SAFe Knowledge Base » Solution Context
Solution Context
Context is the key—from that comes the understanding of everything.
—Kenneth Noland
Definition: Solution Context identifies the critical aspects of the environment in which a solution operates.
Many solution development initiatives are unsuccessful—not due to the inability to create the solution—but because the developed solution fails to perform as expected in its actual operating environment. Examples abound:
- A mobile app for equipment inspection that the rig worker cannot use because they wear gloves
- A payroll management system that cannot connect to the corporate identity management server
- A software solution that doesn’t anticipate needed field support or modifications
Naturally, the impact on the customer and the business can be significant or even catastrophic.
Understanding the Solution Context is crucial to value delivery. It provides an essential understanding of the solution’s requirements, usage, installation, operation, and support. It impacts development priorities, Solution Intent, Capabilities, Features, and Nonfunctional Requirements (NFRs). It provides opportunities, limits, and constraints for the Continuous Delivery Pipeline, including Release on Demand activities. The solution context represents various environmental and deployment by factors that are often outside the control of the organization developing the solution. Product Management, Solution Management, System Architects, and Solution Architects must understand those factors to guide the design of solutions that benefit both the customer and the enterprise.