When navigating the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe), it’s essential to understand the distinct roles of value streams within an organization. As a coach, I’ve seen how this understanding can make or break the successful implementation of enterprise agility.

Types of Value Streams

As per SAFe, in any enterprise, there are two key types of value streams: Operational Value Streams (OVS) and Development Value Streams. OVS are the steps and the people who deliver end-user value using the business solutions created by the development value streams. In contrast, Development Value Streams encompass the steps and people who create those business solutions. SAFe primarily focuses on these development streams, emphasizing the importance of delivering new solutions as quickly as possible.

Primary Focus of SAFe

SAFe’s main concern is with Development Value Streams. The framework is designed to optimize the creation of new solutions, aiming to achieve the shortest sustainable lead time. However, it’s crucial to recognize that this focus can’t exist in a vacuum. Before you can effectively develop new solutions, you need to identify and understand your organization’s operational value streams. These operational streams are what keep the business running—they deliver products and services directly to customers, ensuring the business remains profitable and healthy.

Importance of Operational Value Streams

Understanding and optimizing OVS is vital for any Lean enterprise. These streams are not just a background process—they’re the backbone of your business. By identifying and visualizing these streams, you can improve time to market, enhance product quality, and deliver greater value to your customers. For developers, the operational teams are often their customers—they use, operate, and support the solutions you create.

So, while SAFe’s primary focus is on Development Value Streams, it’s clear that Operational Value Streams are an integral part of the equation. SAFe is not exclusively built for delivering OVS, but it recognizes their importance in achieving overall business objectives. The key is to integrate both streams effectively to support a holistic, value-driven approach to enterprise success.