PI Planning stands for Program Increment Planning. It is the heartbeat of the safe agile framework. It helps in providing the structure to connect and manage teams who are working on the same project. Sessions for PI Planning are scheduled throughout the year where different teams within the identical Agile Release Train (ART) meet to set up a shared vision, plan the roadmap, discuss features and also identify cross-team dependencies.
What does Remote PI Planning mean?
Rather than flying your team to your base camp to run PI Planning face to face, distant PI Planning includes utilizing diverse online instruments to design for all intents and purposes your next Program Increment Planning. Remote agile teams can simulate the in-person experience by using online tools such as real-time chat, a virtual program board and also video conferencing. Whatever tools you select, the secret is to seek out an answer that allows your team to speak and collaborate in real-time, whether they are within the same room or on the opposite side of the globe. This way of PI planning will take some experimentation.
How Remote PI Planning is different from Conventional face to face PI Planning?
Fully remote PI Planning could be a lot different from conventional face to face PI Planning. Some of the differences are mentioned below.
Online tools and virtual collaboration spaces add an extra level of complexity to logistics preparation.
The spontaneous communication between teams and leaders during PI Planning is tougher. In remote PI planning its is different because of the technology
Coordination in teams is disrupted, which suggests modification and preparation takes longer and is arguably as important as the PI planning event itself.
How will you run effective remote PI planning - Personalised Tips and Tricks
Remote PI Planning is still a relatively new concept. A lot of teams are still finding the kinks in their process, determining what works best for them, and sharing this with others too. Here are some tips and track to run effective remote PI Planning.
1.) Use online software and tools
Online shared planning tools mean your team can interact with the data sooner, maybe at the same time as it is being entered. This implies that you are sharing knowledge and visibility across projects and teams, which is useful for mapping cross dependencies. It also avoids storing information in numerous places, so your team lands up with one source of information.
2.) Use video and audio tools
The technology should bring your teams as close as possible without them physically being present there. So, encourage your remote team members to modify their mics and cameras on during PI planning events and actively participate.
3.) Set the rules and policies
While it is important to use the technology, it can get a tough bit much. Set the rules before time about who can talk and when to use the mute button. This may avoid interference and background signal that would disturb the focus of your team.
What are the advantages of Remote PI Planning over conventional face to face PI planning?
Remote PI Planning can be very beneficial as compared to face to face PI Planning. Some of them are mentioned below.
1.) Better engagement
When comparing remote PI Planning to in-person PI Planning, remote meetings make it easier to interact with all of your attendees. Remote meeting software allows the shy and introvert people to get involved within the conversation and provide their input in the meeting.
2.) Lower the costs
One of the most important factors within the planning phases of your Remote PI Planning is facility readiness. By holding planning sessions remotely, all of those costs including food and rent etc are forfeited. This may save a corporation thousands of dollars per session.
3.) No commute required
By holding your sessions remotely, the commute for remote teams goes from jumping on a plane to walking to their computer in their main office. You do not have to travel a lot.
4.) Increased productivity
Studies prove that employees that job remotely are more productive than people who work at office settings. Not only do they work more days per month, but their active time logged is more efficient because they are more willing to interrupt when needed.
5.) Increased use of technology
Because of physical isolation rules in situ round the world, companies are now being forced to implement and adapt to new technologies at a rapid pace. Organizations that are slow to adapt to new technologies within the past are taking this chance to implement software, protocols, and processes which will improve the sustainability and suppleness of the corporate so that it can withstand unforeseen circumstances moving forward.
Why should you go for Remote PI Planning?
The response to the current pandemic situation is forcing organizations using the Scaled Agile Framework to change rapidly. Normally face to face PI planning sessions are quickly changing to completely virtual interactions for the foreseeable future. Moving forward with the virtual planning events is vitally important because companies prepared for the steep recovery are going to be best positioned to guide markets in the long run. Delaying planning activities, like PI Planning, will negatively impact the power of companies to recover and maintain their competitive positioning.
Are there any disadvantages of Remote PI Planning?
Everything has its disadvantages along with the perks. Same is the case with Remote PI Planning. Let’s discuss some disadvantages below.
The more number of teams is involved in Remote PI planning, the more complicated it becomes
It can be a little hard to coordinate teams with a lot of dependencies
You cannot see the program risks from the board
If calls and meetings are not planned on the agenda, it's going to be much difficult to urge all the people on a single decision
It is much harder to conduct confidence vote with remote teams
You can mitigate all of the disadvantages by advanced planning, extended timeline for remote PI planning sessions; add logistics and usage of best online tools.
Conclusion
Remote PI Planning can be very beneficial for your business or organization in this pandemic. It includes no business trips and travelling, reduces costs and expenses and also encourages the usage of technolog
