Agile vs. SAFe - What's the difference and which Agile framework should you use
Agile software development is no longer a new buzzword in the industry. The methodology has been proven successful and widely adopted in software development projects. However, with the increase in team size and complex project requirements, Agile teams may find it challenging to manage a rapidly changing scope with traditional Agile frameworks. This is where Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) comes into play.
Approach
Agile and SAFe share the same Agile Manifesto and principles. Both aim to deliver working software at a faster pace with customer satisfaction as the top priority. However, SAFe takes the approach to the next level by applying Agile principles at the enterprise level. SAFe addresses the need for a scalable Agile approach that can handle large team sizes and multiple projects.
Scalability
When it comes to scalability, Agile frameworks focus on a small team usually ranging from 5-9 members. On the other hand, SAFe can handle team sizes of up to 100 people'. SAFe scales Agile by implementing a hierarchy of teams consisting of teams working together on a common business objective.
Team Size
Agile is excellent for small teams, but it becomes challenging to manage when team sizes increase. SAFe, on the other hand, is specifically designed for large teams working on a single project or multiple projects. SAFe works with Agile teams that work towards a common business objective.
Complexity
Agile is ideal for projects with a single team or team of small size. However, if there are multiple teams working together on a complicated project, Agile may fall short. SAFe is designed explicitly for complex projects with multiple teams, and it aligns them towards a common business objective.
Which Agile Framework should you use
It comes down to your project requirements, team size, and the complexity of the project. If you have a small team and the project scope is not highly complex, then Agile could be the right fit for you. On the other hand, if you have multiple teams working together towards a common business objective in a complex project, then SAFe can help you achieve better results.
In conclusion, Agile and SAFe both have their pros and cons. Choosing the right methodology is crucial to the success of your project. It's important to evaluate your project needs, team size, and complexity to make an informed decision.
References
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Agile Manifesto available at https://agilemanifesto.org/
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Scaled Agile Framework available at https://www.scaledagileframework.com/
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Comparison of Agile and SAFe by Agilest available at https://agilest.org/comparison-of-the-agile-manifesto-vs-safe/