From a single Agile Release Train to a scalable Solution Train: Working with KEGON, an automotive manufacturer established a cross-ART agile organizational structure that now efficiently orchestrates six Agile Release Trains throughout the entire software development process in the automotive sector.
Initial situation
The successful adoption of Agile methodologies through this ART led to significant improvements in efficiency, and as the initiative gained momentum, a larger transformation began to unfold.
As a result of the close collaboration between the automobile manufacturer and the software house, and driven by the continuous growth of this ART, a Large Solution setup started to emerge. Over time, six Agile Release Trains (ARTs) were created, forming the foundation of a Solution Train. These ARTs operate within the Process Methods and Tools (PMT) value stream, covering the entire V-model of automotive software development.
The KEGON solution
Each ART within the PMT value stream has a specialized focus. One ART is dedicated to requirements capturing and management processes and tools, while another focuses on system engineering tools. Another ART provides collaboration tools, including the Atlassian package and Agile Hive, ensuring seamless team interactions. Additionally, a separate ART is responsible for verification and validation tools and processes, ensuring high-quality software development across the organization.
As the Solution Train started to form, the need to align ARTs and manage cross-ART dependencies became evident. To support this transition, KEGON began working with Solution-level roles (Solution Management and Solution Train Engineer) to establish a structured and effective approach. A key focus was the creation of a Solution Backlog, ensuring that priorities were clear and aligned with business goals. The importance of well-defined goals and objectives was emphasized, helping teams align their work towards strategic outcomes.
To create an efficient flow of work, KEGON designed and implemented a structured sequence of events. This included alignment sessions with high-level business owners, coordination among Solution-level roles, and an effective prioritization framework based on Weighted Shortest Job First (WSJF). KEGON also facilitated alignment meetings with ARTs to ensure smooth execution across the Solution Train.
A major milestone in this transformation was the introduction of Pre-Planning events. KEGON worked closely with the teams from the automobile manufacturer to define the structure and objectives of these sessions, ensuring they provided value by preparing teams for successful PI Planning. These Pre-Planning events enabled teams to manage dependencies effectively, reduce uncertainty, and create a shared understanding of priorities across ARTs.
Sustained Growth and Alignment
Today, the Large Solution within the client operates effectively, balancing structured alignment with a high level of autonomy across ARTs. Each ART continues to deliver value within its domain while ensuring seamless integration with the broader Solution Train. KEGON’s expertise in establishing Agile frameworks at scale has helped the client create a sustainable, scalable, and collaborative approach to software development.
Conclusion
The evolution of collaboration between the automobile manufacturer and the software house during the Agile transformation from a single ART to a fully operational Solution Train is a testament to the power of structured Agile adoption. Through KEGON’s guidance, entire group has successfully aligned its ARTs while preserving the flexibility and autonomy required for innovation. This transformation not only enhances software development for the automobile manufacturer vehicles but also sets a benchmark for Agile at scale within the automotive industry.
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From Software Team to High-Performing ART – Agile Transformation in the Automotive Industry
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Irina Heck
Tel +49 611 20 50 80
irina.heck(at)kegon.de
