Scaled Agile Framework(SAFe) Core Values

The software development industry is shifting equilibrium every day, and there is a constant need to develop practices that are faster, economical, and cater to the need of this ever-evolving industry. Agile, as a model, is based on the same principles to make software development more systematic and flexible, with practices that allow the program to be unit-oriented and in turn, more accessible. Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) is a set of methods, concepts, and ideas built to enhance the productivity of Agile methodology, with Scaled Agile framework principles and Scaled Agile Framework core values that focus on creating a system of people as well as creating a system of coding that will give a flexible, and scaled approach to software development.

To enable a systematic functioning of Agile methodology at the organization level, the SAFe Agile core values are given, which are a set of four design ideas that ensure a well-ordered implementation and execution of programs. These values are based on the effective alignment of workflow, built-in quality of the product, transparency of the entire system of development, and execution of the final program. The purpose of SAFe agile values spans across the scaling of lean and agile technology and prioritizes the decentralization of decision-making as well as inter-domain outlining of the roles in program development. Let’s take a more in-depth look at Scaled Agile Framework core values (SAFe), to understand the framework better:
 

Alignment
 

In simple English terms, alignment refers to ‘an arrangement in which two or more things are positioned in a straight line or parallel to each other’ (Cambridge Dictionary). In the context of Scaled Agile core values, this definition is implied in the managerial and hierarchical systems of the institution, meaning that the framework implies that the teams working on development as well as the managers heading the institution, all should work in synchronization and through the parallel lens to deliver fast-paced integrated developments and this planning happens at the portfolio level one of the levels of SAFe framework and then moves on to the roadmap to create a systematic learning and coding experience. This value emphasizes the importance of a software development model that prioritizes an immediate response to change rather than a lengthy, exhaustive and time-consuming process that yields the same result but requires extensive attention and workforce, and by doing this it fulfills the need for a quick response which is valued so highly in the industry right now.
 

Built-in quality
 

Built-in quality of the basic principles that the Agile software development model operates on, and Scaled Agile framework core values ensure that this principle is maintained throughout the process of development. By focusing on building quality throughout the process, the cost of fixing any error or improving the quality after the entire process is over-reduced, as well the flow of work is seamless. Quality is a major focus of lean-agile development and SAFe core values ensure that at every integration and modification, the quality of the architectural design or the technical brilliance does not falter, to deliver a product that does not require breaking down at the moment of completion or differs in the quality at the point of integration. This also takes away the burden of ensuring quality from any one team, making it a part of every single team or individual’s responsibility, and in the process trains the developers to focus on all aspects of development.
 

Transparency
 

As simple as the term transparency sounds, the impact that it has on the set of Scaled Agile core values is considerably huge, and it prepares the organization to deliver a product that is trusted in the market. The transparency core value focuses on the clarity of the entire process of development, thus making it suitable for consideration in an industry that operates on the credibility of information. Transparency ensures that the teams work in coherence and are aware of all aspects of development even if the individuals are concerned with only one, thereby preparing them for situations of emergencies. The scope of transparency transcends only the enterprise-level and operates even in the favor of stakeholders and executives by maintaining a check on program backlogs, program increment, the product release, and the solution initiation process. This overall framework makes Agile a reliable model and creates space for objection innovation of technologies that are not hindered by anyone’s thought process.
 

Program Execution
 

As much focus as the Scaled Agile Framework core values place on the process of development, the process of program execution holds no less prominence. SAFe Agile values prioritize the need to deliver an efficient and properly functioning product that on execution delivers on all parameters of expectations without requiring attention at the execution level. This is maintained by ensuring the quality of solution and program increment that constitute the whole, and on execution performs the function it is required to, without complications. The concept of placing value in program execution is a fundamental building block of Agile core values and can only be achieved by following other core values as well as by visualizing the workflow and the division of work at the portfolio level.

All the four concepts mentioned above form the basis of Scaled Agile Framework(SAFe) core values, and they need to work in systematic coherence at any or organization level to fully utilize the capacity of what Agile methodology has to offer. It is a constantly evolving framework, and the latest version 5.1 was released in February 2021 implying that there is constant scope for development and improvement, that can only be accessed by staying up to date with the principles and the core values for these are the fundamentals that the framework operates on, and to make it successful at any institution or enterprise, these are the first milestones one must make themselves familiar with. By knowing the basics of Scaled Agile core values, it becomes easier to scale lean-agile practices and create a system of management that delivers fast, efficient, and customer demand-oriented products. 

Simpliaxis is one of the leading professional certification training providers in the world offering multiple courses related to SAFe methodologies. We offer numerous SAFe related courses such as Leading SAFe® (6.0) Certification Training, SAFe® 6.0 Scrum Master (SSM) Certification Training, SAFe®6.0 Product Owner/Product Manager Certification Training,SAFe® Advanced Scrum Master (SASM) Certification Training, Lean Portfolio Management (LPM) Certification Training, SAFe® 6.0 Architects Certification Training, SAFe® for Teams Certification Training, SAFe® 6.0 DevOps Certification Training, SAFe® Agile Product Management Training (SAFe® APM) Certification Training and much more. Simpliaxis delivers training to both individuals and corporate groups through instructor-led classroom and online virtual sessions.