Combining Waterfall and Agile in SAFe

Agile and Waterfall processes are not generally considered something that should be mixed. They are mixed – and have to be – as many organizations make the transition from a Waterfall software development and project management methodology to an Agile methodology of the same.

The exception being, of course, new organizations or startups that go the Agile only route. But in reality even as these organizations become larger and their customer base expands, they will encounter customers, excellent on-boarded resources, and other vendors and stakeholders who require – for various reasons – a Waterfall delivery as opposed to an Agile process. It may be a government requirement, or an may just be a lack of Agile comfort, adoption and familiarity.

Not everyone can or will agree to make the jump for whatever reason so the likelihood of maintaining both is high in any organization and industry.