SAFe 5.1 Establish the Context for PI Planning

SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework) certification is a highly sought-after program for individuals who work with or within organizations that use SAFe methodology for their software development and project management. One of the key components of the SAFe methodology is PI Planning, which stands for Program Increment Planning.

PI Planning is a critical aspect of the SAFe framework and is used to align and synchronize multiple agile teams that are working on the same program or project. It involves a two-day event in which teams come together to plan and prioritize their work for the upcoming program increment.

The SAFe certification program, offered by Scaled Agile, Inc., provides individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully implement and manage the SAFe framework, including PI Planning. 

The program includes multiple levels of certification, including SAFe Agilist (SA), SAFe Practitioner (SP), SAFe Scrum Master (SSM), SAFe Product Owner/Product Manager (POPM), and more.Achieving SAFe certification requires passing an exam and completing training or experience requirements. This certification is an excellent way to demonstrate expertise in the SAFe framework and PI Planning, and it can help individuals advance their careers in software development and project management.

Let’s explore some information on SAFe 5.1 Certification

SAFe 5.1 is a version of the Scaled Agile Framework that was released in 2020. SAFe 5.1 builds on the previous versions of SAFe, with updated guidance and best practices for scaling agile practices in larger organizations.

SAFe 5.1 certification is the current version of the SAFe certification program, which is designed to validate the knowledge and skills of individuals who work with or within organizations that use the SAFe 5.1 methodology for their software development and project management.

The SAFe 5.1 certification program includes multiple levels of certification, including SAFe Agilist (SA), SAFe Practitioner (SP), SAFe Scrum Master (SSM), SAFe Product Owner/Product Manager (POPM), and more. Each certification requires passing an exam and completing training or experience requirements.

The SAFe 5.1 certification program is intended for individuals who are involved in agile projects or initiatives at the enterprise level, including project managers, program managers, release train engineers, business analysts, developers, testers, and other roles. SAFe 5.1 certifications can help individuals demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in the latest version of SAFe methodology and can enhance their career prospects in the agile software development industry.

What is PI Planning?

PI (Program Increment) Planning is a key event in the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) methodology. It is a two-day planning event that happens at the beginning of each Program Increment, which is a time-boxed period of 8-12 weeks in which a set of related features are developed and delivered. During PI Planning, the agile teams in a SAFe organization plan and coordinate their work for the upcoming Program Increment.

The purpose of PI Planning is to ensure that all the teams are aligned on the goals and priorities for the upcoming Program Increment and have a clear plan for how they will deliver the required features. During the event, teams review and refine the Program Backlog, which includes the features, epics, and user stories that need to be delivered during the upcoming Program Increment. They also estimate the effort required for each item on the backlog and plan the work that needs to be done to complete each item.

PI Planning typically involves a large number of people, including product owners, scrum masters, development team members, and stakeholders from the business and technical teams. The event is facilitated by a Release Train Engineer (RTE), who helps to keep the planning on track and ensures that everyone is aligned on the goals and priorities.

At the end of the PI Planning event, each team should have a clear plan for how they will deliver the required features and should be aligned with the other teams on the overall goals and priorities for the Program Increment. This helps to ensure that the agile teams in a SAFe organization are working towards a common goal and can deliver high-quality products and services in a timely and efficient manner.

SAFe 5.1 Establish the Context for PI Planning

In SAFe 5.1, establishing the context for PI (Program Increment) Planning is an important step in preparing for a successful planning event. Here are some of the key activities involved in establishing the context for PI Planning:

1. Set the PI Objectives: The first step in establishing the context for PI Planning is to set the PI objectives. These objectives should be aligned with the overall business goals and should reflect the priorities for the upcoming PI. The PI objectives provide a clear direction for the teams and ensure that everyone is aligned on what needs to be achieved.
2. Prepare the Program Backlog: The next step is to prepare the program backlog, which includes the list of features, epics, and stories that need to be delivered in the upcoming PI. The program backlog should be prioritized based on business value and should reflect the priorities set by the PI objectives.
3. Invite the Teams and Stakeholders: Once the PI objectives and program backlog are defined, the teams and stakeholders should be invited to the PI Planning event. It’s important to ensure that all the necessary people are invited to the event, including the product owners, scrum masters, business owners, and technical leads.
4. Define the Planning Agenda: The planning agenda should be defined and communicated to all the participants before the event. The agenda should include the objectives of the planning event, the expected outcomes, and the activities that will be carried out during the event.
5. Prepare the Infrastructure: The infrastructure for the event, including the meeting space, communication tools, and any other necessary resources, should be prepared and tested before the event to ensure that the event runs smoothly.

Benefits of Establishing the Context for PI Planning

Establishing the context for PI (Program Increment) planning is an essential step for any organization looking to implement Agile methodologies. By setting the stage and aligning stakeholders with a shared understanding of goals, priorities, and constraints, establishing context can bring several benefits to the PI planning process, including:

1. Improved alignment: Establishing context helps align stakeholders and teams around the goals and objectives for the upcoming PI. When everyone has a shared understanding of the objectives, priorities, and constraints, it is easier to get everyone on the same page and aligned towards the same goal.
2. Better planning: By establishing the context, teams can plan more effectively, knowing what the priorities are and what constraints they will be working within. This can help teams make better decisions about what to prioritize and how to allocate resources.
3. Increased transparency: By establishing context, everyone involved in the PI planning process can be more transparent about their goals, priorities, and constraints. This can help to build trust between stakeholders and teams, and ensure that everyone is working towards the same goal.
4. Reduced risk: By establishing context, teams can identify potential risks and obstacles early on in the planning process. This can help teams to develop mitigation strategies and reduce the risk of delays or failures.
5. Improved communication: Establishing context requires communication and collaboration between stakeholders and teams. This can help to build stronger relationships and foster a culture of open communication, which is essential for successful PI planning.

Establishing context for PI planning can help to ensure that everyone involved is working towards the same goal and can improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the planning process.

Conclusion

SAFe 5.1 is a version of the Scaled Agile Framework that provides guidance and best practices for scaling agile practices in larger organizations. SAFe 5.1 certification is a program that validates the knowledge and skills of individuals who work with or within organizations that use the SAFe 5.1 methodology for their software development and project management.

One of the key events in SAFe 5.1 is PI (Program Increment) Planning, which is a two-day planning event that happens at the beginning of each Program Increment. During PI Planning, the agile teams in a SAFe organization plan and coordinate their work for the upcoming Program Increment, ensuring that everyone is aligned on the goals and priorities for the period.

Establishing the context for PI Planning is an important step in preparing for a successful planning event. This includes setting the PI objectives, preparing the program backlog, inviting the teams and stakeholders, defining the planning agenda, and preparing the necessary infrastructure.

PI Planning FAQs

What is the role of the Release Train Engineer (RTE) in PI Planning? 

The Release Train Engineer (RTE) is responsible for facilitating the PI Planning event and ensuring that it runs smoothly and efficiently. The RTE helps to keep the planning on track, ensures that everyone is aligned on the goals and priorities, and helps to resolve any issues or conflicts that may arise during the event.

How can the context be adjusted or revised during PI Planning in SAFe 5.1?

The context for PI Planning in SAFe 5.1 may need to be adjusted or revised during the planning process as new information becomes available or as priorities shift. To do this, it’s important to maintain open communication channels among all stakeholders and to use collaborative tools and techniques to track and manage changes. Additionally, it can be helpful to have a flexible planning process that allows for adjustments and revisions as needed.

What role do business owners and stakeholders play in establishing the context for PI Planning in SAFe 5.1?

Business owners and stakeholders play a critical role in establishing the context for PI Planning in SAFe 5.1. They are responsible for defining the business context and priorities, as well as the program vision and goals. They also help to identify risks and dependencies and provide input on the sequencing and prioritization of work. It’s important to involve business owners and stakeholders throughout the planning process to ensure that their input is considered and that the program is aligned with business objectives.

How can the context for PI Planning in SAFe 5.1 be communicated to all stakeholders?

The context for PI Planning in SAFe 5.1 can be communicated to all stakeholders through a variety of channels, such as town hall meetings, video presentations, and documentation. It’s important to use visual tools and techniques to help convey the information in a clear and concise manner. Additionally, it’s helpful to provide opportunities for stakeholders to ask questions and provide feedback, and to ensure that the information is accessible and easy to understand for all stakeholders, regardless of their level of technical expertise.