In the context of SAFe, what is the main goal of creating a product roadmap?

Creating a product roadmap primarily serves the purpose of providing a long-term vision and direction for the product. This roadmap is a vital tool in a SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework) environment as it aligns all stakeholders around the strategy and goals of the product. By having a clear roadmap, teams can understand where the product is headed, what features and capabilities are planned, and how these align with customer needs and business objectives. This aids in effective prioritization and helps guide decision-making throughout the development process.

A strong product roadmap fosters alignment across teams and stakeholders, ensuring that everyone is working towards the same goals. It communicates the product's direction not just to the development teams, but also to other areas in the organization, including marketing, sales, and customer support, which may need to prepare for upcoming changes or launches.

In contrast, tracking individual team progress, managing team member assignments, and documenting user stories are operational or tactical tasks that do not encapsulate the overarching strategic view that a product roadmap provides. These tasks are important, but they are secondary to the roadmap's role in envisioning and guiding the product's future.