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How Does SAFe For Teams Differ From Scrum

Updated: Jul 24, 2023

How Does SAFe For Teams Differ From Scrum

SAFe for Teams and Scrum are two popular frameworks used in Agile project management. Let's Dive into the world of Agile and know how does SAFe for Teams differ from Scrum While they share some similarities, there are key differences between them. SAFe for Teams focuses on scaling Agile practices in larger organizations, emphasizing alignment, transparency, built-in quality, and program execution. Scrum, on the other hand, is designed for small teams and emphasizes iterative development and customer satisfaction. Understanding these differences is crucial in selecting the right framework for your organization's needs.


What is Agile Methodology?

Agile Software Development is a group of methodologies and approaches that provide solutions for better collaboration through iterative development. It promotes discipline, simplicity and customer satisfaction as the main goal. There are different frameworks that follow the Agile Principles and implement them in the organization. They are-

  • Scrum

  • SAFe

  • Extreme Programming

  • Dynamic Systems Development Method

  • Feature-driven Development

  • Kanban

  • Rapid Application Development

  • Agile Unified Process

What is Scrum?

Scrum is one of the most popular frameworks used for project management introduced initially for software development sector. Its success has made it popular for use in other sectors like research, sale, etc. as well. This framework is designed for small teams who work towards a set goal. The aim is to complete the work in a time bounded iteration called sprints. To work efficiently a Scrum team needs to be designated three specific roles-

Who is a Scrum Master?

Scrum Master is a professional trained under Scrum Master Certification course in details about Agile. It is the responsibility of a Scrum Master to help in effective implementation of the Agile practices in the project. The other responsibilities of Scrum Master are-

  • Teaching and guiding the team members about Agile

  • Assisting the Product Owner to improve processes

  • Resolving issues and blockages

  • Communicate with other authorities

What is SAFe?

In simple words, SAFe or Scaled Agile Framework is an Agile scaling framework. It helps to deal with issues that block the progress while scaling Agile in an organization. SAFe has four core values-

  • Alignment

  • Built-in quality

  • Transparency

  • Program Execution

What is SAFe for Teams?

SAFe for Teams is a certification course that gives guidance and tools that helps a team to work remotely. SAFe for Teams certification helps the team member to enhance their knowledge which ultimately helps to add value to the organization. There are no pre-requisites to get this certified course but basic knowledge about concepts like Agile, Scrum, Kanban, etc is recommended.



SAFe for Teams VS Scrum

SAFe for Teams and Scrum are both successful in the field and are often compared. Let’s take a look at the points of comparison-

No.

Points of Comparison

SAFe For Teams

Scrum

1

​Definition

It is a framework that helps to implement Agile in large organizations.

It is a framework that simplifies the complex process using Agile in a small team.

2

Approach

Organizes a small team

Organizes the whole enterprise

3

Focus

Iterative Development

Customer satisfaction

4

Scope

It is limited to a functioning of small team

Its scope stretches to the entire organization

5

Adaptability

It is difficult to implement

It is easy to implement

6

Basic Construct

Agile Release Trains(ARTs)

Scrum

7

Dependency

Each team depends on each other

Each team works independently

8

Duration

1-4 weeks

About 2 weeks


Conclusion on How does SAFe for Teams differ from Scrum

The above mentioned points can hence conclude that both the approaches Scrum and SAFe for Teams are effective but at different levels. Acekube is a platform that provides certification courses related to Scrum and SAFe. SAFe for Teams Certification and Scrum Master Certification are few courses available on the platform.


FAQs


1. What are the SAFe for Teams principles?

SAFe for Teams principles are inspired by three concepts namely – Lean, Agile and Systems Thinking. The principles are as follows-

  • Take an economic view

  • Apply Systems Thinking

  • Preserve options; assume Variability

  • Build incrementally with fast, integrated learning cycles

  • Base milestones on objective evaluation of working systems

  • Visualize and limit Work-in-Progress(WIP), reduce batch sizes, and manage queue lengths

  • Apply Cadence, synchronize with cross-domain planning

  • Unlock the intrinsic motivation of knowledge workers

  • Decentralize decision making

2. What are the key components of SAFe for Teams?

There are 10 key competencies of SAFe for Teams-

  • Lean-Agile Principles

  • Real Agile Teams and Trains

  • Cadence and Synchronization

  • PI Planning

  • Customer Centricity, DevOps, and Release on Demand

  • System Demo

  • Inspect and Adapt

  • IP Iteration

  • Architectural Runway

  • Lean-Agile Leadership

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