Cadence and synchronization help manage what uncertainty?

Cadence and synchronization are essential practices within the SAFe framework that primarily address the inherent unpredictability associated with research and development (R&D) activities. In R&D, the nature of work can be highly variable due to factors such as evolving technology, changing customer needs, or new insights gathered during development. Establishing a regular cadence allows teams to align their work, set predictable iterations, and create a rhythm that helps to manage and reduce this variability.

By implementing synchronization across teams, organizations can coordinate their efforts more effectively, leading to better communication, reduced silos, and improved collaboration. This coordination is particularly vital in R&D settings where different teams may be working on interrelated components of a complex product. Cadence and synchronization enable teams to better anticipate challenges, facilitate quicker decision-making, and adjust to changes in priorities or scope, thereby addressing the uncertainty that comes with innovative and exploratory work.

Effective cadence and synchronization help create a structured environment where teams can thrive, making it easier to manage the fluctuations and uncertainties typical in research and development efforts.