Tempo logotype

Scaled Agile Framework

Discover how the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) can help your organization implement Agile practices at scale. Learn about its three levels and how it incorporates project management practices.
From Team '23

Tempo Team

Scaled Agile Framework Definition

The Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) is a method for implementing Agile practices at scale within an organization. It provides a structured approach to scaling Agile principles and practices across multiple teams, departments, and even entire enterprises.

What is a Scaled Agile Framework?

A Scaled Agile Framework is a comprehensive and customizable approach to implementing Agile practices in large organizations. It provides a set of principles, practices, and guidelines that enable organizations to scale Agile across multiple teams, projects, and business units. SAFe helps organizations achieve alignment, collaboration, and faster delivery of value by providing a framework for managing dependencies, coordinating work, and ensuring consistent practices across the organization.

Scaled Agile Framework Examples

One example of a Scaled Agile Framework is the SAFe framework developed by Scaled Agile, Inc. SAFe is widely adopted by organizations around the world and provides a structured approach to scaling Agile practices. It consists of three levels: Team, Program, and Portfolio.At the Team level, Agile teams work together to deliver value in short iterations using practices such as Scrum or Kanban. The Program level focuses on coordinating multiple Agile teams working on a common program or product. It includes practices such as Agile Release Trains (ARTs), which align teams around a common mission and synchronize their work. The Portfolio level is responsible for strategic alignment and investment decisions, ensuring that the organization’s resources are allocated to the most valuable initiatives.

SAFe Project Management

SAFe incorporates project management practices within its framework. It recognizes the importance of project management in coordinating and delivering value in complex environments. SAFe provides guidance on how to integrate project management practices, such as defining project charters, managing dependencies, and tracking progress, within the Agile context.

What are the levels of Scaled Agile Framework?

The Scaled Agile Framework consists of three levels: Team, Program, and Portfolio. At the Team level, Agile teams work together to deliver value in short iterations. The Program level focuses on coordinating multiple Agile teams working on a common program or product. The Portfolio level is responsible for strategic alignment and investment decisions.

Which is better, Scrum or SAFe?

The choice between Scrum and SAFe depends on the specific needs and context of the organization. Scrum is a lightweight Agile framework that is well-suited for small teams working on a single product. SAFe, on the other hand, is designed for scaling Agile practices across multiple teams, projects, and business units. It provides a more comprehensive and structured approach to scaling Agile. Organizations should evaluate their requirements, size, and complexity to determine which framework is better suited for their needs.

Wrap Up

the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) is a method for implementing Agile practices at scale within an organization. It provides a structured approach to scaling Agile principles and practices across multiple teams, departments, and even entire enterprises. SAFe incorporates project management practices and consists of three levels: Team, Program, and Portfolio. The choice between Scrum and SAFe depends on the specific needs and context of the organization.

Related terms

An IT project manager is a professional responsible for planning, executing, and overseeing technology-related projects within an organization.

Read More

Project time management refers to the process of planning, organizing, and controlling the amount of time spent on specific project tasks and activities.

Read More

A product portfolio refers to the complete collection of products or services that a company offers to its customers across different markets and segments.

Read More

Agile is a project management and product development methodology that emphasizes flexibility, collaboration, and customer-centricity.

Read More

A user story is a short, simple description of a feature or function written from the perspective of the end user.

Read More

Dependencies are essential in project management, helping teams understand how tasks are connected and how changes to one task can impact others.

Read More

The MoSCoW Method is a prioritization technique used to categorize tasks, features, or requirements based on their importance and urgency, typically in project management and product development.

Read More

A strategic roadmap is a high-level visual plan that outlines an organization’s long-term goals, initiatives, and the key steps needed to achieve its vision.

Read More

The RICE framework is a prioritization method used in product management to evaluate and rank project ideas based on four key factors: Reach, Impact, Confidence, and Effort.

Read More