So, you’ve decided to implement SAFe and the big moment is here: launching your first Agile Release Train. This is the step that turns theory into movement. If you want to avoid spinning wheels, you need a practical plan, not just motivation. Here’s how to make your first ART launch something you’re proud of.

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1. Understand What an ART Actually Is

Let’s break it down: an Agile Release Train isn’t just a collection of teams. It’s a virtual organization—typically 50 to 125 people—that plans, commits, develops, and delivers together, all aligned to a common mission. When you launch your first ART, you’re basically setting the engine for the whole SAFe transformation.

If you want a quick, non-technical explainer on ART, the Scaled Agile Framework site lays it out clearly.

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2. Build a Strong Foundation Before the Launch

Don’t rush into “Go-Live” mode. The groundwork you lay before the launch determines everything that follows.

A. Train Your Leaders and Change Agents First

Your transformation will live or die on leadership. Get your core leaders, product owners, scrum masters, and RTEs trained first. If they don’t “get” SAFe, the ART will stall.

• For leaders, the Leading SAFe Agilist Certification Training covers what’s needed.

• For scrum masters and team facilitators, consider SAFe Scrum Master Certification.

• If you want to go deeper, the SAFe Advanced Scrum Master Certification Training takes it up a notch.

B. Get the Right People on the Train

This is where companies mess up: they treat ARTs as a side project. Make sure every role is filled—Product Owners, Product Managers, Scrum Masters, RTEs, System Architects, and Business Owners.

• The SAFe Product Owner/Product Manager POPM Certification is especially valuable for anyone taking up a PO or PM role.

C. Set Up the Launch Team

A cross-functional launch team steers the ART setup, working closely with your Lean-Agile Center of Excellence (LACE). Their job: remove obstacles, coach teams, and keep everything moving.

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3. Map the Value Stream

Before you decide who’s on the train, you need to know what the train delivers. Map your value streams—this is how value actually flows to the customer.

SAFe recommends doing a Value Stream Identification Workshop. Here’s the simple rule: If you don’t map your value stream, your ART will end up delivering the wrong thing, at the wrong time, to the wrong people.

For context, the Scaled Agile Value Stream Mapping guide is worth a look.

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4. Define the ART’s Mission, Vision, and Backlog

Now that you’ve mapped the value stream, clarify the mission for your ART. What is this group going to deliver in the next Program Increment (PI)? What is the north star? Your Product Manager, System Architect, and Business Owners should all be in the room for this.

Don’t skip the backlog. A healthy ART starts with a well-formed backlog, prioritized and ready for the teams. This is where a certified POPM or experienced Product Manager is crucial.

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5. Train Teams and Leaders Together

A common mistake: sending only a few people to training and expecting magic. Instead, get everyone together for SAFe for Teams training.

• This training covers PI Planning, team roles, ART mechanics, and how everyone contributes to value delivery.

For advanced roles, consider SAFe Release Train Engineer Certification Training.

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6. Organize Your First PI Planning Event

PI Planning is the heart of the ART launch. This is where the teams align, commit, and build shared momentum.

What does a great PI Planning event look like?

• Everyone is present. This isn’t optional. Every team, every stakeholder, every business owner.

• Clear context. The business context, product vision, and architecture are explained upfront.

• Draft plans. Teams break out and plan their work, highlighting dependencies and risks.

• Management review. Leadership provides feedback and resolves key risks.

• Final commitment. Teams commit to objectives. Confidence scores are collected.

PI Planning done right builds trust, transparency, and energy.

If you want some tips for facilitating, check this guide from Atlassian on PI Planning.

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7. Get Your Tools and Systems Ready

The ART runs on information. Invest early in tools that make work visible and trackable—think Jira, Rally, or similar. Set up Kanban boards, digital dashboards, and clear reporting. The point is to give everyone real-time visibility.

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8. Focus on Communication and Transparency

During the launch, open and honest communication matters more than anything. Hold regular syncs with Scrum Masters, Product Owners, and RTE. Address issues in real time. Make everything visible: risks, dependencies, progress, and wins.

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9. Support Teams Through the First Iterations

The first Program Increment will test your setup. You’ll see cracks—don’t panic. Instead, treat everything as a learning opportunity.

• Regular inspect-and-adapt workshops will help teams reflect and improve.

• Encourage leaders to ask for feedback and act on it.

• Don’t skip system demos and ART sync meetings; these keep everyone grounded.

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10. Celebrate, Learn, and Improve

After the first PI, step back and review what worked and what didn’t. Recognize achievements, big and small. Be honest about challenges. Use everything you learn to make the next ART even stronger.

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Internal and External Links (Placed Naturally)

• For a deep dive into ART leadership roles and the benefits of formal training, the Leading SAFe Agilist Certification Training is a good starting point.

• Those stepping into PO or PM roles can check the SAFe Product Owner/Product Manager POPM Certification to build product-focused leadership.

• Every Scrum Master involved in the launch should understand their unique responsibilities—SAFe Scrum Master Certification can help.

• To go deeper into facilitation and advanced practices, SAFe Advanced Scrum Master Certification Training is useful.

• Running PI Planning and guiding ARTs is the main domain of Release Train Engineers—see SAFe Release Train Engineer Certification Training.

• For a simple breakdown of ART structure and common pitfalls, the SAFe ART Guide gives a solid overview.

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Wrapping Up

Launching your first ART isn’t about following a checklist. It’s about building trust, aligning around real value, and giving people the training, tools, and support they need to succeed. Make sure your leaders are prepared, your teams are equipped, and your vision is clear. Get these basics right, and you’ll not just launch an ART—you’ll set a foundation for real business agility.

If you want hands-on help or more guidance, look into formal training options linked above, or check out some external resources like the Scaled Agile Implementation Roadmap for step-by-step insights.

 

Take a deep breath, prep your teams, and get ready—your first ART launch can set the tone for your entire agile journey.

 

Also Read - Why LACE Is Critical to SAFe Success

Also see - How to Sustain Momentum After Your First ART Launch