an Agile Release Train?
Some best practices for launching an ART include:
* Starting with a small, focused ART
* Providing training and support to teams
* Establishing clear roles and responsibilities
* Monitoring progress and making adjustments as needed
What are some tools that can help to support an Agile Release Train?
There are a number of tools that can help to support an ART, including:
* Jira
* Azure DevOps
* SAFe Program Management tools
How can I learn more about Agile Release Trains?
There are a number of resources available to help you learn more about ARTs, including:
* Scaled Agile Framework website
* SAFe training courses
* Books and articles about SAFe