PI (Program Increment) Planning in SAFe Agile Framework #ScaledAgileFramework

Introduction

This tutorial provides a comprehensive guide on Program Increment (PI) Planning within the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe). PI Planning is a critical event for Agile Release Trains (ARTs) that aligns teams to a common mission and objectives. This guide will walk you through the key aspects of PI Planning, including its purpose, agenda, process, and benefits.

Step 1: Understand PI Planning

• Definition: PI Planning is a collaborative event where multiple Agile teams come together to plan their work for the next increment, usually spanning 8-12 weeks.
• Participants: Involves all teams within the Agile Release Train (ART), which consists of 5 to 15 teams (50-125+ individuals).
• Facilitator: The Agile Release Train Engineer (RTE) facilitates the event, guiding teams through the planning process.

Step 2: Review the PI Planning Agenda for Day 1

• Opening Session:
  • Introduce the objectives and agenda.
  • Present business context and vision.
• Team Breakout Sessions:
  • Teams work together to define their objectives and plan their work.
  • Identify dependencies and risks.
• Draft Review:
  • Teams present their draft plans to gain feedback.
  • Adjust plans based on input from other teams.

Step 3: Review the PI Planning Agenda for Day 2

• Final Team Breakouts:
  • Teams finalize their plans and objectives.
  • Confirm commitment to deliverables.
• Program Board Creation:
  • Create a visual representation of the work planned across teams.
  • Highlight dependencies and milestones.
• Confidence Vote:
  • Teams conduct a confidence vote to ensure alignment and commitment.

Step 4: Follow the PI Planning Process

• Pre-Planning:
  • Gather input from stakeholders and gather data.
  • Ensure all necessary participants are available.
• Execution During Planning:
  • Facilitate discussions and encourage collaboration.
  • Monitor time and keep sessions focused.
• Post-Planning:
  • Review outcomes and document objectives.
  • Ensure follow-ups on identified risks and dependencies.

Step 5: Utilize the ART Program Board

• Purpose: The Program Board serves as a visual tool to track progress, dependencies, and milestones.
• Components:
  • Features planned for the increment.
  • Team dependencies.
  • Key deadlines and milestones.

Step 6: Recognize the Benefits of PI Planning

• Alignment: Ensures all teams are aligned towards common goals.
• Transparency: Increases visibility into team plans and interdependencies.
• Collaboration: Fosters communication and collaboration among teams.
• Risk Management: Identifies and mitigates risks early in the planning process.

Conclusion

PI Planning is an essential component of the SAFe framework that facilitates alignment and collaboration among Agile teams. By following the structured agenda and process outlined in this tutorial, you can effectively prepare for and execute a successful PI Planning event. Consider implementing feedback loops and continuous improvement practices to enhance future planning sessions.