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Optimizing Agile Transformation: A Deep Dive into “SAFe for Architects”

Updated: Jan 18, 2024


SAFe for Architects



To survive in this complex business environment, organizations must adopt Agile Practices. The Agile framework is a software development process that focuses on collaboration, adaptation, and iteration. The SAFe is the popular agile framework. It provides guidance and practices to deliver value to the customer.  This agile methodology helps divide the project into small cycles called sprints to deliver value based on customer feedback.

Within SAFe, the Architects play a crucial role in driving technical excellence and aligning the technology strategy with the business objectives. Talking about architectural roles within the SAFe organization, SAFe defines three architectural roles. They are Enterprise, Solution, and System architects. Working together they are responsible for addressing issues across portfolios, large solutions, and essential levels.


In this blog post, let’s discuss the responsibilities of SAFe Architects and how the SAFe for Architects Certification course is valuable for individuals to optimize agile transformation.


Overall responsibilities of SAFe Architects

  1. SAFe Architects in an organization are accountable for defining the technical vision aligning with the business goal. They identify and assess changing trends, tools, and technologies to support organizations in staying innovative in this competitive business market.

  2. They guide other team members of an organization on agile transformation practices. It includes practices such as continuous delivery, continuous integration, DevOps, and other technical practices to improve business quality.

  3. SAFe Architects are responsible for establishing governance processes. It helps maintain the standards of the company adhering to certain policies and guidelines.

  4. To achieve technical excellence, SAFe Architects also works closely with other architects, agile teams, business leaders, and stakeholders within the organization.

  5. SAFe Architects are also responsible for coaching and mentoring agile teams to develop their technical skills and SAFe Architecture practices.





What are the three different Architects’ roles within the SAFe organization?


Enterprise Architect

  1. Enterprise Architects incorporate Cloud, Big Data, and AI technologies to establish the portfolio’s vision, strategy, and roadmap of an organization.

  2. They closely work with System Architect and Solution Architects to assess the technical designs created by solution trains and Agile Release Trains.

  3. Enterprise Architects works on Enterprise Architecture Strategy. It comprises five important elements such as choice of technology and usage, solution architecture strategy, inter-program collaboration, infrastructure strategy, and implementation strategy.

  4. Other important responsibilities of Enterprise Architects are guiding enabler epics, aligning business and technical strategies, fostering innovative ideas and technologies, rationalizing the technology portfolio, and establishing the portfolio’s intentional architecture.


System Architect

  1. The System Architect’s role is to define and communicate the shared technical and architectural vision for the Agile Release Train.

  2. Some of the important roles of System Architects are aligning architecture with business priorities, defining and communicating architecture vision, evolving system design with agile teams, fostering built-in quality, attending to NFRs, and supporting DevOps and continuous delivery pipeline.


Solution Architect

  1. Solution Architects collaborate with other architects to define and communicate the shared technical vision for the solution train.

  2. Some of the important collaborations of Solution Architects are to steer the Solution train within solution management, align enterprise architecture with Enterprise Architects, work with system teams and shared services, and evolve solution architecture with System Architects and suppliers.


Unlock more knowledge about SAFe implementation with this: “From Planning to Execution: A Comprehensive Guide to SAFe Implementation.”





What is a SAFe for Architects Certification course?

SAFe Architects work together to mentor and guide ARTs to enable continuous value for the customers. To develop their skills and to understand their role in the SAFe organization, SAFe Architects can join the SAFe for Architects certification course to work effectively. Let’s discuss the importance and the need for this certification course for individuals aspiring to become a SAFe Architect in a large organization.


SAFe Architects are responsible for assisting agile teams. They must have a better understanding of business and system requirements. To achieve sprint objectives and to control the dependencies in a company, Architects must work as a strategist and an excellent communicator. The SAFe for Architects Training programs help candidates achieve the required qualities.


The certification course helps agile professionals understand the Lean-Agile principles, architecture goals, and business goals, and work as a facilitator. The course also assists candidates in developing and communicating the architectural vision, improving Enterprise Agile methodology, solution vision, roadmap, and more. The course trains the participants to lead and coach other architects and team members on Program Increment.


The participants can also learn about planning the architectural runaway and creating visibility into an architectural vision for an Agile Release Train. The training program also provides participants with the necessary content, tools, and resources to become a SAFe Architect to conduct agile transformation effectively.






Conclusion

Thus, the SAFe for Architects Certification program serves as the better choice for agile professionals to optimize agile transformation in large organizations. The training program assists participants in obtaining better knowledge about the crucial roles and responsibilities of a SAFe Architect. It also provides candidates with the necessary tools and methodologies to improve the value of a company by delivering a working product.


FAQs

1. What are the important traits required to become an Architect in a SAFe organization?

Some of the important characteristics of a SAFe Architect are adaptability, organizational awareness, collaboration and coordination, communication skills, self-evaluation skills, and conflict resolution.

 

2. What are the prerequisites to enrol in the SAFe for Architects training program?

To enrol in a SAFe for Architects course, the participants must have basic knowledge of Lean-Agile principles, experience working with Agile Release Train, and participating in Program Increment. They must have completed one SAFe certification course.

 

3. Who are the ideal candidates for the SAFe for Architects certification program?

SAFe Consultants, Agile Coaches, Solution Architects, Agile Trainers, Architects, and Scrum Masters can take up the SAFe for Architects certification course to improve their career prospects.

 

4. What are the topics covered in the SAFe for Architects course?

The role of Enterprise, Solution, and System architects, align architecture with business value, tools, and techniques to develop skills, solution vision, and roadmaps.

 

5.  What are the practical skills a candidate can gain through the SAFe for Architects course?

Some of the practical skills are Lean-Agile architecture, DevOps, Release on Demand, supporting new strategic themes and value streams, Lean-Agile transformation, risk and issue resolution, and more.



About Advance Agility

We, at Advance Agility, are the new-age Agile Coaching, Consulting and IT services company. We enable end-to-end Digital Transformation. Agile execution is integral to our being. We are doing SAFe implementation with small, medium and large organization across the globe. Our vision is to be the leading Agile execution player globally. To keep adding value at every process stage. We are on a mission to empower our clients, move from concept to cash in the shortest sustainable lead time by adopting human centric approach to business agility. Embracing the change is in our DNA. Things that keep us apart are Quicker and Seamless execution with End-to-end gamut of services. Our Global presence and Stellar Track Record give us an edge over our competitor.


Connect with us at advanceagility.com to learn about SAFe and SAFe Implementation. We provide various SAFe certification courses along with DevOps, Scrum, Agile Coaching and more trainings. Write to us at contact@advanceagilty.com for any agile training or consulting needs. We are always looking for competent agile trainers as well. So if you are a good trainer or want to become one, do get in touch with us to that we can learn, grow and achieve together.

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