Managing Work Item Dependencies in SAFe

Work Item Dependencies define relationships between different work items that affect their planning, prioritization, and execution. Understanding and managing these dependencies is crucial for successful delivery in the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe). This guide shows you how to create and manage dependencies in Safedevops.app.

Dependency Management Overview

Dependencies represent relationships between work items where the completion or state of one work item affects another. Effective dependency management helps teams identify blockers, plan iterations, and coordinate work across multiple teams and ARTs.

What are Work Item Dependencies?

In SAFe, Work Item Dependencies are formal relationships that indicate how work items interact with each other. Dependencies help teams:

• Identify Blockers: Understand what work must be completed before other work can begin
• Plan Iterations: Sequence work items appropriately within and across sprints
• Coordinate Teams: Manage cross-team dependencies and integration points
• Risk Management: Identify potential bottlenecks and critical path items
• Prioritization: Make informed decisions about what work to prioritize
• Communication: Clearly communicate relationships between different pieces of work

Types of Dependencies

Safedevops.app supports several types of dependency relationships:

Dependency Types

• Blocks: This work item blocks the completion of another work item
• Is Blocked By: This work item cannot proceed until another work item is completed
• Relates To: This work item has a general relationship with another work item
• Duplicate Of: This work item is a duplicate of another work item

Understanding Dependency Relationships

Blocking Dependencies:

• When Work Item A "blocks" Work Item B, it means B cannot be completed until A is finished
• This creates a critical path that must be managed carefully
• Teams should prioritize blocking work items to prevent delays

Related Dependencies:

• "Relates to" dependencies indicate work items that are connected but not necessarily blocking
• These might share components, affect similar areas, or require coordination
• Useful for tracking work that should be developed together or tested in coordination

Creating Dependencies

Work Item Dependencies Interface

Here's an example of the dependency management interface showing how dependencies are displayed and managed:

The interface shows existing dependencies with clear relationship descriptions, linked work item details, and options to manage or remove dependencies as needed.

Work Item Search and Selection

Autocomplete Search

When adding dependencies, use the smart search functionality:

• Type to Search: Start typing work item titles or IDs to see suggestions
• Multiple Criteria: Search by work item ID, title, or partial matches
• Filtered Results: Only work items from the same organization are available
• Self-Exclusion: Work items cannot depend on themselves

Search Tips

• Use ID Numbers: Type "#" followed by the work item ID for quick selection
• Keyboard Navigation: Use arrow keys to navigate suggestions, Enter to select
• Work Item Context: Search results show work item type and current status
• Clear Selection: Clear the field to search for different work items

Managing Existing Dependencies

Viewing Dependencies

The dependencies list shows:

• Relationship Type: How the current work item relates to others
• Target Work Item: The linked work item with ID, title, and type
• Current Status: The status of the dependent work item
• Quick Navigation: Links to view the dependent work item details

Dependency Validation

The system automatically prevents:

• Self-Dependencies: Work items cannot depend on themselves
• Circular Dependencies: If A depends on B, then B cannot depend on A
• Cross-Organization: Dependencies are limited to work items within the same organization
• Duplicate Relationships: The same dependency cannot be created twice

Removing Dependencies

Cross-Team Dependency Management

Team Coordination

Dependencies often span multiple teams, requiring coordination:

• Dependency Visibility: All teams can see dependencies affecting their work
• Status Tracking: Monitor the status of blocking work items from other teams
• Communication: Use dependencies to facilitate cross-team discussions
• Planning Impact: Consider dependencies when planning iterations and PI objectives

ART-Level Dependencies

At the Agile Release Train (ART) level:

• Feature Dependencies: Coordinate Feature delivery across multiple teams
• Epic Dependencies: Manage portfolio-level relationships and sequencing
• Integration Points: Identify where teams must coordinate technical integration
• Milestone Planning: Ensure dependent work aligns with PI milestones

Best Practices for Dependency Management

Creating Effective Dependencies

• Be Specific: Clearly understand why the dependency exists and what completion means
• Regular Review: Periodically review dependencies to ensure they're still relevant
• Early Identification: Identify dependencies as early as possible in planning
• Clear Communication: Ensure all affected teams understand the dependency

Dependency Planning

• Critical Path Analysis: Identify which dependencies are on the critical path
• Buffer Time: Allow extra time for dependent work in iteration planning
• Risk Mitigation: Have backup plans for high-risk dependencies
• Cross-Team Sync: Regular coordination meetings for teams with dependencies

Monitoring and Tracking

• Dependency Status: Regularly check the status of blocking work items
• Escalation Path: Have clear escalation procedures for delayed dependencies
• Metrics Tracking: Monitor dependency resolution time and impact
• Retrospective Review: Include dependency management in team retrospectives

Integration with Iterations and Planning

Sprint Planning Considerations

• Dependency Review: Review all dependencies before committing to sprint work
• Sequencing: Ensure dependent work is properly sequenced within and across sprints
• Capacity Planning: Account for time needed to coordinate with other teams
• Risk Assessment: Evaluate the risk of dependencies not being completed on time

PI Planning Integration

• Cross-Team Coordination: Use PI planning to identify and resolve major dependencies
• Dependency Mapping: Create visual maps of dependencies across the ART
• Milestone Alignment: Ensure dependent deliveries align with PI milestones
• Commitment Considerations: Dependencies affect the confidence level of PI commitments

Troubleshooting Dependencies

Common Issues

• Circular Dependencies: Review the logical flow and break circular relationships
• Too Many Dependencies: Consider if work items are too large and need decomposition
• External Dependencies: For dependencies outside the system, track them manually
• Outdated Dependencies: Regularly clean up dependencies that are no longer relevant

Resolution Strategies

• Dependency Breaking: Look for ways to reduce or eliminate dependencies
• Parallel Work: Find aspects of work that can proceed in parallel
• Interface Definition: Define interfaces early to allow parallel development
• Incremental Delivery: Break work into smaller pieces to reduce dependency impact

What's Next?

With your understanding of dependency management, you can now:

• Create Dependencies: Set up relationships between work items to track coordination needs.
  → Creating Work Items
• Plan Iterations: Use dependency information to improve sprint and PI planning.
  → Managing Iterations
• Coordinate Teams: Facilitate better cross-team collaboration and communication.
  → Team Collaboration
• Track Progress: Monitor work item completion and dependency resolution.
  → Work Item Tracking

Remember: Effective dependency management is key to successful SAFe implementation. Regular review and proactive management of dependencies helps teams deliver value more predictably and reduces the risk of delays and integration issues.