Introduction:

Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) is a popular approach used by organizations to manage their software development and delivery processes. It provides a comprehensive set of guidelines and practices for large-scale software development, and it is widely adopted by organizations around the world. However, not all organizations are the same, and therefore, not all SAFe configurations are suitable for every organization. In this blog, we will explore which SAFe configurations are best suited for different types of organizations and provide relevant examples.

SAFe has four primary configurations:

• Essential SAFe,
• Portfolio SAFe,
• Large Solution SAFe, and
• Full SAFe.

Each configuration is designed to meet the unique needs of different organizations based on their size, complexity, and business objectives. Let's explore each configuration in detail and see which organizations they are suitable for.

Essential SAFe is the simplest configuration of SAFe, and it is suitable for small to medium-sized organizations that want to implement agile practices to improve their software development processes. This configuration includes the basic elements of SAFe, such as Agile Release Trains, Iterations, and Program Increments. It provides a simple and easy-to-understand framework that allows organizations to adopt agile practices gradually.

 

Two Companies / Organizations that implemented Essential SAFe are as follows,

• Cerner Corporation: A healthcare technology company that implemented Essential SAFe to improve their software development processes and delivery efficiency.
• Deloitte Digital: A global consulting firm that implemented Essential SAFe to help their clients adopt agile practices and improve their software delivery.

 

Portfolio SAFe is suitable for medium to large-sized organizations that have multiple teams working on different products or projects. This configuration focuses on aligning the organization's portfolio with its business strategy and objectives. It provides a framework for managing multiple Agile Release Trains (ARTs) that work together to deliver value to the organization's portfolio.

 

Two Companies / Organizations that implemented Portfolio SAFe are as follows,

• Siemens Healthineers: A medical technology company that implemented Portfolio SAFe to manage their portfolio of products and align it with their business strategy.
• Cisco: A technology company that implemented Portfolio SAFe to manage their multiple product teams and align them with their business objectives.

 

Large Solution SAFe is suitable for large organizations that develop complex software solutions that require collaboration between multiple teams, such as hardware and software development. This configuration provides a framework for coordinating multiple Agile Release Trains that work together to deliver a large solution.

 

Two Companies / Organizations that implemented Large Solution SAFe are as follows,

• Philips Healthcare: A healthcare technology company that implemented Large Solution SAFe to manage their complex software and hardware development projects. 
• Intel: A technology company that implemented Large Solution SAFe to coordinate multiple teams and deliver complex solutions.

 

Full SAFe is suitable for very large organizations that require a comprehensive approach to managing their software development processes. This configuration includes all the elements of SAFe and provides a framework for coordinating multiple Agile Release Trains, managing complex solutions, and aligning the organization's portfolio with its business strategy.

 

Two Companies / Organizations that implemented Large Full SAFe are as follows,

• Ericsson: A telecommunications company that implemented Full SAFe to manage their software development processes and coordinate multiple teams across the organization.
• Capital One: A financial services company that implemented Full SAFe to manage their complex software projects and align them with their business strategy.

In conclusion, the choice of SAFe configuration depends on the organization's size, complexity, and business objectives. Essential SAFe is suitable for small to medium-sized organizations, Portfolio SAFe for medium to large-sized organizations, Large Solution SAFe for large organizations that develop complex solutions, and Full SAFe for very large organizations that require a comprehensive approach to managing their software development processes. By choosing the right SAFe configuration, organizations can improve their software development processes, deliver value to their customers, and achieve their business objectives.