In 2018, a leading Financial Services software firm was using standard Agile methodology to deliver software development projects, however they needed to deliver more software development projects to support their enhanced road map and decided to adopt the Agile SAFe methodology.

The business asked the specialist firm, Agilicist, to implement the SAFe methodology and Mint Blue Consulting to run the overarching 6-month implementation project, facilitating between the business and the supplier. Running this as a project was important to the firm as this was actually a Change Management project which would affect all software development and technology staff and their roles.

Mint Blue Consulting organised the logistics for the SAFe training events, from the initial Leadership day to the multiple 2-day staff training sessions, sourcing local, cost-effective venues. Hosting these sessions away from the office meant the attendees could fully focus on the events and prepare for their subsequent qualification exam.

In parallel, staff were reorganised into their Agile teams. While some, such as Developers, were a direct map to their new role, others, such as Business Analysts, had a bigger change as they moved across to the newly formed Product Manager roles. This process involved facilitation between the Managers and HR to ensure all the individuals were fully involved in the changes.

Once the teams had been formed and initial training completed, the 3-day Program Increment (PI) Planning events needed to start and then run approximately every 3 months thereafter for around 90 staff. Again, this involved sourcing a suitable local venue with accommodation and catering within budget and ensuring all the key elements, from the software development stories to Sharpie pens and numerous post-it notes were in place. Once the initial format was set up, this was passed to a permanent member of staff to co-ordinate the ongoing events. 

Due to rapid ongoing expansion, additional office space was then required for a further 25 people. This was run as additional project work by Mint Blue Consulting to support the business which enabled Agilicist and the business to focus on the bedding in of the new methodology and key software deliveries. It also led to other office move project work for Mint Blue including a new collaborative working space for the Agile teams, but that’s another story…..

Since the implementation, the company has successfully run several more PI Planning events based on the original format and continues to flex its Agile teams to meet development demand. The structured project approach helped manage and control both the change for staff and budget requirements to meet the desired outcome. Mint Blue Consulting was also able to flex the project management over 2-3 days per week, helping the company to minimise their costs.