Introduction
PI (Program Increment) planning is a crucial part of Agile development, particularly in the context of Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) 6. During PI planning, teams come together to align their work, define objectives, and plan for the upcoming program increment. However, there may be instances where a shared architect or developer is unable to attend multiple team breakouts. In this blog post, we will explore some experiences and strategies for effectively conducting PI planning with shared resources. Additionally, we will discuss tools, techniques, and dashboards available in SAFe 6 that can simplify the process and enable quick decision-making.
Experiences with PI Planning and Shared Resources
When a shared architect or developer is unable to attend multiple team breakouts during PI planning, it can present challenges in terms of coordination and collaboration. However, there are several strategies that can help mitigate these challenges and ensure a smooth planning process. Here are some experiences shared by Agile practitioners:
1. Pre-Planning Meetings: Conducting multiple meetings before day 2 of PI planning can be an effective way to ensure alignment and collaboration. These meetings can involve the shared architect or developer, as well as representatives from the different teams. By discussing high-level objectives and dependencies, teams can gain a better understanding of the overall plan and make informed decisions during the actual planning sessions.
2. Documentation and Communication: Clear documentation and communication channels are essential when working with shared resources. Teams should document their plans, dependencies, and any decisions made during the planning sessions. This documentation should be easily accessible to all team members, including the shared architect or developer. Additionally, regular communication updates and check-ins can help ensure that everyone is on the same page and can address any concerns or questions.
3. Virtual Collaboration Tools: Leveraging virtual collaboration tools can be beneficial when working with shared resources. Tools such as video conferencing, screen sharing, and collaborative document editing platforms can facilitate real-time discussions and decision-making. These tools enable remote participants to actively contribute to the planning process, even if they are not physically present.
Tools and Techniques in SAFe 6 for Streamlining PI Planning
SAFe 6 provides several tools and techniques that can expedite the PI planning process and enhance collaboration. Let's explore some of these tools and techniques, along with their pros and cons:
1. Program Board: The Program Board is a visual management tool that provides a complete overview of the program increment. It displays the work items, dependencies, and milestones of each team, allowing teams to identify and resolve any conflicts or bottlenecks. The Program Board promotes transparency and alignment among teams, enabling quick decision-making. However, it can be challenging to manage and update the Program Board in real-time, especially when working with shared resources.
2. Dependency Mapping: Dependency mapping is a technique used to identify and visualize the dependencies between different work items or teams. By mapping dependencies, teams can understand the impact of changes and make informed decisions during the planning process. Dependency mapping improves coordination and reduces the risk of delays or conflicts. However, it requires careful analysis and documentation, which can be time-consuming.
3. PI Objectives and Team PI Objectives: PI Objectives and Team PI Objectives are goal-setting techniques that help align teams and define their objectives for the program increment. PI Objectives represent the overall goals of the program increment, while Team PI Objectives break down these goals into actionable tasks for each team. These techniques promote clarity and focus, ensuring that teams are aligned and working towards a common objective. However, setting realistic and achievable objectives can be challenging, especially when working with shared resources.
Dashboards for Complete Overview and Quick Decision-Making
In addition to the tools and techniques mentioned above, SAFe 6 also provides dashboards that facilitate a complete overview of the program increment and enable quick decision-making. These dashboards offer real-time visibility into the progress, status, and dependencies of the different teams. Here are some examples of dashboards available in SAFe 6:
1. Program Predictability Measure: The Program Predictability Measure dashboard provides insights into the predictability of the program increment. It displays metrics such as scope change, velocity, and predictability index, allowing teams to assess their performance and make data-driven decisions. This dashboard enables teams to identify areas for improvement and take corrective actions.
2. Program Risk and Dependencies: The Program Risk and Dependencies dashboard helps teams identify and manage risks and dependencies associated with the program increment. It provides a visual representation of the risks and dependencies, along with their severity and impact. This dashboard enables teams to prioritize and address critical risks and dependencies, ensuring a smooth execution of the plan.
3. Team Capacity and Load: The Team Capacity and Load dashboard allows teams to manage their capacity and workload effectively. It provides a clear overview of the team's capacity, including available capacity, planned work, and actual work. This dashboard helps teams identify any capacity constraints or imbalances and make necessary adjustments to ensure a balanced workload.
Conclusion
PI planning with shared architects or developers can be challenging, but with the right strategies and tools, it is possible to streamline the process and ensure effective collaboration. By leveraging pre-planning meetings, clear documentation, virtual collaboration tools, and the various tools and techniques available in SAFe 6, teams can expedite the planning process, enhance alignment, and make informed decisions. Additionally, dashboards provide a comprehensive overview and enable quick decision-making, simplifying the PI planning process.
