Planforge extends SAFe® support

If different areas of a company are transformed independently of each other, agile transformation can lead to undesirable information silos. Planforge, a hybrid project and portfolio management solution, facilitates this transition process. This is achieved via scaled agile structures, which the system integrates into classic and hybrid portfolios. Version 23 aims to make these processes even easier. Among other things, through the use of Scaled Agile Framework ™ (SAFe®).

SAFe® Portfolio in Planforge

Planforge version 23 extends the support of SAFe® to Lean Portfolio and Objectives and Key Results (OKRs).

Founder and CEO of Planforge, Gerald Aquila, explains: "SAFe® Portfolio makes it possible to maximize value creation across multiple Agile Release Trains (ARTs) and value streams," and adds: "The cornerstone of this new workflow in Planforge 23 is the Portfolio Kanban Board, which allows our customers to visualize, develop and manage Portfolio Epics."

The simple drag-and-drop function in Planforge is extended via the new Kanban portfolio with explicit threshold values for work-in-progress (WIP). For example, Planforge now includes a "Ready" status for projects.

With Weighted Shortest Job First (WSJF), companies can also identify the epics known from SAFe® that deliver the highest business value in relation to the time invested. The backlog prioritization integrated in Planforge 23 is based on WSJF and simplifies the implementation of epics via SAFe®.

OKRs in SAFe® and Planforge

SAFe® introduced Objectives and Key Results in March 2023 with SAFe® 6.0. Planforge is now using the integration of the Scaled Agile Framework™ into its own system to also implement OKRs as an essential component.

The Strategic Management Option (SMO) module benefits from the OKRs in Planforge by making it easier to link key results and targets to ongoing projects and other programs.

SAFe® Portfolios also ensure that strategies can be planned at both organizational and portfolio level within Planforge 23. The linking of OKRs with portfolio epics contributes to the overarching strategic goals and offers more transparency than before. This makes decision-making more efficient overall.

With the expansion of the SAFe® functions in version 23, and also in the future, Planforge is pursuing the goal of offering companies opportunities to adapt quickly to changes and make strategic decisions in a value-oriented manner. With the help of Planforge, companies can plan and implement strategies as easily as possible.

The Scaled Agile Framework™ is an important component of these goals and provides numerous functions that usefully extend Planforge.

Learn the basics of SAFe® with skill it

The Scaled Agile Framework™ supports companies in implementing lean and agile practices. At first glance, it is a complex system and there seem to be a lot of hurdles to getting started. However, once you have got to grips with it, you will quickly find your way around.

skill it makes it easier for you to get started with SAFe® with a two-day training. The Leading SAFe® 6.0 course gives you an overview of the Scaled Agile Framework™ and Lean Thinking. During the course of the seminar, we will go into more detail about Agile Release Trains, Agile Architecture and other agile components.

The training is aimed at managers and coaches, among others, and prepares them for the SAFe® Agilist exam.