SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework) is a project management and work organization framework that enables scaling Agile methodologies across an entire organization. SAFe combines Agile and Lean principles, creating a comprehensive system for managing projects and programs that helps large organizations operate more flexibly, respond faster to market changes, and effectively deliver value to customers.
SAFe has been on the market since 2011, when its first version was released. It was created by Dean Leffingwell, who designed it as a solution for large organizations needing a tool to scale Agile across the enterprise. Since then, SAFe has been regularly updated, with the latest version, SAFe 6.0, released in 2023.
This version brings improvements in flexibility, data management, and leadership, making it more suited to the needs of today’s dynamically changing markets.
Below are the key differences across the last three versions:
Comparison of the last three versions of SAFe
Feature/Area
SAFe 4.0
SAFe 5.0
SAFe 6.0
Customer Orientation
Present but not a core element
Introduction of Design Thinking and Customer Centricity
Further developed focus on the customer
Business Agility
Focused mainly on development teams
Extended to the entire organization
Integrated with leadership practices
Culture of Continuous Learning
Basic support
Defined as a key competency
Expanded, with emphasis on innovation and leadership development
Core Competencies
Lean-Agile Leadership, team agility, and DevOps
Seven competencies introduced, including Organizational Agility and Agile Product Delivery
Updated seven competencies, with the addition of Sustainability
Lean Portfolio Management
Introduced at the portfolio level
Improved and more adaptive
Enhanced with greater focus on flow and metrics
Agile Release Trains (ARTs)
Basic structure
Strengthened ART coordination
Improved efficiency and flow in ARTs
Technology
Kanban for flow
DevOps, Continuous Integration, and Continuous Delivery
AI, Big Data, and flow metrics
Leadership
Lean-Agile Leaders
Emphasis on leadership coaching
Advanced leadership principles, coaching, and sustainability
Summary
Each version of SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework) has evolved to meet growing business demands, the dynamic development of technology, and the shifting cultural aspects of organizations.
SAFe 4.0 introduced key foundations for scaling Agile, focusing on building a structure that allows organizations to coordinate actions between teams and better manage project portfolios at the enterprise level. The main goals of SAFe 4.0 were to improve team performance, synchronization, and the more efficient delivery of value.
SAFe 5.0 took a step further, expanding the framework with elements of customer orientation and business agility. Concepts such as Customer-Centricity and Design Thinking were introduced, enabling teams to better understand end-user needs and design solutions more effectively. This version also emphasized continuous learning and organizational development in response to the need for quick adaptation to changes and fostering a culture of innovation.
SAFe 6.0 goes even further, addressing modern needs related to technology and sustainability. The latest version focuses more deeply on value flow, supporting organizations in eliminating bottlenecks and optimizing product delivery processes. SAFe 6.0 also promotes Lean-Agile leadership, leader development, and the integration of modern technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Big Data, which help organizations better analyze data and predict market needs. New to this version is an emphasis on sustainability, taking into account environmental and social aspects as well as the long-term resilience of the organization.
For management teams and businesses seeking to scale agility, understanding the differences between SAFe 4.0, 5.0, and 6.0 can help tailor the framework to current strategic goals and organizational maturity levels. Selecting the right version or elements from each allows organizations to better adapt their management strategy to unique needs, enabling them not only to survive but also to thrive in a rapidly changing business environment.
SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework) is a project management and work organization framework that enables scaling Agile methodologies across an entire organization. SAFe combines Agile and Lean principles, creating a comprehensive system for managing projects and programs that helps large organizations operate more flexibly, respond faster to market changes, and effectively deliver value to customers.
SAFe has been on the market since 2011, when its first version was released. It was created by Dean Leffingwell, who designed it as a solution for large organizations needing a tool to scale Agile across the enterprise. Since then, SAFe has been regularly updated, with the latest version, SAFe 6.0, released in 2023.
This version brings improvements in flexibility, data management, and leadership, making it more suited to the needs of today’s dynamically changing markets.
Below are the key differences across the last three versions:
Comparison of the last three versions of SAFe
Summary
Each version of SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework) has evolved to meet growing business demands, the dynamic development of technology, and the shifting cultural aspects of organizations.
SAFe 4.0 introduced key foundations for scaling Agile, focusing on building a structure that allows organizations to coordinate actions between teams and better manage project portfolios at the enterprise level. The main goals of SAFe 4.0 were to improve team performance, synchronization, and the more efficient delivery of value.
SAFe 5.0 took a step further, expanding the framework with elements of customer orientation and business agility. Concepts such as Customer-Centricity and Design Thinking were introduced, enabling teams to better understand end-user needs and design solutions more effectively. This version also emphasized continuous learning and organizational development in response to the need for quick adaptation to changes and fostering a culture of innovation.
SAFe 6.0 goes even further, addressing modern needs related to technology and sustainability. The latest version focuses more deeply on value flow, supporting organizations in eliminating bottlenecks and optimizing product delivery processes. SAFe 6.0 also promotes Lean-Agile leadership, leader development, and the integration of modern technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Big Data, which help organizations better analyze data and predict market needs. New to this version is an emphasis on sustainability, taking into account environmental and social aspects as well as the long-term resilience of the organization.
For management teams and businesses seeking to scale agility, understanding the differences between SAFe 4.0, 5.0, and 6.0 can help tailor the framework to current strategic goals and organizational maturity levels. Selecting the right version or elements from each allows organizations to better adapt their management strategy to unique needs, enabling them not only to survive but also to thrive in a rapidly changing business environment.
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