Scaled Agile Framework (SAFE)

[Adnan Rafiq]

Has anyone implemented SAFE using JIRA? We are currently struggling with the fact that what JIRA calls 'Epic' is really a 'Feature' in SAFE. The term 'Epic' in SAFE is a concept within the Portfolio level, and is not the same as a 'Feature'.

We would prefer to stick with the terminology set forth by our chosen methodology (SAFE) and not let a tool like JIRA drive such decisions.

Any feedback on how other teams are resolving the concept naming discrepancies? Also, are there any resources that discuss using SAFE along with JIRA?

[C]

We use BigPicture for our Safe Implamentation.   we also struggled with the naming but ultimately found it easier to adopt the terminology of the products opposed try to align the process.   we did create a cheat sheet for the "non-advanced" users.

[Carlos Garcia Navarro]

Hi Adnan and others,

Were you successful implementing SAFe using JIRA? What add-ons did you end up using? Any other recommendations?

Thanks,

Carlos

[C]

We used bigPicture and BigPicture Enterprise.  It has worked well for us!

[Anna-BigPicture]

Hi,

Indeed, the BigPicture plugin was inspired by the SAFe framework. More information, as well as links to our White Papers, you can find in the article: SAFe with Jira & BigPicture.

If you have further questions, just let me know.

[sadaann saeed]

?

[Alan Williams]

Hello Adnan:

There is a way to implement the SAFe terminology but you have to modify the translations file within Jira.

Our Jira environment is hosted by cPrime and they have been great in helping us modify the english translations file to change "Epic" to "Feature" so that it reflects in team boards, issue types, and "epic" fields.  Now everything just says "Feature" and its great!

We use Portfolio for Jira instead of Big Picture.

EDIT:  They have their own plugin that they use:  https://marketplace.atlassian.com/apps/1218959/safe-epic-to-feature-translator-for-jira?hosting=server&tab=overview

[sadaann saeed]

We use kendis.io for our Program and Solution, it works great for us.  

https://marketplace.atlassian.com/apps/1220739/kendis-scaling-agile-platform?hosting=cloud&tab=overview

[Edwin Rozie]

Hello Adnan,

In Ativo Programs, features are indeed epics technically, but functionally used as features.

Ativo Programs enables you to plan SAFe PI sessions, but also follow up progress, raise risks, etc.

SAFe® Pi planning program board:

Progress follow up:

You can find more information in this blog post on how to implement SAFe in Jira with Ativo Programs.

With kind regards,

Edwin Rozie
Ativo.io

[Isabelle Lehodey]

Updating this thread to share that Jira is introducing flexible terminology for Jira Software Data Center (also covers Advanced roadmaps) to meet the demand for renaming Epics to Features and sprints to iterations.

Article

To improve Jira’s capabilities to reach enterprise agile demands, starting with Jira Data Center 8.17, Jira Data Center is now offering flexible terminology to ensure consistent nomenclature of sprints and epics between Jira and agile at scale frameworks (including SAFe, LeSS, etc). 

[Anna-BigPicture]

Hi @Adnan Rafiq

If you would like to see in practice how to best configure Jira and BigPicture, and to make your organization operate smoothly in accordance with the principles of the Scaled Agile Framework - ​this webinar can be beneficial for you.

It will take place on June 30th. Here you can register: SAFe® with BigPicture