What is SAFe - The Scaled Agile Framework® (SAFe®)

The Scaled Agile Framework® (SAFe®) is a set of organization and workflow patterns for implementing agile practices on an enterprise scale. A framework is a body of knowledge that includes structured guidance on roles and responsibilities, how to plan and manage work, and the values ​​that should be upheld.

SAFe promotes alignment, collaboration and delivery across diverse agile teams. It was made up of three primary knowledge sets: agile software development, lean product development, and systems thinking.

As business grows, SAFe presents a structured approach to agile scale. There are four configurations in SAFe to accommodate different scaling levels: Essential SAFe, Large Solution SAFe, Portfolio SAFe, and Full SAFe.

Dean Leffingwell and Drew Jemilo launched SAFe in 2011 to help companies develop better systems and software products that better meet the ever-changing needs of customers. At the same time, teams used traditional project management processes to deliver software products. But as the need to respond quickly to changing market conditions has grown, new frameworks have emerged to help businesses improve solution delivery across enterprises. That's how SAFe was born. Today, SAFe is one of the most popular agile-scale delivery frameworks, and the worldwide community that uses it continues to develop improvements.

How does SAFe work?

Companies that are ready to implement SAFe generally have executive-level sponsorship, a strong purpose for change, and a foundation in Scrum.

Scaled Agile, Inc. offers a SAFe implementation roadmap that contains specific steps on how to get started and prepare the enterprise for implementation across all portfolios. The 12 steps of implementing SAFe include:

1. Reach the turning point
2. Train agile and lean change agents
3. Train executives, managers and leaders
4. Create an agile and lean center of excellence
5. Identify value streams and ARTs (Agile Release Trains)
6. Create the implementation plan
7. Get ready for the ART release
8. Train teams and launch ART
9. Guide the execution of ART
10. Launch more ARTs and value streams
11. Expand the portfolio
12. Support and improve

How does SAFe compare to other agile sizing frameworks?

Although the Scaled Agile Framework® (SAFe®) is widely implemented in companies with large software development teams, other agile scale frameworks have progressed over time. All agile scale frameworks have five main components: inspiration from the 12 principles of the Agile Manifesto, cadence, synchronization, Scrum, and quality development practices. Understanding the origins of other frameworks, key differences, and the conditions for successful application can help companies choose which frameworks best fit their needs.

Conclusion

Frameworks like SAFe offer a viable option to help companies scale efficiently agilely within their organizations and achieve expected business results. But the tools you choose to extend current practices and realize the maximum benefits they bring are just as important. It's time to introduce an agility business planning platform created for SAFe, doing so, you can improve enterprise visibility, strategic alignment, and adaptability to accelerate digital transformation.

AQC - a Brazilian enterprise supporting in process development and optimization