News in the Spotlight
After the BMPK is before the BMPK: See you again in 2025!
What a wild ride: A big thank you to all the exhibitors, speakers and of course to all the cowboys and cowgirls who joined us on our "Wild West" adventure - the SERVIEW Summit BMPK24 exceeded our expectations in every way!
Behind us lie five successful days full of specialist knowledge, exchange and fellowship among like-minded people: We mastered training sessions and workshops, listened to inspiring talks and keynotes, made new contacts and exchanged ideas with industry colleagues. We went running for a good cause, got together at a cozy barbecue and had a great time at the legendary "Wild Wild Best" party. We have summarized the highlights for you in the video!
And because it was so nice, we'll see you again in May 2025 - then we'll be traveling to dazzling Las Vegas under the motto "Viva Best Practices"! Ready for casino, Elvis and the big IT show stage? Then register now as a participant and secure our 30% blind-bird deal:
Exhibitor 2025: Secure the best stand locations now!
Next year, Seeheim-Jugenheim will become the beating heart of the service management universe. You can't miss it! As an exhibitor at the largest expo for IT best practices in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, you will come into direct contact with your target group: Professionals and decision-makers from future-oriented IT organizations. Gain the decisive edge in the competition for new customers and team colleagues in 2025!
You must not be missing as an exhibitor at the BMPK25, because here ...
- ... present your software solutions, services and tools to exactly the right target group - without wastage.
- ... convince decision-makers and relevant managers of the USPs of your solutions in a personal exchange.
- ... get in touch directly and at eye level with specialized professionals who can enrich your company.
- ... consciously use the power of networking.
- ... benefit from the energetic atmosphere of the congress - because the supporting program inspires, activates and paves the way for progress-oriented decisions.
You can find all information on your presence and sponsorship opportunities in the current BMPK Exhibitor Guide. From floor and window stickers to advertising at the evening events and banners in the app with an average of around 20,000 impressions: the range is huge. Take a look at the exhibitor guide or get in touch with us for a non-binding consultation. Of course, you can also contribute your own ideas - we are open to all suggestions and will check what is feasible.
Great commitment: €6,000 for a good cause
A big thank you also to everyone who took part in the Peter Maffay "Walk & Run" or supported the project financially with a donation! SERVIEW paid the entry fee for over 100 participants, and we rounded up the amount at the end - raising an impressive 6,000 euros. We are forwarding 100% of the amount to the Peter Maffay Foundation, where the money will benefit children in need.
Limited offer: Print edition of "PRINCE2 7" at a special price
Do you want to improve your project management skills? The German print edition of "PRINCE2 7" was provided by publisher PeopleCert as a welcome gift for all BMPK congress visitors. You were not there? Then take advantage of our special offer now: you can currently obtain the textbook for 77 instead of 129 euros from our store. Only while stocks last!
By the way: In the online store you will find many other specialist books on Scrum, ITIL & Co. as well as practice guides, learning games, exam extensions etc.. Take a look!
Brand new in the course program: ISO training for more information security
New training courses have now been added to the course program: Our ISO 27001 training courses are your key to successful information security management! Here you will learn how to protect your company against data loss and security breaches. You can choose between three different certificates: Foundation, Security Officer and Auditor. You can find more details about the training courses and the ISO 27001 standard in our new section below!
Agile and project management
Best Practice Basics: What is SAFe?
Agile scaling made easy: SAFe, short for "Scaled Agile Framework", helps large companies in particular to become more agile. It combines best practices such as Scrum, Kanban, Lean and DevOps to provide a holistic guide for digital transformation. SAFe was developed to scale agile practices across different teams and departments so that even complex projects and large organizations can benefit from the advantages of agile working methods.
The 10 basic principles of SAFe
SAFe is based on the following fundamental principles that integrate both Lean and Agile practices:
- Think economically: Decisions should be made on the basis of economic objectives.
- Systems thinking: A holistic understanding of the system and its dynamics is crucial.
- Embrace variability and limit it early on: Flexibility and adaptability are important, risks should be minimized early on.
- Fast, integrated learning cycles: Iterative work and rapid feedback are essential for continuous improvement.
- Milestones based on objective assessments of the work systems: Progress is assessed on the basis of functional increments.
- Visibility, transparency and trust: Open and trusting communication is the key to collaboration.
- Work in small batches: Smaller work units enable faster adjustments and deliver value more quickly.
- Decentralize decisions: Teams have the authority to make decisions independently in order to be able to react more quickly.
- Develop with a guiding principle of systemic problem solving: problems are approached holistically and systematically.
- Organizational agility: The ability of the organization to react quickly to market and environmental influences.
Important roles in SAFe
SAFe defines specific roles to ensure clear responsibilities:
- Agile teams: Cross-functional teams that implement the work.
- Scrum Master: Supports the team in the application of agile methods.
- Product Owner: Responsible for maximizing the value of the product.
- Release Train Engineer (RTE): Coordinates the Agile Release Train (ART) from several agile teams and ensures that they work synchronously.
- System Architect: Responsible for the technical and architectural orientation.
What are the benefits of SAFe?
SAFe offers numerous advantages for large companies:
- Scalability: Enables agile methods to be scaled across multiple teams and departments.
- Improved collaboration: Promotes better communication and collaboration between teams and departments.
- Faster time to market: Through iterative work and rapid feedback, products can be delivered faster and in higher quality.
- Continuous improvement: Regular review and adaptation of processes enables continuous improvement.
SAFe offers four configuration levels to meet the different needs and sizes of companies:
Essential SAFe
The most basic configuration that contains all the necessary elements to lead and organize a team of teams.
Large Solution SAFe
This configuration is intended for companies that need to coordinate multiple Agile Release Trains (ARTs) and a complex system, but without a portfolio level.
Portfolio SAFe
Adds the portfolio level, which enables strategic alignment and financing of the various development streams.
Full SAFe
The most comprehensive configuration that integrates all elements of the other configurations and supports large, complex organizations operating at multiple levels.
Let's summarize: SAFe is a powerful framework that enables large companies to scale the benefits of agile methods at all levels of their organization. By structuring roles, processes and practices, SAFe supports effective collaboration and improves the efficiency and quality of development work.
Want to delve deeper into the topic? In the official SAFe 6.0 training course, you will learn all the important basics in two days.
Challenge accepted: How to successfully master agile methods
The introduction of agile methods is often met with skepticism or uncertainty. SERVIEW Management Consultant Madlen Lipski reveals how you can overcome challenges when dealing with agile methods and get employees excited about them.
Step 1: Overcome skepticism
- Creating the basis for all those involved
A crucial step is the active involvement of all those involved. By participating in planning and feedback sessions, they experience the agile processes at first hand and can contribute their perspectives and concerns directly.
- Uncovering the causes of skepticism
In order to effectively address doubts about agile, we first need to understand where they come from. Is it past experience, misunderstandings or a lack of information? An open ear and targeted questions help to get to the heart of the resistance.
- Celebrate successes
Recognizing and celebrating progress and successes is essential to cultivating a positive attitude towards agile methods. It creates a culture of appreciation and motivates everyone involved to remain committed.
- Further developing agile methods
Agile methods require constant adaptation and improvement. The willingness to make changes based on feedback and results demonstrates the flexibility and effectiveness of agile approaches.
- Be a role model & implement values in everyday life
It is important to live agile values such as transparency, collaboration and customer focus in everyday working life. This helps to reduce skepticism and promote an agile mindset.
Step 2: Promote cooperation
- Defining common goals
Workshops in which the team jointly develops goals and visions for the project or the next phase of work strengthen the sense of community.
- Feedback sessions
Regular feedback sessions in which team members give and receive constructive feedback are essential. They promote open communication and help to establish a culture of continuous improvement.
- More autonomy
Give your teams enough freedom in the way they work and make decisions. This increases commitment and accountability for the results achieved, as team members are directly involved in shaping the course of the project.
- Team events
Joint activities outside the company can promote cooperation and communication. In escape rooms, for example, teams learn to build trust in a playful environment and strengthen their ability to solve problems together.
- It's the result that counts
Focus on results rather than rigid processes! This enables team members to play a full part and develop innovative solutions.
Using these strategies, teams can not only increase their productivity and effectiveness, but also achieve a higher level of satisfaction and commitment.
Management workshop: "ARE YOU READY?" for the agile transformation?
Are you about to embark on an agile transformation - and would you like to have your project validated by experts? Have you considered all the parameters and does your strategy make sense? This is exactly what our "ARE YOU READY?" workshop is for: it serves as a final check before things really get going and the implementation phase begins. In short: we check everything again for you and get you ready to go!
But even in the middle of the transformation process, we often find that customers ask us for support. Everything should actually be running smoothly: The existing structures, workflows and processes are considered to be "settled". Tasks, responsibilities and competencies are clearly defined and processes are supported by tools. The reporting provides reliable information that can be used for improvement. Nevertheless, something is not right; the organization's performance does not yet deliver the desired quality.
Which next step makes sense now, are we on the right course? Where in the overall system does improvement create further value and who could benefit from it? Answering these questions - it seems - is not easy. "We see time and again that transformations are only based on a "perceived temperature"," says Hilmar Stock, Senior Executive Consultant at SERVIEW. The customer only has a rough idea of the effects to be produced - and consequently underestimates the dynamics and range of what could be in store for them.
This is where our "ARE YOU READY?" check comes in: The workshop format is aimed at managers within the Process Eco system. It focuses on the four perspectives PEOPLE, PROCESS, TECHNOLOGY AND CULTURE and provides management with a powerful set of tools and templates that lead to a reliable decision in a targeted manner. The check makes a significant contribution to securing your decision: it makes it clear at which point which procedure is to be chosen and where exactly tuning and further training must start.
Contact us and find out what the "ARE YOU READY?" check can mean for you.
Service Management
How much agility do ITSM practices need?
Agility enables us to react quickly and efficiently to changes. And changes are always coming our way in service management - be it due to changing customer requirements, the growth of the organization or technological developments. So how much agility do ITSM practices need?
In fact, there are some parallels between the basic principles of ITIL and the principles of agile working: both emphasize collaboration, good communication, iterative development and a focus on customer expectations. Tools often associated with agility - such as lean, DevOps, Kanban and a culture of continuous improvement through regular retrospectives - can benefit any service organization.
The following best practices have emerged for integrating an agile mindset into a service organization:
- A communicated vision with common goals.
- Clearly defined roles.
- High level of transparency within the teams and on the part of management.
- Promoting a culture of continuous improvement through short feedback loops.
- Regular measurement and review of changes and adjustment of activities.
- Training & development and empowerment of employees.
Start small with a pilot project
If you want to make your ITSM more agile, you don't have to "turn the whole company inside out" straight away. It is better to take a step-by-step approach and think about it first: Where does agility make sense? Start small and choose a pilot area in which you can evaluate what works and what doesn't in iterations. Then you can look further and gradually introduce more agility into your organization.
Which tool do I need?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as every company has different requirements. It is useful to carry out a tool evaluation in advance: What are our individual needs, how should the tool make our work easier? The following points can help with the selection:
- Can feedback loops be integrated, possibly even with a whiteboard function?
- Are real-time collaborations possible, i.e. can we communicate directly with colleagues via chat or video?
- What can and do we want to automate and what options does the tool offer?
- Clear responsibilities: Who gets what authority?
- Can user roles be defined and mapped?
- Is there a flexible reporting with export function?
- Kanban boards are also practical for visualizing and managing workflows in ITSM processes. This helps teams to track the status of tasks, read off progress and identify bottlenecks.
But be careful! Challenges lurk here
ITSM often involves complex and highly regulated processes that are difficult to make completely agile. A balance between agility and the need to comply with standards and regulations is necessary. In addition, ITSM often has to meet strict requirements for availability, security and reliability. Agile methods should be adapted in such a way that they do not jeopardize these requirements. And last but not least, the introduction of agile methods often requires a change in corporate culture: employees must be willing to adopt new ways of working and be open to change.
The amount of agility that ITSM practices require depends heavily on the specific requirements and circumstances of an organization. However, integrating agile principles into ITSM can contribute significantly to improving efficiency and responsiveness.
PeopleCert Plus: Become a member & benefit
Are you looking for exclusive access to the ITIL community, weekly webinars, practical guides and helpful learning resources? That's what the new PeopleCert Plus Membership is for! All you need is an account with PeopleCert to sign up as an Essential member for free. By upgrading to the annual Plus subscription, you'll benefit from ...
- ... useful learning resources: exam tips, glossaries & handbooks to help you achieve your goals.
- ... weekly webinars: Deepen your expertise, network with peers and collect CPD points to keep your certificates up to date.
- ... Practice Guides: Enjoy exclusive access to 34 updated ITIL 4 Practice Guides and participate in the associated Masterclass webinars.
- ... case studies and reports: Discover extensive industry research, benchmarking reports and real-world case studies.
- ... digital badges: Share your verified achievements and skills through digital badges via email and social networks to boost your professional credibility.
- ... exclusive offers: Save on learning with special offers and discounts.
SERVIEW gives you the option of taking out annual Plus membership directly during the booking process for your training course.
Global leader in professional certification: Who is PeopleCert?
PeopleCert is one of the world's leading providers in the testing and certification industry. The Athens-based international company is the rights holder of ITIL® and PRINCE2: the two certifications are considered the gold standard in their respective fields and have helped to advance the careers of millions of IT and project management professionals worldwide.
As the guardian of best practices, PeopleCert ensures that professionals worldwide have access to the latest methods and standards. The company works continuously to update and improve its Global Best Practices to meet the ever-changing needs of the industry and the latest developments. This is done through research, feedback from professionals and collaboration with industry experts. The exchange with the community is also very important.
Focus on frameworks
Data security with the ISO 27001 standard: why certification is important
Data is the new gold of our digital age. This makes it all the more important to manage and protect it securely. The International Organization for Standardization regulates how this is done with the globally recognized ISO 27001 standard: it defines the standards for the introduction, implementation, maintenance and continuous improvement of an information security management system - ISMS for short.
The five most important key points of the ISO standard are as follows:
- Risk-based approach: The standard requires a systematic assessment of information security risks and the implementation of suitable measures for risk treatment.
- Management support: Successful implementation requires the support and commitment of top management.
- Continuous improvement: ISO 27001 emphasizes the need for continuous monitoring, review and improvement of the ISMS.
- Documentation: Comprehensive documentation is required to prove the implementation and effectiveness of the ISMS.
- Control objectives and measures: The standard contains a list of control objectives and measures that can be used for risk treatment.
At a time when cyberattacks and data leaks are becoming more frequent and more serious, ISO 27001 provides organizations with a robust framework to effectively protect their information. The certification not only serves as proof of compliance with internationally recognized information security standards, but also improves the confidence of stakeholders, customers and partners in an organization's ability to keep their data secure.
SERVIEW offers three different ISO 27001 training courses:
- ISO 27001 Foundation: The two-day entry-level course lays the foundation for your career in information security.
- ISO 27001 Security Officer: Become an expert in information security and deepen your specialist knowledge - in just four days.
- ISO 27001 Auditor: In two days, you will learn how to carry out effective audits of information security management systems in accordance with the ISO standard. After the training, you will be able to evaluate the security measures of organizations and advise companies on optimization options.
You can find more details about the content of our courses, target groups and dates on our overview page:
New podcast episode: Let's talk about TOGAF!
In our freshly produced podcast episode, we delve into the world of TOGAF together: expert Wolfgang Krüger provides a comprehensive overview of the basics and structure of The Open Group Architecture Framework. He explains key terms and concepts and shares valuable practical experience and tips. Have a listen!
Heroes of the SERVIEW stage
Introducing: Marion Farsad
Who are the people behind SERVIEW and what drives them? In our new section, we will be introducing you to the job heroes who enrich our team every month. Some are in the spotlight in front of an audience, others keep things running in the background. We start with our good soul and "mom to all": Marion Farsad (59).
When did you join SERVIEW?
I have been a proud part of SERVIEW since August 2011 and have been a team leader in training management since March 2014. There I take care of all organizational matters such as bookings, confirmations, etc.
What does your day-to-day work look like?
I work three days a week in the office and two days from home - a good balance for me. I carpool with three SERVIEW colleagues from the Hintertaunus region. So the day starts with a nice chat with colleagues!
What character traits are essential for your job?
Empathy, friendliness, reliability and strong communication skills. Organizational talent and a structured way of working are also important.
How would you describe your role in the team?
I am a constructive problem solver who motivates others to overcome challenges together. Thanks to my enthusiasm, I often give the team valuable impetus.
What do you like about your job?
Even if it is an office job, no two days are the same. The individual wishes of our customers make the job very exciting and appealing. In addition, we have a well-functioning team that complements and appreciates each other. This contributes enormously to personal well-being. We can rely on each other completely and find a solution to every problem together. After all, we don't just want to do our job somehow, we want to do it very well!
What do you like in your private life?
My great passions are singing and playing the guitar. I also like to do handicrafts, for example I made the outfits for our BMPK mascot Orlando. Together with my husband, I have four grown-up children and one grandchild, all of whom I am very proud of!
Would you also like to become part of our colorful team? Then we look forward to receiving your application!
Events
Tool-Time: Experience the service management of tomorrow!
Anyone who knows SERVIEW knows that we traditionally hold our three TOOL MEETUPs in the fall. This year, you can expect an even larger community and even more variety, as the ITIL-TOOL MEETUP will become the SERVICE MANAGEMENT-TOOL MEETUP! This means that in addition to ITSM tool manufacturers, ESM tool manufacturers will also be represented this time. Tools that are not ITIL-compliant but are nevertheless extremely useful in everyday practice will also be presented, including interface and AI tools. In short, everything you need for successful service management in the future!
So the name of our event has changed slightly, but the idea and process remain the same. In order to find the tool solution that fits your organization perfectly - not only technically, but also in human terms - the SERVICE MANAGEMENT-TOOL MEETUP is like speed dating for your business. In each of six time slots, known as sessions, you sit down at the round table with the manufacturer of your choice. Within 45 minutes, you will gain a compact overview of the tool in question. Above all, however, you will receive answers to questions that are burning on your mind. Personally, up close and without compromise.
After three sessions, there will be a lunch break with catering, followed by three more sessions. In order to hold discussions with as many manufacturers as possible, it is advisable to divide the sessions among several colleagues. You don't need to worry about any costs, as all sessions and lunch are free of charge for participants. Let's get started in Frankfurt, here are all the dates at a glance:
Frankfurt, 12.09.2024
Munich, 19.09.2019
Hamburg, 25.09.2024
SERVIEW on Tour: Guest at LEARNTEC & KIXCONF
After the BMPK-Expo, we extended the trade fair feeling without further ado: from June 4 to 6, we exhibited at LEARNTEC in Karlsruhe. The international congress trade fair focused on the future of digital learning - of course SERVIEW couldn't miss out! As an education partner for the IT industry, we presented our range of services - from live online courses to e-learning and video libraries to agile working methods. Our trade fair team experienced three exciting days with good discussions and lots of input. We would love to come back!
On June 12, we moved on to Chemnitz for KIXCONF 2024, a conference for users and specialists in the field of IT and service management. The agenda included user stories, specialist presentations, discussion panels, workshops and, of course, lots of networking. Dear KIX community, we had a lot of fun!
Press release: Why events are so important in the IT industry
"For me, IT events are much more than just meetings of experts: they are central hubs for knowledge transfer, innovation, networking and business development. Professionals and companies can not only find out about the latest trends and expand their industry knowledge, but also make valuable contacts.
And that's what it's all about: events such as the BMPK or our TOOL MEETUPs offer a platform where experts, industry leaders and innovators come together live. These interactions are at the heart of all events as they allow connections to be made and maintained. I am convinced that by creating a space where ideas and experiences are freely exchanged, profitable relationships and new professional opportunities are created.
In addition, IT events are motivating and inspiring at best: Meeting thought leaders and pioneers in the industry and experiencing innovative projects and solutions can open up new ideas and perspectives - and result in participants returning to their own work with fresh energy and new approaches. For companies, in turn, trade fairs and exhibitions offer the opportunity to present their products and services to a wide audience. This can lead to direct sales, new customer contacts and increased brand exposure. Events are particularly valuable for start-ups and smaller companies, as they can meet decision-makers and investors who would otherwise be difficult to reach.
At SERVIEW, we know both sides: We are event organizers ourselves, but we also enjoy attending trade fairs and conferences as exhibitors and participants. Especially in a fast-changing industry like IT, such opportunities are invaluable."
Michael Kresse, Owner SERVIEW GmbH
Free webinar: PRINCE2 7 in 60 minutes
Get to know PRINCE2 7 in just 60 minutes! On Wednesday, June 26, 2024, our expert Katja Bilsing will offer a comprehensive insight into one of the world's leading project management methods from 11:00 to 12:00. Discover the new features of the current 7th version and learn how to make your projects more efficient. Register now for the free webinar and boost your project management know-how!
The next issue will be published on
July 11, 2024
