More info

SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework®) is a framework for scaling agile and lean practices within medium to large organizations. It is designed to enable multiple teams to collaborate and coordinate value delivery across strategy, development, and operations levels. It combines elements from Lean, Agile, and DevOps and adds structure, governance, and synchronization that may not be necessary in small agile teams. 

SAFe defines organizational and workflow patterns—including roles, activities, artifacts, and processes—that facilitate the transformation of an organization toward greater agile capability. 

Key principles and values of SAFe SAFe is based on several fundamental values and principles that should influence the decision-making and culture of organizations:

SAFe values

• Alignment — synchronization of goals and plans across all levels of the organization 

• Built-in Quality — quality is not something that comes at the end, but must be integrated into every part of development

• Transparency — openness in planning, work status, and risks

• Program Execution — focus on actual value delivery across teams and directions 

SAFe is modular and can be adapted to the size and needs of the organization. There are various configurations that add additional layers of management and coordination depending on complexity:

• Essential SAFe – basic configuration that includes the team and program levels (Agile Release Train, ART).

• Large Solution SAFe – for coordinating multiple ARTs (without portfolio involvement) in the delivery of larger system solutions.

• Portfolio SAFe – adds portfolio management, value stream financing, and strategic alignment of investments.

• Full SAFe – the most comprehensive configuration, combining all previous levels, including management of strategic initiatives, portfolio, solutions, and program levels.

• Agile Release Train (ART) – a group of teams (approx. 50-125 people) that collaborate in the same iterations and aim for common goals (Program Increment, PI). 

• Program Increment (PI) – a time cycle (typically 8–12 weeks) during which ART plans, executes, and demonstrates value. 

• Value Streams – a sequence of activities that create value for customers, from concept to delivery; organizations should be structured around these streams, not according to traditional forces.

• Lean-Agile Leadership – leaders play a key role in the transformation to an agile organization – they must support, instill culture, make decisions, and educate.