The automotive industry and other sectors developing safety-critical systems are increasingly using scaled agile methods like SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework) and LeSS (Large-Scale Scrum). These frameworks offer flexibility, faster delivery, and better teamwork. However, applying agile while meeting strict safety and compliance rules is challenging. Companies must handle issues like traceability, continuous compliance, and organizational flexibility. This article explores these challenges and offers practical solutions.

Challenge 1: Keeping Track of Changes

In safety-critical systems, tracking all requirements, code, and tests is crucial. Traditional waterfall methods ensure everything is documented, but agile’s evolving approach makes this harder.

Problems:

• Constant changes can create gaps in documentation.
• Evolving user stories make it tough to maintain an audit trail.
• Existing tracking tools may not work well with agile methods.

Solutions:

• Automated Tracking: Use tools that connect with agile platforms to maintain records.
• Simple Documentation: Keep essential documentation lightweight and efficient.
• Linking Safety to Backlogs: Connect every backlog item to safety requirements for easy tracking.

Challenge 2: Staying Compliant in Agile Development

Rules like ISO 26262 for automotive safety require extensive documentation and reviews. Agile’s fast-paced approach doesn’t always fit well with these demands.

Problems:

• Audits expect detailed records, which agile may not naturally provide.
• Compliance checks happen late in traditional models but need to be continuous in agile.
• Teams may not be familiar with safety regulations, leading to compliance gaps.

Solutions:

• Built-in Compliance Checks: Include safety and regulatory checks in every sprint.
• Automated Compliance Tools: Use tools to ensure compliance at every stage.
• Safety Experts in Agile Teams: Assign compliance specialists to agile teams to maintain standards.

Challenge 3: Balancing Flexibility and Safety Rules

Agile focuses on quick changes and decentralized decision-making, while safety-critical systems need structured, careful reviews. This conflict can make agile adoption difficult.

Problems:

• Agile’s flexible approach may not align with strict safety rules.
• Fast iterations may clash with the need for thorough safety reviews.
• Teams working separately may lead to inconsistencies in safety practices.

Solutions:

• Blended Agile Models: Use a mix of agile and traditional safety review processes.
• Defined Safety Guidelines: Set clear decision-making rules for safety-related work.
• Agile Training for Safety: Educate teams on integrating safety practices into agile workflows.

Conclusion

Applying scaled agile to safety-critical systems, like those in the automotive industry, is challenging but possible. By using automated tracking, ensuring continuous compliance, and balancing agility with safety rules, companies can successfully merge agile methods with safety requirements.

The key to success is a smart mix of flexibility and structure, ensuring both innovation and reliability.