PI Planning is a two-day event used in the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) that helps align multiple agile teams to a common business and technology mission. It is essential for coordinating the efforts of multiple teams, setting objectives, and creating an achievable roadmap for the next 8 to 12 weeks. The framework fosters collaboration and synchronization among teams, which is crucial for addressing dependencies and fostering a shared vision for product development.
Preparation: Facilitators prepare the logistics, agendas, and pre-read materials. | Business Context: The management presents the business context and market vision. | Product/Solution Vision: Product managers share the vision, roadmap, and upcoming features. | Team Breakouts: Teams discuss the objectives and draft their plans. | Draft Plan Review: Teams present their draft plans and get feedback. | Management Review and Problem Solving: Management reviews the plans, identifies issues, and provides solutions. | Final Plan Review: Teams finalize their plans and present them for final review. | Program Risks: Teams and management identify and discuss program risks. | Confidence Vote: Teams vote on their confidence in meeting the objectives. | Retrospective and Moving Forward: Teams discuss what went well, what didn't, and how to improve in the next PI.
Ensure thorough preparation and clear communication before the event | Maintain a clear focus on outcomes rather than outputs | Regularly review and adapt the planning process based on retrospective feedback
Enhances alignment across multiple teams | Improves visibility and transparency of project objectives | Facilitates proactive resolution of dependencies and impediments
Requires significant time and resource investment | Can be challenging in remote or distributed team settings | Depends heavily on effective communication and collaboration
When coordinating multiple agile teams within a larger project | When setting objectives for the next quarter in a complex project environment
For small projects with one or two teams | When rapid changes in the market require flexibility beyond the scope of a fixed increment