What is SAFe?

SAFe, the Scaled Agile Framework, is a collection of methodologies that integrates current best practices (e.g., Lean, DevOps, Scrum, Kanban, etc.) from the IT world and extends their benefits from individual teams to the organization as a whole. With this broader perspective, SAFe provides a comprehensive roadmap for digital transformation.

The Scaled Agile Framework was first introduced to the public in 2011. Its creator, Dean Leffingwell—an analytical methodologist, entrepreneur, and author—compiled best practices, evaluated them, and made recommendations for the best use cases in each situation. The framework is now used by more than 450,000 users worldwide.

The training program in SAFeis role-based. The “Leading SAFe” training course serves as the entry point into the framework and qualifies participants to take the SAFe Agilist (SA) exam. The “Lean-Agile Practitioner” also plays a central role, leading the transformation and exemplifying the agile mindset. Are you interested in becoming a Lean-Agile Practitioner? Then just get in touch with us!

SAFe Training Courses

SAFe: A Forward-Looking Framework—Centered on Seven Core Competencies

SAFe, currently available in version 6.0, is structured around seven core competencies:
The core competency “Lean-Agile Leadership” forms the foundation for the entire framework and focuses on agile principles such as the Agile Manifesto. Accordingly, agility begins in the mind: The so-called “agile mindset,” characterized by an open attitude toward change, is a prerequisite for successfully advancing an organization through new ways of working. “Continuous Learning Culture” describes a set of values and practices that encourage individuals—and the organization as a whole—to continuously improve their knowledge, competence, performance, and innovation.

It is equally important to establish the right technical foundations and to agree on roles, responsibilities, and collaboration at the team level. The “Team and Technical Agility” competency addresses precisely this challenge. SAFe is based on the concepts and structures of Scrum. The methodology also addresses “Enterprise Solution Delivery.” Here, the focus is on the specification, development, deployment, and operation of the most sophisticated software applications, networks, and cyber-physical systems.

A strong team can move mountains: “Agile Product Delivery” describes an approach to defining, creating, and releasing a continuous stream of valuable products and services that is entirely focused on customer needs.

Finally, “Organizational Agility” helps to continuously refine business processes and quickly adapt the organization’s structure as needed to effectively capitalize on opportunities. The methods and best practices of the core competency “Lean Portfolio Management” also contribute to this. They cover the areas of strategy, governance, and budget management. In this way, they demonstrate how senior management and operational teams can be linked in a communicative and productive manner.

Getting Started with SAFe: A Step Worth Taking

Mastering the seven core competencies taught by SAFeenables companies to achieve the agility needed to respond successfully to volatile market conditions, changing customer needs, and new technologies. Case studies published by Scaled Inc. demonstrate that applying SAFe can lead to comprehensive improvements. For example, significant improvements in productivity, quality, speed, and employee satisfaction have been documented.

Are you ready to take your first step into the dynamic world of agility? Join our Leading SAFe 6.0 training courseand earn the highly sought-after, globally recognized SAFe Agilist certification!