PI (Program Increment) Planning is a cornerstone of the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe), aligning multiple Agile teams on a common mission. This two-day event, typically held every eight to twelve weeks, provides an opportunity for cross-functional teams—such as Business Analysts (BAs), Product Owners (POs), Quality Assurance (QA) professionals, and Developers—to collaboratively establish a roadmap for the upcoming program increment. PI planning fosters shared understanding, clear goals, and a commitment to delivering a coherent, valuable product increment.
PI planning involves extensive coordination, often spanning multiple teams and value streams. The aim is to achieve a consensus on what each team will deliver, identify dependencies, assess risks, and ultimately develop a shared sense of responsibility across all levels.
Core Components of PI Planning
- Preparation and Pre-Planning
Effective PI planning begins well before the actual event. This phase includes understanding the Vision, setting program goals, and preparing Backlog items. - Draft Planning by Agile Teams
During PI planning, Agile teams review and refine objectives, identify dependencies with other teams, and set a preliminary sequence for their tasks. - Commitment to Objectives
Once the draft plans are prepared, each team shares their objectives, dependencies, and risk assessments with the larger group. This enables a sense of accountability and commitment to achieving team goals. - Final Alignment and Planning Adjustments
Teams align their plans to address any unresolved dependencies, shared resources, or conflicts before concluding the PI planning session.
Role of Key Team Members in PI Planning
- Business Analyst (BA)
BAs in PI planning act as the bridge between business needs and technical implementation. They are responsible for refining features and assisting POs with backlog prioritization. BAs ensure that each feature aligns with business goals and provides value to stakeholders. Their insights help shape the program increment to meet strategic objectives, which they communicate clearly to development and testing teams.Example: Suppose the goal for the upcoming PI is to launch a new user interface feature. The BA collaborates with stakeholders to gather and document the requirements, preparing user stories that reflect customer expectations. During planning, the BA clarifies these stories with the development and QA teams, ensuring everyone shares the same understanding. - Product Owner (PO)
The PO is accountable for defining and prioritizing the team backlog. In PI planning, POs are essential for setting the right expectations with stakeholders and ensuring the team’s work is aligned with the product vision and goals.Example: A PO for an e-commerce platform might prioritize features like an enhanced checkout experience. During PI planning, the PO coordinates with other POs to align features, dependencies, and deliverables across teams. - Quality Assurance (QA)
The QA role is critical in PI planning, ensuring that planned increments meet quality standards and customer expectations. QA professionals participate by identifying potential testing challenges early on and aligning their testing timelines with the development team’s plans.Example: QA members in an e-commerce project might suggest incorporating automated tests for the checkout process enhancements planned for the upcoming increment. By flagging this early in PI planning, they can secure the necessary resources and schedule adequate time for testing. - Developers
Developers are instrumental in creating realistic estimates and identifying technical dependencies during PI planning. They communicate any constraints, offer insights into the feasibility of the planned features, and work with QA and DevOps teams to ensure a seamless development process.Example: Developers for a mobile app project might assess the feasibility of implementing a new navigation feature. If dependencies are identified with other teams (e.g., backend or UX), they work collaboratively to align timelines and requirements. - Scrum Master
Scrum Masters facilitate team collaboration, ensuring each member has a voice in the planning process. They guide the team through the agenda, manage timing, and mitigate any conflicts that arise during PI planning.Example: In a multi-team PI planning session, the Scrum Master identifies a conflict over resources needed for a high-priority feature. They work with the teams involved to resolve the conflict, enabling a smoother transition from planning to execution.
Benefits and Outcomes of Effective PI Planning
- Improved Communication
PI planning fosters an environment where all stakeholders are aligned on the program goals, promoting transparency and understanding across teams. - Risk Mitigation
Early identification of dependencies and risks enables proactive mitigation, reducing delays and bottlenecks in the development cycle. - Faster Delivery of Value
With clear objectives and a shared commitment, teams can work more efficiently, focusing on delivering valuable features aligned with business goals. - Team Empowerment
By involving team members in decision-making, PI planning encourages a sense of ownership and responsibility, boosting morale and productivity.
PI planning is more than just an event; it’s a process that empowers Agile teams to deliver customer value consistently. Through collaboration and strategic alignment, each team—whether BA, PO, QA, or developer—brings a unique perspective that is vital to achieving successful, high-quality outcomes. The end result is a cohesive program increment that advances business objectives, improves product quality, and enhances customer satisfaction.