Value Streams as a Means of Creating Value for Customers

Within SAFe, how we work can be structured around Value Streams.  Value Streams are a sequence of steps that an organization uses to implement solutions that provide value to customers.  In SAFe, there are Development Value Streams and Operational Value Streams.  Operational Value Streams account for the steps and people that use the business solutions that are created by the Development Value Streams.  In the example below, the Operational Value Stream is a bank whereby the organization is seeking the solution of a “loan repayment with interest” and by doing so the organization receives corresponding revenue from the payee.  In order for this solution to be achieved, however, the Development Value Stream(s) must first create the I.T. systems that will lead to functionality for the solution itself being brought into fruition.  Within SAFe, the Agile Release Train works within Development Value Streams to create and define the functionality for these I.T. Systems.

Within Bush Agility, we advocate that as a client is considering a SAFe Transformation, that consideration also be given to evaluating and determining if Value Streams exist.  This can be done by Value Stream identification.  By doing so, these Value Streams can easily be identified and the organization itself can then strategically plan as it seeks to create the desired solutions to benefit the desired customer base.   In the SAFe Product Owner / Product Management training class that we provide and the SAFe Lean Portfolio Management course, we discuss and analyze Value Streams in detail.  Please do not hesitate to leverage these training sessions to gain greater overall awareness so that your organization can be successful in its SAFe Transformation going forward.