Scaling Agile: Should the Methodology Be Modified for Growth?
As companies grow, they face the challenge of scaling agile methodologies without losing productivity or strategic alignment. Methodologies like Scrum work exceptionally well for small teams, but at a larger scale, issues such as communication silos, dependency management, lack of coordination, and difficulties in maintaining a common vision can arise.
This raises a crucial question for tech leaders: is it enough to apply traditional agile methodologies, or is it necessary to adapt them to sustain growth? Here, we will explore three frameworks designed to facilitate the scalability of agile methodologies: Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe), Large Scale Scrum (LeSS), and Disciplined Agile Delivery (DAD), analyzing how each can bring value to growing organizations.
SAFe: The Ideal Framework for Scalability and Productivity
The Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) is one of the most widely used frameworks for scaling agile methodologies in large organizations. Its strength lies in its ability to structure teams around shared objectives, facilitating coordination and strategic alignment through clearly defined processes and collaborative tools.
An essential component of SAFe is Program Increment Planning (PI Planning), an event that brings together teams and leaders at the start of each work cycle (usually 8 to 12 weeks). During this event, teams synchronize priorities and establish a common plan based on the organization’s strategic goals. This planning ensures a shared vision and guarantees that each team contributes to the overall objective.
Another key pillar of SAFe is the Agile Release Trains (ARTs), structures that allow multiple teams to operate as a coordinated unit. This ensures that teams can focus on their areas of expertise without losing sight of the overall project impact.
Additionally, SAFe includes Agile Portfolio Management, a strategic layer that helps align key initiatives with business objectives. This portfolio enables prioritization of investments, budget management, and ensures that all efforts contribute consistently to the organization’s growth.
For companies operating with numerous teams and interdependent projects, SAFe provides a robust framework that helps maintain pace and efficiency while scaling operations. Dedicated team services can be invaluable in managing this complexity, bringing specialized knowledge and strategic focus.
LeSS: Agile Expansion with Simplicity and Focus
For organizations that wish to maintain the simplicity and autonomy of Scrum while scaling, Large Scale Scrum (LeSS) offers an effective alternative. This framework preserves the fundamental principles of Scrum but adds a coordination layer that allows multiple teams to work in parallel toward a common goal.
In LeSS, all teams share a single backlog, which reduces organizational complexity and ensures that efforts are aligned with business priorities. This decentralized structure fosters closer collaboration and avoids the bureaucracy sometimes associated with more structured frameworks.
LeSS is particularly suitable for organizations with previous Scrum experience, as it maximizes team autonomy and facilitates agile, decentralized decision-making. Its focus on transparency and inter-team coordination helps prevent conflicts and misunderstandings, critical factors for productivity in large projects. Consulting support can be key to aligning these processes with organizational goals.
DAD: Flexibility and Structure for Variable Environments
Disciplined Agile Delivery (DAD) is a framework designed for companies operating in changing or highly regulated environments. Unlike SAFe and LeSS, which have more defined structures, DAD allows customization of practices and tools to meet the specific needs of each organization.
DAD combines principles from Lean, DevOps, Scrum, and Kanban, providing companies with an adaptable agile approach that can evolve over time. This flexibility makes it ideal for organizations that need to integrate multiple areas, such as development, operations, and support, or that face strict regulatory requirements.
A distinctive aspect of DAD is its ability to address complex needs without compromising strategic coherence. This makes it a valuable option for companies needing an agile but adaptable framework capable of evolving with business demands.
Which Methodology to Choose Based on the Organization’s Context?
The choice of methodology for scaling will depend on several key factors:
SAFe: Ideal for large companies that need a robust structure to manage numerous teams and coordinate efforts in highly complex projects. Its emphasis on strategic planning and alignment across levels facilitates productivity at scale.
LeSS: A suitable option for organizations that want to scale while maintaining the simplicity of Scrum. Its focus on transparency and collaboration is particularly effective for autonomous, less hierarchical teams.
DAD: Provides flexibility for environments where needs can change rapidly or where regulatory requirements demand customization.
Adaptation and Flexibility: Key Elements for Successful Scalability
Beyond the chosen methodology, success in scaling agility depends on the organization’s ability to adapt to its own needs and evolve continuously. Regular evaluation of results, along with collaboration platforms like Jira, can facilitate coordination and optimize resources in complex environments.
Implementation should be accompanied by an organizational culture that promotes continuous improvement, leadership that fosters strategic alignment, and a clear focus on delivering value to the customer. If you are looking to take your business scalability to the next level, contact us. We can help you implement solutions tailored to your organization’s needs.
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Francisco Ferrando
Business Development Representative
fferrando@huenei.com