Imagine standing at the base of a majestic mountain range, with three distinct peaks rising high above. Each peak represents a different level of altitude and offers a unique view of the landscape below. This picturesque scene is much like the three levels of the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe): Essential, Large Solution, and Portfolio.
As an Agile coach, I’ve often trekked this metaphorical mountain range, guiding teams and organizations on their ascent to Agile excellence.
What are the three levels of the Scaled Agile Framework
- The Essential Level: The Foothills The Metaphor
This is where your journey begins, at the base of the mountain. The terrain is manageable, but it’s vital to understand the fundamentals before attempting the higher elevations. The Essential level is the foundation of SAFe. It involves basic practices and principles that every Agile team should know. Here, teams learn about roles, responsibilities, and activities needed to deliver a quality increment of a software solution.
- The Large Solution Level: The Mid-Altitude Expedition The Metaphor
As you ascend, the challenges grow, but so do the rewards. At this elevation, teamwork and coordination are paramount. The Large Solution level is designed for large enterprises that have multiple teams working on bigger solutions which can’t be delivered by one team alone. This level focuses on coordinating multiple Agile Release Trains (ARTs) to deliver more complex solutions.
- The Portfolio Level: The Summit View
Reaching the summit requires strategic vision, leadership, and governance. From this vantage point, you can oversee the entire landscape and plan for the future. The Portfolio level offers a high-level view of the organization’s initiatives. It provides the principles necessary for aligning project work to the company’s strategic objectives and for funding and governing those initiatives.
Embarking on Your SAFe Journey Understanding the three levels of SAFe is crucial for organizations looking to adopt or enhance their Agile practices. By appreciating the intricacies of each level, you can effectively navigate the SAFe landscape, ensuring each team and project is aligned, efficient, and successful.