Systems Demo? or Demo of Systems

After a Systems Demo—a core SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework) ceremony—I was approached by a Product Owner who expressed concerns about the productivity and relevance of the meeting. This isn't an isolated sentiment; it's a reflection of a larger issue where the intent of SAFe ceremonies is lost in translation.

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The Systems Demo is designed to showcase an integrated view of the work accomplished within the Program Increment (PI). It's predicated on the idea that teams within the Agile Release Train (ART) are working cohesively on a shared set of features. Yet, the reality often diverges from this ideal, with ARTs conducting demos as a formality, devoid of true integration or connectivity.

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This brings us to a critical juncture: should we adhere to ceremonies for the sake of protocol, or should we adapt practices to fit the unique dynamics of our teams and organization? As an advocate for lean-agile principles, I believe in the latter. SAFe offers a robust set of recommendations, but they are not prescriptive. The goal is to enhance productivity, not to adhere to ceremonies that don't yield tangible benefits or a positive Return on Time Invested (ROTI).

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If the conditions for a successful Systems Demo aren't met, it's time to rethink our approach. Instead of a Systems Integration Demo, we might find ourselves presenting a Demo of Separate Systems, which defeats the purpose of the exercise.

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Let's remember that the essence of agility is adaptability. By tailoring SAFe to our organizational needs and ensuring that each ceremony adds value, we can foster a more productive, engaged, and integrated ART. It's not about the ceremonies we conduct; it's about the outcomes they produce. #Agile #SAFe #SystemsDemo #LeanPrinciples #ContinuousImprovement #scrumbanAi