What is one outcome of an integration point?

A. It aligns with a phase-gate milestone

B. It provides the opportunity to release code

C. It extends the length of time of an Iteration

D. It provides an opportunity to pivot the course of action

Correct Answer is

B. It provides the opportunity to release code

Explanation

One outcome of an integration point is it provides the opportunity to release code.

Integration points are planned moments within the development process where teams integrate their work to ensure that the system or product functions as expected when different components or features are combined. These points allow teams to assess the integration’s success and determine whether the product or system is ready for further stages, such as testing, deployment, or release. Here’s a closer look at the options provided:

• It aligns with a phase-gate milestone: While integration points might sometimes coincide with phase-gate milestones in more traditional project management frameworks, the primary purpose of an integration point in Agile and Lean methodologies is to ensure that components work together as expected, not necessarily to align with a predefined project phase or gate.


• It provides the opportunity to release code: This is correct. Integration points offer a specific occasion where, after integrating and testing the components, the product or system can be deemed ready for release if it meets the necessary quality and functionality standards. It’s a practical checkpoint for deciding whether the codebase is stable enough to proceed to the next step, such as a release to staging or production environments.


• It extends the length of time of an Iteration: Integration points are not intended to extend the length of an iteration. Instead, they are part of the planned activities within the iteration or development cycle. Their purpose is to facilitate progress by ensuring that integration issues are identified and resolved promptly, not to prolong the iteration itself.


• It provides an opportunity to pivot the course of action: While discovering integration issues might lead to changes in the approach or prioritization of work, the primary outcome of an integration point is to validate the integration of work items, not specifically to pivot the course of action. Pivots or significant changes in direction are more likely to be driven by strategic decisions or feedback from stakeholders rather than the technical outcomes of an integration point.

Therefore, providing the opportunity to release code is a direct outcome of conducting an integration point, as it signifies a juncture where the product’s components have been successfully integrated and tested, indicating readiness for the next steps toward deployment or release.

Other SAFe Scrum Master Question – Why are phase-gate Milestones problematic?