The Inspect & Adapt (I&A) workshop is a central element of the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe). It takes place at the end of a Program Increment (PI) and serves to systematically reflect, measure, and initiate improvements. The aim is not only to evaluate the work results, but also to continuously develop collaboration, processes, and structures.
Procedure and components
The I&A workshop is typically divided into three parts:
1. PI System Demo
• Presentation of the results achieved in the PI across all teams.
• Focus: Value delivered to customers and stakeholders.
2. Quantitative & qualitative measurements
• Analysis of key figures such as predictability, throughput, quality.
• Combination with feedback from surveys and team reflections.
3. Problem-solving workshop
• Structured approach (often "root cause analysis" according to Ishikawa or "5 Whys").
• Derivation of concrete improvement measures for the next PI.
Significance for organizations
The I&A workshop is more than just a review. It embodies the Lean-Agile principle of continuous improvement. Unlike classic retrospectives, which are usually team-based, the I&A brings together all teams of an Agile Release Train (ART). This enables systemic learning: problems that a single team cannot solve are addressed at the ART level.
Common misconceptions
• "Just a big retro": In reality, I&A combines demo, metrics, and problem-solving—i.e., content-related, data-based, and cultural dimensions.
• "Once per PI is enough": Continuous improvement thrives on everyday life. I&A is a catalyst, but it does not replace ongoing reflection.
• "Anyone can moderate": Without experienced moderation, I&A quickly degenerates into a mere list of problems without real solutions.
I&A mindset outside of SAFe
Even organizations that do not use SAFe benefit from the I&A approach:
• Regular, structured large group reflections: e.g., at the end of a quarter or project.
• Combination of facts and perceptions: combining hard data with mood assessments.
• Systemic perspective: Don't view problems in isolation at the team level, but look for causes in the interaction of structures, processes, and leadership.
Practical example: In a corporation without SAFe, "business unit reviews" were conducted every six months according to I&A logic. Instead of just presenting numbers, the root causes of delays were analyzed and improvement measures were decided upon across teams. Effect: Less blame, more focus on joint solutions.
Role of moderation
Experienced moderation is a key success factor. Whether it's a Release Train Engineer (RTE), Agile Coach, or external facilitator, real added value can only be created if someone confidently guides the group through data, discussions, and solution finding. Without this role, there is a risk that discussions will peter out, dominant voices will prevail, or measures will come to nothing.
This shows how important it is to have experienced experts who are proficient in both methodology and the dynamics of large groups.
CALADE perspective
At CALADE, we see I&A workshops as a lever for sustainable improvement – regardless of whether a company uses SAFe or not. The key is the right combination of structure, data, and facilitation experience. That's why our "Experts" offering includes facilitators who support teams and organizations in using I&A formats effectively and pragmatically. Not as a mandatory event, but as a real opportunity to improve together.
Related terms
• Program Increment (PI)
• Agile Release Train (ART)
• Root Cause Analysis
• Continuous Improvement
• Retrospective