What is the recommended duration for a Program Increment (PI) in SAFe?

In SAFe, the recommended duration for a Program Increment (PI) is indeed 8-12 weeks. This timeframe is designed to balance the need for sufficient planning, execution, and review of work while also allowing for regular feedback and adaptation. A PI length of 8-12 weeks aligns with the overall cadence of Agile practices, enabling teams to effectively deliver value at regular intervals, while providing adequate time to make meaningful progress on larger features that require cross-team collaboration.

Shorter PIs, such as those under 8 weeks, may not allow sufficient time for teams to complete complex initiatives that require careful coordination and integration across multiple Agile Release Trains (ARTs). Conversely, longer PIs exceeding 12 weeks can lead to a slower feedback cycle, diminishing the responsiveness of teams to change and reducing the effectiveness of Agile practices. Therefore, adherence to the 8-12 week duration promotes a sustainable pace and aligns well with the rhythm of ongoing planning, execution, review, and adaptation necessary for successful agile transformation.