What is an agile release train (ART)?

In both large and small organizations, silos can prevent productive collaboration, even though agile principles emphasize teamwork. This is where the agile release train (ART), a key component of the scaled agile framework (SAFe), becomes essential. ART promotes cross-functional collaboration by gathering diverse roles such as developers, testers, and business stakeholders into larger teams that can deliver value more efficiently than traditional agile teams. ART teams operate on a synchronized cadence that allows them to tackle complex projects, breaking them into manageable parts while maintaining alignment with strategic goals. Key roles within ART teams include product managers, scrum masters, and release train engineers, who ensure adherence to agile practices and smooth coordination among team members. ART teams benefit from increased visibility, improved collaboration, and adherence to agile standards, ultimately enhancing productivity and delivering meaningful organizational changes.