Scaled Agile Framework is the leading framework tool for how large organizations scale Lean and Agile. SAFe® is thus a framework that creates common principles and language in the agile organization.
At team level, work with Scrum or Kanban, ie self-organizing teams that work in short iterations. These are deliveries from agile teams with a Scrum Master and a Product Owner.
But in addition, SAFe® Program, Solution and Portfolio address the levels.
The program level synchronizes 5-12 teams (50-125 people) in an Agile Release Train (ART) working towards a common solution. We work with a common cadence to ensure coordination and dependencies between teams.
The solution level works with the coordination of deliveries across Agile Release trains and external suppliers. It requires coordination of deliveries, architecture and quality assurance to ensure long-term solutions.
The portfolio level, Lean Portfolio Management (LPM), is associated with the company's strategy of allocating budgets to the company's value streams and thus the agile trains (ARTs) that build the solutions. LPM is responsible for maturing and following up on the company's strategy and major initiatives.
Several Danish companies have 10 or more ARTs running and several public boards use SAFe®.
Facts about SAFe®:
- SAFe® is a framework of principles and methods for implementing Lean-Agile, DevOps, System Thinking, Design Thinking in a scaled version.
- SAFe® addresses companies' challenges in keeping up with a fast-moving and changing world. Here, the agile approach is necessary to stay current and competitive.
- SAFe® coordinates and synchronizes work and thus delivery for several teams and suppliers.
- SAFe® describes the roles, responsibilities, artifacts and activities needed to implement Lean-Agile development.
Since the launch of SAFe® 1.0 in 2011, there have been regular updates to the framework. Today, SAFe® is mainstream and 70% of Fortune 100 uses SAFe®. There are more than 1,00,000 SAFe certified in the world. SAFe® 5 is the latest version and there are continuous improvements to both the framework and the courses.
Business Agility is achieved by getting the entire organization agile. It is a matter of getting everyone on the vision to avoid delays and conflicting internal agendas. It is essential to be ready for change in a competitive world.
Companies that use SAFe are organized to provide solutions to their users and have the customer (Customer Centricity) at the center.
SAFe® works with several different methods for involving customers, including Design Thinking, which ensures that products and services are developed based on users' needs.
