Agile Release Train

agile release train
agile release train

Do you want to enhance your understanding of the SAFe framework? Are you interested in comprehending what an Agile Release Train (ART) is? If so, this article is tailored for you.

Definition of Agile Release Train

Firstly, the Agile Release Train (ART) represents the creation of a large team collaborating on a value chain (simplifying a program). It is composed of multiple agile teams (Scrum), stakeholders, and cross-functional profiles essential to this value chain.

Agile Release Train
Agile Release Train

This Agile release train (ART) gathers around 50 to 125 individuals who collaborate regularly (but not continuously). This alignment unites all members around a shared business context and a common technological mission.

Multi-skills for Delivering an Increment

The Agile Release Train must encompass all the skills required to produce the product:

  • Software
  • Hardware
  • Firmware
  • Design
  • Test
  • Continuous Deployment
Agile Release Train
Agile Release Train (picture from scale agile framework) – Agile release train

Key Principles of the Agile Release Train

Here are the key principles defined by the authors of the SAFe framework:

The Schedule is Fixed

The train adheres to a known and reliable timetable, determined by the cadence of the chosen program increment (PI). If a feature misses a scheduled departure and is not planned in the current PI, it will be included in the next iteration.

Agile Release Train: Key Roles

Within ART, key roles play a vital part in facilitating its functioning:

  • RTE (Release Train Engineer)
  • Product Management
  • Architects and Systems Engineers
  • Business Owners
  • Clients

Defining the Purpose of Your Agile Release Train

To establish a true identity and purpose, each ART must be defined using the Canvas proposed by the SAFe authors:

Agile Release Train - canvas
Agile Release Train – canvas

Understanding the Cadence of Your ART

Your Agile Release Train, as mentioned earlier, follows a complex cadence at first, yet it synchronizes the work of all its members.

Cadence of Agile Release Train
Cadence of ART – Agile release train

As explained in the key principles of Agile Release Train (ART), the iterations of each team (typically 2 weeks) have the same duration and are synchronized, allowing for a program increment every 4 classic iterations.

Conclusion: Agile Release Train

More intricate in images than in actuality, the ART (Agile Release Train) enables essential individuals to collaborate on the same value chain (or program, for simplicity).

While some may perceive it as somewhat rigid and claim it’s “not agile,” others view it as a practical working solution. Feel free to utilize the comments section to provide readers with your feedback or opinions on this concept, which is unequivocally a cornerstone of the SAFe framework.

Useful Link: The Official SAFe Website

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About Judicaël Paquet 368 Articles
Judicaël Paquet (agile coach and senior devops) My Engagements in France and Switzerland: - Crafting Agile Transformation Strategies - Tailored Agile Training Programs - Raising Awareness and Coaching for Managers - Assessing Agile Maturity and Situational Analysis - Agile Coaching for Teams, Organizations, Product Owners, Scrum Masters, and Agile Coaches Areas of Expertise: Scrum, Kanban, Management 3.0, Scalability, Lean Startup, Agile Methodology.

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