The Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) is one of the foremost management methodologies in today’s dynamic business environment. To ensure adaptability, enhance value delivery, and effectively manage interdepartmental connections within large enterprises, the “scaled-up” version of the Agile methodology has been used around the globe.

However, implementing a new concept is almost never easy, particularly with a complex system such as Scaled Agile. This is why generally, there are several common mistakes that an organisation can suffer from when applying the Scaled Agile Framework. Understanding these missteps is essential to avoid them and successfully implement SAFe.

Table of Contents

1) The Struggle in Scaled Agile Implementation

2) Common Mistakes in Scaled Agile Implementation

3) Things to Prepare in Scaled Agile Implementation

4) Scaled Agile (SAFe6) Certifications

5) Where to Take Scaled Agile (SAFe6) Certifications

The Struggle in Scaled Agile Implementation

At its core, the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) is a methodology designed to help organisations scale Agile practice across multiple branches and departments. For global or nation-scale enterprises that have to deal with rapidly shifting marketing, Scaled Agile is a crucial concept to ensure that the wide management works interconnectedly and effectively to produce high outputs that can guarantee optimal value delivery and customer satisfaction.

Established in 2011, the concept of the framework combines principles from multiple managerial frameworks such as:

• Agile practice

Originally developed for software development, Agile has evolved into a management methodology that emphasises internal flexibility and collaboration by focusing on delivering small, functional increments of business processes through iterative cycles.

• Lean management

Lean management is derived from manufacturing principles that focus on streamlining processes and enhancing efficiency to optimise value for customers while minimising waste in business.

• Systems thinking

Systems thinking is an approach to view complex entities as interconnected systems rather than isolated components. This mindset is important to see interdependencies and influences among various parts of an organisation to one another.

As if understanding the theory isn’t difficult enough, the practical application often proves even more difficult. The principles of Agile and Lean management are complex enough for a small team, let alone a large organisation with layers of departments across multiple locations.

This is because the frameworks are rooted in abstract concepts and intangible values. They serve more as a road map or guidance, instead of text-book instructions that are fixed for every situation. It requires awareness, critical thinking, and a comprehensive understanding of the Scaled Agile concept and the organisation’s situation to guarantee proper application.

There’s no such thing as one-size-fits-all in implementing these methodologies, especially the Scaled Agile Framework that’s designed specifically for big enterprises. Every organisation has its own cases and situations, for example:

• Company size
• Hierarchy
• Managerial culture
• Branch locations
• Financial conditions
• IT integrations
• And many more

When management is required to translate the frameworks into real actionable blueprints, every single factor in an organisation makes the implementation distinct. One factor with a slight difference may lead to an entirely different way of implementing the frameworks.

Due to these complexities, designing and executing a comprehensive framework like Scaled Agile often makes many enterprises -even the biggest and most successful ones- fall into several major mistakes that end up resulting in production inefficiency, financial loss, and customer dissatisfaction.

7 Common Mistakes in Scaled Agile Implementation

• Unclear Vision & Strategy

Organisations often take the initiative of implementing Scaled Agile without actually understanding the vision or expected outcomes of the transformation. Consequently, the application plans and strategies lack the real qualities of Scaled Agile.

• Setting Up the Wrong Architecture

The framework is supposed to minimise dependencies among teams and highly promote flexibility. However, creating the wrong system can disturb productivity and management may accidentally maintain the traditional waterfall method that slows down progress instead.

• Choosing Unfit Business Tools

Every business needs tools (communication apps, performance dashboard, CRM, etc.) When it comes to implementing Scaled Agile, the right business tools are crucial to make sure teams stay collaborative with each other, progress is always visible, and the company’s workflow can seamlessly integrate.

• Becoming Over Process-Oriented

Another big mistake in Scaled Agile is focusing too much on following the processes rigidly, instead of emphasising the essence of Scaled Agile, adaptability. It’s true that SAFe still requires decisions and steps from the upper-end, but being adaptive and responsive based on unique cases and contexts should be the main mindset.

• Abandoning Continuous Improvement

Without mechanisms for capturing feedback, organisations are prone to missing opportunities for improvement. It’s important to conduct regular Inspect and Adapt sessions at the end of each Program Increment (a time frame for an ART to deliver expected outputs) to review performance and identify areas to correct and enhance.

• Ignoring Organisational Culture

An organisation is fundamentally shaped by its people, both employees and management. It isn’t rare to see that changing or integrating a part of organisational culture can lead to resistance, especially in such gigantic companies. Ensuring open communication to transfer and explain the new values is also key in implementing Scaled Agile.

• Insufficient Training and Coaching

One of the biggest practical issues that many companies suffer from is insufficient training for teams and leaders. Without a solid base of knowledge about this ever-updating framework in the ever-changing world of business, many companies end up misunderstanding and fail to implement the proper SAFe principles and practices.

Things to Prepare in Scaled Agile Implementation

However, adopting a new culture and mindset into an existing organisation isn’t that simple. All the common mistakes above show how easy it is to improperly apply Scaled Agile and lead an organisation into any trouble, whether it’s financial, technical, or cultural. This is why on the minimum level, management must prepare the transition by considering and optimising these factors:

• Leadership Engagement

Executives must be in sync to embrace and commit to the framework. The higher-level management has to be fully aware, adaptive, and supportive of the SAFe implementation, so there will be a strong foundation within the organisation to set the achievable vision and targeted outcomes.

• Identifying Value Streams & Agile Release Trains (ARTs)

By understanding the workflow of every part and division in the organisation that results in value for customers, management can map out the changes in the system, including setting up the necessary Agile Release Trains. For reference, Agile Release Train is the term for a single out of multiple Agile teams that work on a project together.

• Developing a Clear Implementation Plan

Every action needs a detailed plan that outlines steps, timelines, resources, and key milestones. It’s no different when applying a complex concept like the Scaled Agile Framework. Having a detailed plan is crucial to ensure the strategies are structured effectively and stated clearly, while also making any needed adjustment easier to monitor and take.

• Measuring Success & Continuous Improvement

Establishing well-defined metrics is the next practical key to guaranteeing the success of SAFe implementation and identifying areas for improvement. There are several KPIs such as cycle time, team velocity, quality metrics, and customer satisfaction scores that can be used to assess performance regularly.

• Training & Developing Personnel

Any change requires an agent, and it’s important to make sure the organisation doesn’t lack change agents that can lead the implementation efforts on any level. The best way to produce personnel who possess the necessary skills and knowledge about the framework is assuredly through training sessions and certification exams offered by reputable institutions.

Scaled Agile (SAFe6) Certifications

As an evolving framework, Scaled Agile has been through several updates, and SAFe6 (Scaled Agile Framework 6) is currently the latest version of it that was shaped out of the pandemic. To learn and master SAFe6, there are multiple certifications that you can choose based on the desired career path that you aim for. It’s important to note that Scaled Agile consists of many specific terms according to the roles as you can read below:

• SAFe6 Scrum Master (SSM)

Scrum is an Agile working concept that breaks the whole project into manageable units called sprints. The certification is designed for individuals who are interested in being a Scrum Master or the facilitator of the Scrum process. The program covers foundational Scrum practices and how they fit into the larger SAFe framework.

• SAFe6 Practitioner (SP) for Teams

This program is designed for individuals who aim to become a high-performing team member in an Agile Release Train (ART) and learn how to collaborate effectively with other teams. For reference, an Agile Release Train is the term for a single of the Agile teams that work together.

• SAFe6 Product Owner / Product Manager (POPM)

The certification is designed for individuals who are interested in being Product Owners whose role is to define the product vision and maintain the product effectively addresses customers’ needs, or being Product Managers who serve as the customer's voice by overseeing the overall product strategy. It focuses on defining product vision, managing backlogs, and ensuring alignment with customer needs.

• SAFe6 Agile Product Management (APM)

This intermediate-level program focuses on the importance and use of Design Thinking to develop innovative solutions with proven SAFe methods. It’s ideal for any Product Manager, Product Owner, and business executive who aims to deliver higher customer value through effective product strategies.

• SAFe6 Advanced Scrum Master (SASM)

Targeted at experienced Scrum Masters, this certification covers advanced topics such as facilitation techniques, coaching skills, and addressing anti-patterns in teams. A Scrum Master learns how to coach teams in a SAFe environment, improving collaboration and performance.

• SAFe6 DevOps (SDP)

Also initially created for software development, DevOps in Agile practice is adopted to ensure the production of a final product without problems getting in the way through the Continuous Delivery Pipeline. The SAFe6 DevOps (SDP) certification provides a comprehensive overview to understand the DevOps competencies and accelerate time-to-market.

• SAFe6 Release Train Engineer (RTE)

Release Train Engineer is a role that serves as the chief Scrum Master for the ARTs. This program provides an in-depth understanding of the role and responsibilities of a Release Train Engineer (RTE) in the SAFe enterprise.

• SAFe6 Enterprise Architect (ARCH)

The SAFe 6 Enterprise Architect program is aimed at enterprise architects and technical leaders. It focuses on aligning architectural practices with Agile development and emphasising adaptive design. Architects learn to collaborate with Agile teams to guarantee that the architecture supports business capabilities and strategic objectives.

• Leading SAFe6

Leaders and managers who want to understand how to lead a Lean-Agile transformation are the ideal participants for this program since it completely breaks down the SAFe principles and how to implement them effectively in an organisation.

• SAFe6 Lean Portfolio Manager

This certification focuses on managing portfolios in a Lean-Agile environment. It covers the practical tools and techniques required to implement the Lean Portfolio Management functions of strategy and investment finance, Agile Portfolio Operations, and Lean Governance.

Where to Take Scaled Agile (SAFe6) Certifications

Adding Value Consulting (AVC) is the perfect educational institution if you aspire to master the Scaled Agile Framework and become a certified SAFe6 expert. Not only providing training and coaching sessions, but every certification program at AVC is also bundled with a chance to take the official SAFe6 certification examinations as well.

All certifications above are provided by AVC through workshop-modeled courses that are instructed by SAFe Program Consultants who are highly experienced and active in large organisations. In addition, obtaining SAFe6 certifications at AVC also comes with a bonus of one-year membership in the SAFe Community Platform so you can interact and learn from the pioneers and other practitioners from various industries.

Conclusion

To adapt, survive, and thrive, many big companies are eager to learn and implement the Scaled Agile Framework. There’s no doubt the methodology facilitates a more flexible and effective business process, with ultimately improved outputs as well.

However, presenting a new idea in an existing organisation is surely never without challenges. By addressing and preparing to tackle the common mistakes outlined above, hopefully, any company and enterprise will be able to pave a smoother way to implement SAFe and eventually succeed in maintaining high-quality outputs, optimal value delivery, and customer satisfaction.

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