Scaled Agile ERP implementation by SAFe framework in Dana Energy

After more than a decade of ERP implementation experience in Dana Energy, the corporate decided to improve the implementation and development process. In this way, by benchmarking the successful experiences of the world, especially in the oil and gas industry, and considering the environmental conditions of our businesses, the SAFe 6.0 methodology was selected.

As mentioned, SAFe can be a useful framework for organizations in the oil and gas industry that want to improve their software and product development processes. However, it is important to tailor the framework to the specific needs and challenges of the organization.

One example of SAFe in the oil and gas industry can be found in the case study of Marathon Oil. They used SAFe to transform their software development process, which involved multiple teams across different locations. The implementation of SAFe allowed them to improve collaboration, increase efficiency, and reduce time-to-market for their software products.

Another example can be found in the case study of the National Oilwell Varco (NOV). They implemented SAFe to improve their product development process, which included hardware and software development. Through SAFe, they were able to align their teams around a common goal, improve communication, and deliver high-quality products to their customers.

SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework) seeks to create a continuous flow of value in the organization by using business agility development. In order to achieve business agility, 7 core competencies are used as follows: Lean Agile Leadership, Team and Technical Agility, Agile Product Delivery, Enterprise Solution Delivery, Lean Portfolio Management, Organizational Agility, Continuous Learning Culture.

The Framework is consisting of four configurations and Dana Energy decided to implement essential configuration that provides the minimal elements necessary for Agile Release Trains (ART) to deliver solutions and is the simplest starting point for implementation.

Finally, the first official PI planning event by the SAFe methodology was held in April 2023 at Dana Energy. Business owners, senior managers and members of agile process development teams were committed to the planning.

PI Planning is a key event in the SAFe methodology that brings together multiple teams and stakeholders to plan and coordinate the work for a Planning interval(PI), which is typically a time boxed period of 8-12 weeks. The goal of PI Planning is to align the teams and stakeholders around a common vision, strategy, and plan for the upcoming PI, as well as to identify and resolve any potential dependencies, risks, and issues.

Each year is divided into 4 PIs, and at the end of each season, the PI planning process for the next quarter is done. Other events are also planned and carried out within each PI. Each PI consists of 6 iterations, and within each iteration, system demo, planning and retrospective sessions are held centered on each team. Each team consists of a product owner (PO) and a Scrum Master, a number of functional and technical members. The teams are grouped according to the main modules (such as SCM, HR, Finance, Project management, Maintenance, etc.).

We try to plan together, commit together and work together.

Kian Maroufkhani 
Business Excellence Supervisor