The Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) includes overall organizational and workflow patterns for the enterprise-level deployment of agile techniques. The framework is a body of knowledge composed mainly of structured guidance on the roles and responsibilities of the SAFe Program Consultant (SPC), work planning, management, and values.
SAFe encourages multiple agile teams to collaborate, align, and deliver. It was based on three fundamental knowledge bases: agile software development, lean product development, and systems thinking.
SAFe’s popularity emerges from the SAFe Program Consultant’s (SPC) systematic and structured approach toward project alignment and completion. As such, there is a high demand for SAFe® Program Consultants (SPCs) to act as SAFe® implementation catalysts.
Since its release in 2016, the number of individuals obtaining SAFe® SPC Certification has increased annually. So, let’s begin our article with a brief overview of SAFe methodology and move ahead with SAFe Program Consultant.
SAFe Methodology – Introduction
SAFe® is a level of expertise of proven, integrated principles, practices, and competencies for managing large-scale software development with Lean, Agile, Systems Thinking, and DevOps.
Large-scale teams are endorsed by SAFe® for their alignment, transparency, collaboration, and product delivery. Four bodies of knowledge comprise the foundation of SAFe®: agile software development, lean product development, systems thinking, and DevOps.
SAFe® is able to attain business agility because of its four core values, which are:
Alignment
Alignment keeps the entire organization focused on a single objective. In the midst of disruptive and competitive market forces, organizations that deviate from their original purpose perform poorly. The remote performance of misaligned organizations is subpar. When departments operate in isolation, geographically dispersed groups can be even more difficult to manage.
Transparency
Product development is rarely a straightforward procedure. As a result of a lack of transparency, decisions will be made based on assumptions. Trust precedes openness. Without trust, high-performing teams and happy organizations cease to exist.
Program Execution
A functioning product is evidence of progress. The intent of every business ought to be to provide customers with business value.
Built-in-quality
Built-In Quality indicates that each increment of a product must be of superior quality. Later quality cannot be added. Lean-Agile possesses the characteristic of producing quality products.
SAFe® promotes working systems and significant business results enabled by Agile Release Trains (ARTs)
Who is a SAFe Program Consultant?
Certified SAFe® Program Consultants (SPCs) are change agents who combine their technical knowledge of SAFe with an intrinsic motivation to improve the company’s software and systems development processes. As a result, they play a critical role in successfully implementing SAFe. -Scaled Agile, Inc.
SPCs are employed by a business implementing SAFe to address the common obstacles of large-scale software delivery and achieve business agility.
Certified SAFe® Program Consultants (SPCs) are change agents who combine their technical knowledge of SAFe with an intrinsic desire to enhance the organization’s software and systems development processes. They are crucial to the successful implementation of SAFe. SPCs hold various internal and external roles, such as business and technology leaders, portfolio/program/project managers, process leads, architects, analysts, and consultants.
To become an SPC consultant, you must complete the Scaled Agile’s SAFe Program Consultant Certification program.
An SPC certification is distinct from a SAFe Agilist Certification because the former enables one to become a change agent, whereas the latter teaches participants the SAFe framework’s concepts.
The SPC certification teaches you how to manage teams in a global workplace during a SAFe transformation. However, the certification will help you learn and instruct the creation of Agile Release Trains in SAFe organizations. In addition, getting involved in real-world simulations and activities will teach you how to train teams through a SAFe transformation.
The article’s next section explains the benefits of becoming a SAFe Program Consultant and the market demand for professionals.
Benefits of Becoming a SAFe Program Consultant
The SPC is an expert in each phase of the SAFe® implementation process, including identifying value streams, launching agile release trains, and creating a Lean-Agile portfolio. Also, they aid in guiding the enterprise from concept creation to implementation and beyond.
Improve Your Skills
The SAFe® Program Consultant certification is an effective way to enhance your SAFe® expertise. It is an iterative process, so you will continue to learn new things and gain experience as you progress. It will also improve your performance at work.
Experienced Trainer
One of the core principles of SAFe® is that implementation will only be successful if individuals are willing to collaborate. You are responsible for creating a program consultant position and ensuring everyone is on board with the new structure. As soon as you get an organization moving in the right direction, you’ll keep the momentum going by pointing everyone in the right direction.
Globally Accepted Credential
Businesses all over the world recognize SPC certification. You can work with any multinational firm as a consultant and enhance your career prospects.
Greater Learning Resources
To become an effective SAFe® Program Consultant SPC, you should utilize various study materials. Furthermore, you can get access to various enterprise SAFe® implementation resources. These resources will assist you in expanding your knowledge and transforming the organization.
Improved Job Opportunities
After obtaining SAFe® Program Consultant (SPC) certification, one’s chances of landing a new job or advancing in their current position increase. As a result, the SAFe® Program Consultant (SPC) credential is in high demand, particularly among software development professionals.
The SAFe® Program Consultant (SPC) credential is in high demand, particularly among software development professionals. Having this certification, you can assist businesses and organizations in implementing SAFe® as a consultant. In addition, you will be able to work with managers and executives since you can offer them advice on improving their businesses’ efficiency and effectiveness.
SAFe Program Consultant – Responsibilities
- You are responsible for empowering the organization’s journey towards business agility by expanding SAFe implementation within the organization
- It would be best if you conveyed effectively to the organization’s leaders why SAFe implementation is necessary. As the change agent, you will be responsible for articulating the transformation’s vision and urgency
- The SAFe framework is built on certain assumptions and standards. As the SAFe consultant, it is your discretion to choose the supporting framework for the organization
- The next step is to identify a customized implementation strategy and roadmap for SAFe within the organization’s context
- After identifying the roadmap, you must create a SAFe implementation plan
- For the successful implementation of SAFe, various entities must receive effective training. Therefore, your responsibilities as a SAFe trainer will include training executives, managers, and leaders
SAFe Program Consultant – Roles
Consequently, an SPC takes on various roles during SAFe implementation.
As an SPC, you will serve as a
- SAFe Trainer educates the organization on the SAFe framework
- Consultant in SAFe who configures SAFe suites following the organizational requirements
- A change agent who facilitates and drives change
- A coach who assists teams in adopting new methods of operation. You will also serve as a coach for executives in the areas of Lean Leadership and Business Agility
The Future Demand for SAFe Program Consultants
SPC certification course provides a deeper, more comprehensive understanding of Lean/Agile principles and practices for people working in the field of Lean/Agile regularly, and the certification is a formal recognition that will help you take your upcoming steps in your profession as a Lean-Agile coach by allowing and encouraging you to teach others.
Moreover, the average remuneration of a SAFe Program Consultant is $82,044/ year in the United States.
SAFe is becoming the predominant method for adopting and professionalizing Agile practices on a larger scale, so it has a substantial market value. Some employees, such as consultants, are required to be SPC-certified to apply for certain positions. This credential is also internationally recognized, making it even more relevant and desirable for those who operate globally.
SAFe is implemented frequently to increase team productivity. Individual or combined problems may be the cause of poor production. However, such enhancements would increase production. Productivity gains are contrasted predominantly with conventional project delivery methods (in the waterfall area).
However, Scrum already incorporates the majority of these reflective pauses. Heck, SAFe employs Scrum’s established reflection times (such as the Sprint Review and Sprint Retrospective), with the complexity increase necessitating additional reflection moments.
Is Taking SAFe Program Consultant Worth Taking the Certification?
SPCs are typically SAFe specialists eager to implement SAFe and educate others or hold leadership positions in the organization undergoing a SAFe transformation. Therefore, a consultant’s new internal hire frequently involves an experienced SAFe Program Consultant (SPC).
The following positions regularly generate excellent candidates for SPC training:
- Business and technology pioneer
- Portfolio/program/project manager
- Architect
- Analyst
- Process Lead
To increase the likelihood of successful SAFe implementation, a company strongly recommends supporting its newly certified internal SAFe Program Consultants with experienced SAFe Program Consultants (SPC).
Conclusion
The Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) provides solutions for various common issues if you want to migrate to a more agile mode of operation. However, you do not need all of SAFe’s bells and whistles if you only wish to solve your problems. Scrum, a lightweight framework, can assist you.
Invensis Learning has the best trainers to prepare you for a flourished in Scaled Agile domain.
