A Program Increment (PI)

A Program Increment (PI) is a key concept within the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe). It's essentially a timebox, typically 8-12 weeks long, during which an Agile Release Train (ART) delivers incremental value in the form of working, tested software and systems.   

Here's a breakdown of what a PI entails:

• Timeboxed Delivery:
  • A PI has a fixed duration, usually consisting of 4-5 development iterations (Sprints) followed by an Innovation and Planning (IP) iteration.
  • This timebox provides a predictable cadence for planning and delivery.  
• Agile Release Train (ART):
  • A PI involves an ART, which is a team of Agile teams that work together to deliver a shared product or solution.  
  • The ART aligns all its teams to a common PI objective.  
• PI Planning:
  • The PI begins with PI Planning, a two-day event where the entire ART comes together to plan the upcoming PI.  
  • During PI Planning, teams:
    • Review the program vision and roadmap.
    • Identify and discuss features.  
    • Develop PI objectives.
    • Create a PI plan.  
    • Identify dependencies.  
• Iterations (Sprints):
  • The PI consists of several development iterations (Sprints), each typically lasting two weeks.
  • During each iteration, teams work on delivering features and making progress toward the PI objectives.  
• System Demos:
  • Regular System Demos are held throughout the PI to showcase the integrated work of all teams in the ART.  
  • These demos provide feedback and ensure that the ART is on track.  
• Innovation and Planning (IP) Iteration:
  • The final iteration of the PI is the IP iteration, which is used for:
    • Innovation activities.
    • PI Planning for the next PI.  
    • Time for teams to address technical debt.
    • Inspecting and adapting the PI.
• PI Objectives:
  • PI objectives are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals that the ART aims to achieve during the PI.  
  • They provide a clear focus for the ART and help to track progress.  

Key Benefits of PIs:

• Alignment: PIs align all teams within the ART to a common goal.  
• Predictability: The timeboxed nature of PIs provides a predictable cadence for delivery.  
• Collaboration: PI Planning and System Demos promote collaboration and communication among teams.  
• Value Delivery: PIs focus on delivering incremental value to customers.
• Adaptability: The IP iteration provides an opportunity to inspect and adapt the process.

In essence, the Program Increment is the heartbeat of SAFe, providing a regular rhythm for planning, executing, and delivering value in large Agile organizations.