SAFe 6.0 Upgrade: Step-by-Step Guide

Key Highlights

• SAFe 6.0 offers significant changes and improvements to the framework
• The new version focuses on enabling business agility in the digital age
• It introduces the Business Agility Value Stream to help organizations respond to market changes and deliver innovative solutions
• SAFe 6.0 emphasizes the importance of flow of value and provides specific accelerators for accelerating value delivery
• The upgrade process to SAFe 6.0 involves assessing current maturity, building a transition team, and following a step-by-step guide
• The new version also introduces adjusted roles and responsibilities, integration of advanced technologies, and streamlined processes for value flow

Introduction

The Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) has become the go-to framework for many global organizations and government agencies looking to scale Agile practices and achieve business agility. With the release of SAFe 6.0, there are significant changes and updates that organizations need to be aware of to stay ahead in the ever-changing digital landscape.

SAFe 6.0 is designed to address the new realities of the marketplace, where the pace of change has never been faster or more unpredictable. It offers the newest and most effective Lean-Agile practices that enable enterprises to navigate today’s challenges and opportunities. The framework focuses on helping organizations work differently and build the future by aligning strategy to execution and delivering value continuously.

In this step-by-step guide, we will explore the key highlights of SAFe 6.0 and provide insights into understanding the essentials of the new version. We will also discuss how organizations can prepare for the upgrade process and implement the new roles, responsibilities, and processes introduced in SAFe 6.0. Additionally, we will explore the integration of advanced technologies, such as AI, Big Data, and Cloud, as well as the importance of streamlining processes for accelerated value flow.

By the end of this guide, you will have a comprehensive understanding of SAFe 6.0 and the steps involved in upgrading to the new version. You will also be equipped with practical tips for implementing the changes and leveraging the advanced tools and technologies offered by SAFe 6.0 to enhance business agility and drive better outcomes.

Understanding the Essentials of SAFe 6.0

SAFe 6.0 introduces several essential changes and updates that organizations need to understand to effectively implement the new version. The core values and principles of SAFe have been redefined to align with the new realities of the marketplace and support the development of business agility.

The new framework emphasizes the importance of working differently and building the future by enabling the entire organization to adopt a Lean-Agile mindset and practices. From marketing and finance to security and HR, everyone needs to work with the same mindset and practices to align strategy to execution and meet customer expectations.

SAFe 6.0 is designed to support scaled agile practices and provides a comprehensive approach to enable organizations to scale Agile practices effectively. It offers guidance on how to organize around value streams and leverage the power of Agile Teams to deliver measurable business outcomes. With SAFe 6.0, organizations can navigate the challenges of the digital age and thrive as modern, digital businesses.

The Core Values and Principles Redefined

In SAFe 6.0, the core values and principles have been redefined to better align with the new realities of the marketplace and support the development of business agility. The core values of SAFe, which were previously alignment, transparency, built-in quality, and program execution, have been updated to alignment, transparency, respect for people, and relentless improvement.

The redefined core values reflect the essential survival skills organizations need to thrive in the digital age. The value of respect for people has been added as a basic human need that unlocks intrinsic motivation, while relentless improvement emphasizes the continuous pursuit of perfection and the drive for continuous improvement.

SAFe 6.0 also updates the safe principle #6, which focuses on flow. The principle highlights the eight common properties of a flow-based system, such as making value flow without interruptions and leveraging specific accelerators to eliminate impediments to flow. This updated principle provides organizations with practical guidance on how to accelerate the flow of value and deliver measurable business outcomes.

By redefining the core values and principles, SAFe 6.0 ensures that organizations have a solid foundation to navigate the challenges of the digital age and achieve business agility at scale.

Overview of the New Big Picture in SAFe 6.0

The Big Picture in SAFe 6.0 has undergone significant changes to reflect the new features and updates introduced in the framework. The Big Picture provides an overview of the entire SAFe framework and its various elements, enabling organizations to visualize how different components fit together to achieve business agility.

In SAFe 6.0, the Big Picture highlights the importance of value streams and their role in delivering value to customers. The Business Agility Value Stream (BAVS) is a new addition to the Big Picture, representing the steps organizations need to take to compete and thrive in the digital age. The BAVS helps organizations quickly respond to market changes and emerging opportunities with innovative, digitally-enabled business solutions.

The Big Picture also emphasizes the flow of value and provides specific accelerators for accelerating value delivery. It showcases the various levels of the SAFe framework, including the Agile Release Trains (ARTs), Solution Trains, and Portfolio, and illustrates how they collaborate to deliver value to customers.

By understanding the new Big Picture in SAFe 6.0, organizations can gain a holistic view of the framework and its components, enabling them to effectively implement the new version and achieve business agility.

Preparing Your Organization for SAFe 6.0

Before embarking on the upgrade process to SAFe 6.0, it is essential for organizations to ensure they are adequately prepared. This involves assessing the organization’s readiness, building a transition team, and fostering a continuous learning culture.

Assessing the organization’s readiness involves evaluating the current maturity level and understanding the organization’s goals and objectives. This assessment helps identify any gaps or areas that need improvement to successfully implement SAFe 6.0.

Building a transition team is crucial to drive the upgrade process and ensure a smooth transition to the new version. The transition team should consist of individuals who have a deep understanding of the organization’s processes and can effectively guide the organization through the upgrade process.

Fostering a continuous learning culture is essential to enable organizations to adapt to the changes introduced in SAFe 6.0. This involves promoting a culture of continuous improvement, encouraging open communication, and providing opportunities for ongoing learning and development.

By preparing the organization for SAFe 6.0, organizations can set themselves up for a successful upgrade process and maximize the benefits of the new version.

Assessing Current Maturity and Readiness

Assessing the current maturity and readiness of the organization is a crucial step before upgrading to SAFe 6.0. This assessment helps organizations identify their current strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement, ensuring a smooth transition to the new version.

Maturity levels in SAFe refer to the organization’s ability to effectively implement and sustain Agile practices. Assessing the maturity levels involves evaluating various aspects, such as Agile practices, leadership support, organizational culture, and the level of collaboration across teams.

The SAFe Implementation Roadmap provides a structured approach to guide organizations through the implementation of SAFe. Assessing the organization’s readiness involves reviewing the roadmap and identifying any gaps or areas that need to be addressed before upgrading to SAFe 6.0.

It is also important to align the upgrade process with the organization’s goals and objectives. This ensures that the upgrade to SAFe 6.0 is aligned with the organization’s strategic direction and supports the achievement of the desired outcomes.

By assessing the current maturity and readiness of the organization, organizations can identify the necessary steps and improvements required to successfully upgrade to SAFe 6.0.

Building a Transition Team

Building a transition team is crucial to ensure a smooth and successful upgrade to SAFe 6.0. The transition team consists of individuals who have a deep understanding of the organization’s processes and can effectively guide the organization through the upgrade process.

Here are some key considerations and responsibilities when building a transition team for SAFe 6.0:

• Identify individuals with knowledge and experience in Agile and SAFe practices
• Ensure representation from different departments and levels of the organization
• Define clear roles and responsibilities for each team member
• Foster strong communication and collaboration within the transition team
• Align the transition team’s goals with the organization’s strategic objectives
• Provide training and resources to support the transition team in guiding the organization through the upgrade process

By building a strong and capable transition team, organizations can ensure a smooth and successful transition to SAFe 6.0. The transition team plays a crucial role in driving the upgrade process, aligning the organization’s goals with the new version, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and learning.

The Upgrade Process Explained

The upgrade process to SAFe 6.0 follows a step-by-step guide that helps organizations smoothly transition from the previous version to the latest one. This process ensures that the upgrade is done correctly and that the organization can maximize the benefits of SAFe 6.0. The upgrade process includes the following steps:

• Assess the current implementation of SAFe and identify areas that need improvement or modification.
• Review the new guidance and specific accelerators provided in SAFe 6.0 to understand the changes and updates.
• Develop a plan for implementing SAFe 6.0, including training, communication, and change management strategies.
• Execute the plan by implementing the new practices, roles, and responsibilities introduced in SAFe 6.0.
• Continuously monitor and evaluate the implementation to identify any issues or areas for improvement.

Step-by-Step Guide to Upgrading to SAFe 6.0

To upgrade to SAFe 6.0, organizations can follow a step-by-step guide that provides a roadmap for a successful transition. Here is a breakdown of the steps involved in upgrading to SAFe 6.0:

1. Assess the current implementation: Evaluate the current implementation of SAFe and identify any areas that need improvement or modification.
2. Review the new guidance: Familiarize yourself with the new guidance provided in SAFe 6.0. This includes understanding the specific accelerators and updates introduced in the latest version.
3. Develop an implementation plan: Create a detailed plan that outlines the steps, timelines, and resources needed to implement SAFe 6.0. Consider factors such as training, communication, and change management strategies.
4. Execute the plan: Implement the new practices, roles, and responsibilities introduced in SAFe 6.0. Provide necessary training and support to ensure a smooth transition.
5. Monitor and evaluate: Continuously monitor the implementation and evaluate its effectiveness. Make adjustments as necessary to ensure a successful upgrade.

By following this step-by-step guide, organizations can ensure a seamless transition to SAFe 6.0 and leverage its new features and benefits.

Key Changes and Their Impact on Your Agile Teams

SAFe 6.0 introduces major changes that have a significant impact on agile teams at the team level. These changes are designed to enhance collaboration, improve efficiency, and drive better outcomes. Here are some key changes and their impact on agile teams:

1. New roles: SAFe 6.0 introduces new roles, such as the role of the scrum master/team coach. These new roles emphasize the importance of coaching and optimizing flow within the team.
2. Role names: The role of the scrum master has been renamed as the scrum master/team coach, highlighting the expanded responsibilities of this role.
3. Adjusted responsibilities: The new roles and responsibilities in SAFe 6.0 require team members to adapt and adjust their job performance to align with the changes. This may involve acquiring new skills or adopting new practices.
4. Improved collaboration: SAFe 6.0 emphasizes the importance of collaboration within agile teams. It encourages teams to work together to achieve common goals and deliver value effectively.

These changes in SAFe 6.0 aim to enhance the performance and effectiveness of agile teams, enabling them to deliver value in a more efficient and collaborative manner.

Implementing New Roles and Responsibilities

Implementing the new roles and responsibilities introduced in SAFe 6.0 is a crucial aspect of the upgrade process. These roles play a significant role in driving agile practices and optimizing flow within the organization. Here are the key points to consider when implementing the new roles:

• Communicate the changes to all team members and provide clarity on their new roles and responsibilities.
• Ensure that team members understand the difference between the role of the scrum master and the team coach and how they contribute to the overall success of the team.
• Provide training and support to team members to help them adapt to their new roles effectively.
• Foster a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement, where the new roles can thrive and make a positive impact.
• Regularly evaluate and assess the performance of the new roles to identify areas for improvement and support their growth and development.

By effectively implementing the new roles and responsibilities, organizations can enhance the performance and effectiveness of their agile teams and drive better outcomes.

From Scrum Master to Team Coach: What’s New?

SAFe 6.0 introduces a shift in the role of the scrum master, now referred to as the scrum master/team coach. This new role emphasizes the importance of coaching and optimizing flow within the team. Here are some key changes and updates in the role:

• Expanded responsibilities: The role of the scrum master/team coach now includes broader responsibilities for optimizing flow, building high-performing teams, and supporting organizational agility.
• Role names: SAFe 6.0 introduces the option to choose between the role name of scrum master or team coach, depending on what is best suited for the team and organization’s context.
• Focus on coaching: The new role emphasizes the importance of coaching team members, facilitating their growth, and enabling them to work collaboratively towards achieving the team’s objectives.
• Aligning with SAFe 6.0 principles: The scrum master/team coach plays a vital role in applying the principles of SAFe 6.0 and ensuring the team’s adherence to agile practices.

By embracing the new role and its expanded responsibilities, organizations can leverage the expertise of the scrum master/team coach to optimize team performance and drive better outcomes.

Adjusting to New Role Names and Responsibilities

Adjusting to the new role names and responsibilities introduced in SAFe 6.0 requires team members to adapt and align their job performance accordingly. Here are some key points to consider when adjusting to the new role names and responsibilities:

• Communicate the changes: Clearly communicate the new role names and responsibilities to all team members, ensuring they understand the reasons behind the changes and the expected outcomes.
• Provide support and training: Offer training and support to team members to help them understand their new roles and develop the necessary skills to fulfill their responsibilities effectively.
• Foster collaboration and teamwork: Encourage team members to work together, leveraging their expertise and skills to achieve common goals and deliver value.
• Continuous improvement: Emphasize the importance of continuous improvement and learning, ensuring team members are open to feedback and are willing to adapt their job performance as needed.

By adjusting to the new role names and responsibilities, team members can contribute to the success of the organization’s agile practices and drive better outcomes.

Integrating Advanced Technologies

Integrating advanced technologies is a crucial aspect of SAFe 6.0. These technologies, such as big data and cloud computing, have the potential to revolutionize software and systems development. Here are some key points to consider when integrating advanced technologies:

• Embrace innovation: SAFe 6.0 encourages organizations to embrace innovative technologies and explore their potential in delivering value to customers.
• Leverage big data: Big data can provide valuable insights and drive informed decision-making. Organizations can leverage big data to improve their products, services, and processes.
• Harness the power of the cloud: Cloud computing offers scalability, flexibility, and cost-efficiency. Integrating cloud technology can enable organizations to develop and deploy solutions more effectively.

By integrating these advanced technologies, organizations can stay competitive in the digital age and drive innovation in their product development and delivery processes.

Leveraging AI, Big Data, and Cloud in SAFe 6.0

SAFe 6.0 highlights the importance of leveraging innovative technologies like AI, big data, and cloud computing to drive better outcomes. Here’s how organizations can leverage these technologies within the context of SAFe 6.0:

• AI: Artificial intelligence can revolutionize the solutions developed by SAFe organizations. It has the potential to dramatically influence operational and business models, delivering innovative and digitally-enabled business solutions.
• Big Data: SAFe addresses big data concerns at the portfolio level, emphasizing the need for strategic investment and governance. Organizations can leverage big data to drive informed decision-making and create cohesive data sets used across the organization.
• Cloud: Cloud computing has fundamentally changed how digitally-enabled solutions are developed, deployed, and maintained. Its agility and scalability enable faster product development and increased business agility.

By leveraging AI, big data, and cloud in the context of SAFe 6.0, organizations can stay competitive, drive innovation, and deliver value in the digital age.

Enhancing Business Agility with Advanced Tools

SAFe 6.0 emphasizes the importance of enhancing business agility by leveraging advanced tools and technologies. Here are some key points to consider when enhancing business agility with advanced tools:

• Embrace technology patterns: SAFe 6.0 introduces technology patterns that organizations can adopt to optimize their business processes and deliver value more effectively. These patterns enable organizations to leverage advanced tools and technologies.
• Foster a culture of innovation: Encourage teams to explore and experiment with advanced tools and technologies to drive innovation and improve business agility.
• Align technology with business goals: Ensure that the adoption of advanced tools and technologies aligns with the organization’s strategic objectives and business goals.
• Continuous learning and improvement: Encourage teams to continuously learn and improve their skills in using advanced tools and technologies, enabling them to adapt to changing market dynamics and drive business agility.

By leveraging advanced tools and technologies, organizations can enhance their business agility, improve their processes, and deliver value more effectively in the digital age.

Streamlining Processes for Accelerated Value Flow

SAFe 6.0 focuses on streamlining processes to ensure accelerated flow of value within organizations. Here are some key points to consider when streamlining processes for accelerated value flow:

• Flow of value: SAFe 6.0 emphasizes the importance of enabling a smooth flow of value across the organization. This can be achieved by eliminating interruptions and bottlenecks in the value stream.
• Value stream management: Value stream management plays a crucial role in ensuring a streamlined and efficient flow of value. SAFe 6.0 provides guidance on value stream management practices to optimize value delivery.
• Kanban system: SAFe 6.0 introduces the use of a kanban system to visualize workflow, establish work in process limits, measure throughput, and improve the process. The kanban system helps teams to manage and optimize their work.

By streamlining processes and implementing a kanban system, organizations can accelerate the flow of value and deliver value to customers more quickly and efficiently.

Understanding the 8 Properties of Accelerating Value Flow

To accelerate the flow of value, SAFe 6.0 defines eight properties that organizations should focus on. These properties outline the key factors that contribute to the smooth and efficient flow of value. Here are the eight properties of accelerating value flow:

1. Flow visualization: Visualize the flow of value through the value stream to identify bottlenecks and areas for improvement.
2. Work in process (WIP) limits: Establish limits on the amount of work in progress to prevent overburdening teams and optimize flow.
3. Continuous delivery: Deliver value continuously to customers, ensuring a steady flow of value through the value stream.
4. Measuring throughput: Measure the rate at which value is delivered to customers to assess the efficiency and effectiveness of the flow.
5. Feedback loops: Implement feedback loops to gather feedback from customers and stakeholders and use it to improve the flow of value.
6. Cadence and synchronization: Establish regular cadence and synchronization points to ensure alignment and coordination across teams.
7. Dependency management: Manage dependencies between teams and value streams to minimize delays and optimize flow.
8. Continuous improvement: Continuously improve the flow of value by identifying and addressing bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and areas for improvement.

By focusing on these eight properties, organizations can accelerate the flow of value and increase the pace of change in delivering value to customers. A text table illustrating the eight properties can be found below:

Practical Tips for Implementing the New Flow Processes

Implementing the new flow processes introduced in SAFe 6.0 requires careful planning and execution. Here are some practical tips for implementing the new flow processes:

• Familiarize yourself with the new flow articles provided in SAFe 6.0. These articles provide guidance and best practices for implementing the new flow processes.
• Train and educate team members on the new flow processes and their role in optimizing value flow within the organization.
• Establish clear communication channels to ensure that all team members are informed and aligned with the new flow processes.
• Continuously monitor and evaluate the implementation of the new flow processes, making necessary adjustments and improvements along the way.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, encouraging teams to explore and experiment with new ideas and approaches to optimize value flow.

By following these practical tips, organizations can effectively implement the new flow processes introduced in SAFe 6.0 and optimize the flow of value throughout their value streams.

Measuring Success and Continuous Improvement

Measuring success and continuous improvement are essential aspects of SAFe 6.0. Here are some key points to consider when measuring success and driving continuous improvement:

• Define clear success metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) that align with the organization’s strategic objectives and business goals.
• Implement OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) to track progress and measure the achievement of strategic outcomes.
• Regularly review and assess the performance of teams and value streams to identify areas for improvement and drive continuous improvement.
• Foster a culture of learning and experimentation, encouraging teams to constantly seek ways to improve their processes and practices.
• Use feedback and data-driven insights to identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and areas of improvement, and take action to address them.

By measuring success and continuously improving, organizations can drive better outcomes, enhance their performance, and achieve their strategic objectives.

Introducing OKRs and Measure and Grow

SAFe 6.0 introduces the concept of OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) and Measure and Grow to help organizations measure success and drive continuous improvement. Here’s an overview of OKRs and Measure and Grow:

• OKRs: OKRs provide a framework for setting clear objectives and measurable key results that align with the organization’s strategic themes and business outcomes. They help teams track progress and focus on achieving specific outcomes.
• Measure and Grow: Measure and Grow is a framework that provides guidance on measuring the success of the organization’s agile transformation and identifying areas for improvement. It emphasizes the importance of data-driven insights and continuous learning.
• Metrics icon: The metrics icon represents the importance of measuring success and using metrics to drive continuous improvement. It is a visual representation of the importance of data-driven decision-making and the role of metrics in SAFe 6.0.

By adopting OKRs and the Measure and Grow framework, organizations can effectively measure success, track progress, and drive continuous improvement in their agile practices.

Tracking Progress and Identifying Improvement Areas

Tracking progress and identifying improvement areas are crucial for organizations to drive continuous improvement and achieve their business outcomes. Here are some key points to consider when tracking progress and identifying improvement areas:

• Establish clear success metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) that align with the organization’s strategic objectives and business outcomes.
• Regularly review and assess the performance of teams, value streams, and the overall agile transformation to track progress and identify areas for improvement.
• Use data-driven insights and feedback to identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and areas of improvement.
• Foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement, encouraging teams to seek opportunities to enhance their processes and practices.
• Take action on the identified improvement areas, implementing changes and adjustments to drive continuous improvement and achieve better outcomes.

By tracking progress and identifying improvement areas, organizations can continuously improve their agile practices and drive better business outcomes.

Conclusion

As you embark on the SAFe 6.0 upgrade journey, understanding the core values, principles, and essential changes is key to a successful transition. Assess your organization’s readiness, build a capable transition team, and follow a structured step-by-step guide for upgrading. Embrace the new roles and responsibilities, integrate advanced technologies, and streamline processes for accelerated value flow. Measure success through OKRs, continuously improve, and adapt to the evolving Agile landscape. By implementing these strategies, you can navigate the complexities of SAFe 6.0 with confidence and drive sustainable business agility.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Does SAFe 6.0 Differ from Previous Versions?

SAFe 6.0 brings significant changes and updates compared to previous versions. It aims to address the new realities of the marketplace and the challenges faced by organizations in the digital age. The new version introduces major changes in roles, processes, and the overall framework to enhance business agility and adapt to the changing market dynamics.

What Are the Benefits of Upgrading to SAFe 6.0?

Upgrading to SAFe 6.0 brings several benefits to organizations. It enhances business agility, enables organizations to adapt to the demands of the digital age, ensures strategic alignment, and helps organizations navigate the market changes effectively. The new version introduces updates and improvements that drive better outcomes and enable organizations to thrive in the modern, digital business landscape.

How Can Organizations Prepare for the Transition to SAFe 6.0?

Organizations can prepare for the transition to SAFe 6.0 by ensuring readiness across the entire organization. This includes familiarizing themselves with the new version, leveraging the resources available on the SAFe community portal, and considering safe certification to ensure a smooth and successful transition.