Agile Release Trains (ARTs) in a SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework) environment are built to operate with a degree of autonomy. However, when multiple ARTs collaborate on a single solution, architectural dependencies are inevitable. Left unmanaged, these dependencies can lead to delays, rework, and architectural drift. This post outlines how to effectively handle architectural dependencies across ARTs, aligning technical execution with enterprise goals.

Understanding Architectural Dependencies

Architectural dependencies refer to technical interconnections between systems, modules, or components that are handled by different ARTs. These may include shared APIs, data schemas, middleware layers, or infrastructure services. When multiple ARTs need to evolve these components simultaneously, coordination becomes critical.

A key challenge is ensuring architectural integrity without centralizing control or disrupting flow. SAFe emphasizes decentralized decision-making, yet some architectural coordination is necessary—especially when shared platforms or cross-cutting concerns like security, scalability, and performance are involved.

Why They Matter in Large Solutions

Large Solutions typically consist of multiple ARTs working together. Mismanaged architectural dependencies can lead to misaligned deliverables, integration failures, or architectural inconsistency. For example, if two ARTs rely on a shared component and one introduces breaking changes, it can derail the other’s delivery timelines.

Handling these dependencies requires a mix of lean governance, system thinking, and architectural foresight. The goal is not just to manage dependencies reactively but to proactively architect for flow and resilience.

Strategies to Handle Architectural Dependencies

1. Define the Solution Context

Establishing a Solution Context helps teams understand technical constraints, interoperability boundaries, and compliance requirements. Solution Context is a part of the Solution Intent, which defines the expected behavior and design of a solution.

Having a well-defined context enables teams to anticipate architectural dependencies early and reduce surprises during integration.

2. Leverage the Solution Architect Role

Solution Architects play a vital role in managing architectural coherence across ARTs. They work with System Architects within ARTs to ensure alignment to the enterprise architecture.

These architects often participate in Pre-PI Planning and Solution Backlog refinement, where upcoming features and enablers that affect multiple ARTs are discussed. This provides a forum to address architectural spikes and dependencies up front.

3. Use Enabler Epics and Features

In SAFe, Enabler Epics and Enabler Features provide a structured way to track architectural work. When multiple ARTs are impacted, cross-cutting enablers should be captured and prioritized in the Solution Backlog.

This keeps architectural work visible, timeboxed, and part of the normal flow of value. It also helps synchronize the implementation of architectural changes across ARTs.

4. Maintain a Shared Solution Intent

A consistent, version-controlled Solution Intent repository helps multiple ARTs stay aligned. It includes specifications, models, test scenarios, and NFRs (Non-functional Requirements).

Using repositories like GitLab or Confluence in conjunction with versioned APIs and contracts can support better traceability and reduce integration risk. Referencing the SAFe Continuous Delivery Pipeline also reinforces the connection between architecture and release practices.

5. Apply Synchronization Cadences

SAFe recommends multiple synchronization points:

• Scrum of Scrums: Coordinates among Scrum Masters for dependency resolution.

• ART Syncs: Includes RTEs, Product Management, and System Architects.

• Solution Train Sync: Facilitated by Solution Train Engineer (STE) to ensure alignment across ARTs.

These cadences help surface architectural issues early and enable structured decision-making.

6. Implement Architectural Runways

An Architectural Runway provides the technical foundation to support new business capabilities. ARTs should incrementally build and extend the runway during each PI.

When architectural elements are needed across ARTs, shared runway items can be managed via the Solution Kanban. Collaboration here is essential to avoid fragmented or redundant development.

7. Encourage Decentralized Decision-Making With Guardrails

While alignment is necessary, it’s equally important to empower ARTs. Use Lean Budget Guardrails to define constraints and empower ARTs to make local decisions within boundaries. Refer to the guide on Lean Budgeting for specific financial governance patterns.

System Architects and Product Management can define reference implementations or design patterns that ARTs can adopt or adapt, reducing the risk of deviation.

Real-World Example: Coordinating a Shared API Gateway

Consider a scenario where three ARTs need to interface with a shared API Gateway. One ART is responsible for enhancing authentication features, another for adding a new service endpoint, and the third for updating rate-limiting logic.

To handle this dependency:

• A cross-ART enabler feature is created for Gateway updates.

• System Architects collaborate on a shared API contract.

• CI/CD pipelines are updated to ensure component-level tests pass before deployment.

• ART Sync meetings track progress and resolve interface issues.

Such coordination ensures that each ART can deliver independently while maintaining architectural consistency.

Metrics to Monitor Architectural Health

To evaluate the effectiveness of dependency handling:

• Lead time for integration across ARTs

• Number of unresolved architectural spikes per PI

• Frequency of broken builds or failed interface tests

• Technical debt trend from shared components

Tracking these metrics enables continuous improvement and early detection of architectural bottlenecks.

Aligning with SAFe POPM Certification Practices

Managing architectural dependencies is part of the broader role of a Product Owner/Product Manager (POPM) in SAFe. Understanding how architectural work integrates with feature delivery is a key competency taught in SAFe POPM Certification training.

Whether you’re pursuing SAFE Product Owner Certification or looking to advance in SAFe Product Owner/Manager certification, developing the ability to navigate architectural concerns is vital for enabling scalable, reliable delivery.

Final Thoughts

Architectural dependencies across ARTs can’t be eliminated, but they can be managed effectively through visibility, collaboration, and lean practices. A structured approach using Solution Intent, enabler features, architectural runways, and sync events can reduce risk and improve delivery flow.

To develop the skills needed to manage these challenges, explore a formal SAFe POPM training program that covers the full breadth of cross-ART coordination.

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For additional guidance on agile architecture practices, consider reviewing the SAFe Architectural Runway guidance.

 

Want expert-led coaching on SAFe roles? Visit AgileSeekers to explore role-based learning paths tailored to large-scale product delivery.

 

Also Read - Leveraging Solution Intent for Technical Governance in Large Solutions

Also see - Using SAFe Lean UX to Drive Technical Discovery in MVPs