what is an arc team

2 min read 26-12-2024

An ARC team, or Agile Release Train (ART) team, is a large-scale Agile development team that works together to deliver value incrementally and iteratively. Understanding what an ARC team is requires understanding the broader context of Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe). This article will explore the composition, function, and benefits of ARC teams within the SAFe methodology.

Understanding the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe)

Before diving into ARC teams, it's crucial to understand SAFe. SAFe is a framework for scaling Agile principles to larger organizations and more complex projects. It provides a structure for coordinating multiple Agile teams working on a single product or system. ARC teams are a fundamental element of this structure.

What is an Agile Release Train (ART)? The Core of the ARC Team

The Agile Release Train (ART), often referred to as an ARC team, is a self-organizing, cross-functional team of approximately 50-125 individuals. This team works together in a synchronized manner, typically using Scrum or Kanban, to deliver value in short iterations called Program Increments (PIs).

Composition of an ART Team

An ART team isn't just a collection of developers; it includes a diverse set of roles crucial for successful product delivery:

Product Management: Defines the vision, roadmap, and priorities for the product.
System Architects: Ensure the technical feasibility and integrity of the system.
Development Teams: Several Scrum teams work concurrently, each focusing on a specific aspect of the product.
Testing Teams: Responsible for ensuring the quality of the product.
DevOps Engineers: Manage the deployment and operations of the product.
Release Train Engineer (RTE): Serves as the Scrum Master for the ART, facilitating the PI planning process and removing impediments.

How Does an ARC Team Function?

ARC teams operate through a series of synchronized iterations called Program Increments (PIs), typically lasting 8-12 weeks. Key activities within a PI include:

PI Planning: A two-day event where the entire ART gathers to plan the upcoming PI. Teams collaboratively identify and commit to delivering features.
Daily Stand-ups: Each Scrum team conducts daily stand-ups to track progress and address issues.
System Demos: At the end of each iteration, the ART demonstrates the working software to stakeholders.
Inspect & Adapt Workshop: A retrospective event held at the end of each PI to identify areas for improvement.

Benefits of Using an ARC Team

Adopting the ARC team model and SAFe offers numerous benefits:

Increased Alignment: All teams work towards a common goal, ensuring alignment across the organization.
Improved Collaboration: Cross-functional teams foster better collaboration and communication.
Faster Time to Market: Synchronized development and frequent releases accelerate product delivery.
Higher Quality: Continuous integration and testing lead to higher-quality software.
Reduced Risk: Incremental delivery allows for early detection and mitigation of risks.

ARC Teams and Continuous Improvement

ARC teams aren't static entities. They continually adapt and improve through regular retrospectives and continuous feedback loops. The Inspect & Adapt workshop at the end of each PI is crucial for identifying areas for improvement in processes, tools, and collaboration. This continuous improvement cycle is essential for maximizing the effectiveness of the ART.

Conclusion: ARC Teams as a Powerful Agile Approach

ARC teams, operating within the SAFe framework, represent a powerful approach to scaling Agile for large-scale development efforts. By fostering collaboration, improving alignment, and accelerating delivery, ARC teams help organizations deliver value more efficiently and effectively. Understanding their composition and function is crucial for successfully adopting this methodology.