Scrum Vs. SAFe® (Scaled Agile Framework) – Difference Between the Two Frameworks

Scrum and Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe®) are two different frameworks that work under Agile and Lean principles and values. Both are very popular among organizations, and the day-to-day awareness about them is increasing. On the surface, both Scrum and SAFe® look similar. However, there are slight differences between them, and it is essential to understand them clearly; otherwise, it may lead to confusion. All Stakeholders need to have an explicit understanding of these differences. But before we look at the differences, let us first see how Scrum and SAFe® frameworks are defined individually.

Scrum framework: The Scrum Guide says that Scrum is a framework within which people can solve complex changeable problems while creating and delivering products of the highest value. Scrum is not a very complex framework. It is a simple product development process in which the tasks in a project are divided into achievable small parts and are given to different cross-functional teams to be finished within a given time frame. Stakeholders frequently review the output of these small iterations, receive feedback, make changes and incorporate features according to the customers' requests. They are expected to deliver the product as early as possible. The Scrum framework has three essential roles: the Product Owner, the Scrum Master, and the Developers. They are the keys to designing,  organizing, and managing a process.

One key advantage of Scrum is its adaptability. Since teams work in short sprints, they can pivot quickly based on customer feedback. This makes Scrum a highly flexible framework suited for dynamic and fast-paced environments. Additionally, Scrum fosters a strong culture of collaboration and ownership among team members, as each sprint focuses on delivering tangible results.

SAFe® framework: The SAFe® framework describes a method of scaling Agile in large enterprises or big teams working on the same project. In other words, SAFe® is a framework that implements Scrum at the enterprise level. It is a knowledge base and takes advantage of three central knowledge bodies: Agile principles, Lean principles, and System thinking. The SAFe® framework mainly focuses on program management, team management, and portfolio management. SAFe® is a framework that influences the whole company and not just one team in the company. SAFe® incorporates existing Lean and Agile frameworks into a larger framework for more significant projects.

Unlike Scrum, which works best for small teams, SAFe® is designed to align multiple teams within an enterprise to ensure that Agile principles are implemented organization-wide. This results in better synchronization across different departments, helping in large-scale project execution. SAFe® also includes structured governance models, which help manage risk and compliance better than standalone Scrum teams.

So, what then is the difference between Scrum and SAFe® frameworks? As we said earlier, there are no significant differences, but whatever differences exist, it is essential to make a clear distinction between these two frameworks. Let us compare Scrum and SAFe® frameworks and understand the differences.

Scrum vs. SAFe®

The main difference between Scrum and SAFe® frameworks is their approach. While Scrum is used to organize small teams, the SAFe® framework is used for organizing a whole organization.

A Scrum framework puts more focus on iterative development. It helps the teams to self-organize themselves. It is also helpful in delivering high-quality software quickly.

On the other hand, the approach in SAFe® is more professional. It aids in setting up objectives and helps in meeting the customers' demands. While the Scrum framework is flexible and assists in implementing diverse software projects, the SAFe® framework is a little rigid in its approach and is implemented at the enterprise level. 

Scaled Agile Framework vs. Scrum does not end here. Another significant difference between the two is that SAFe® is a detailed framework while Scrum ignores many essential aspects. 

Since Scrum is used for small teams only, its scope gets limited to the functioning of that particular team, but SAFe® encompasses all the elements and features of an entire organization and can be used for all the work of the organization. It enfolds principles like transparency, alignment, in-built quality, and program execution. 

The Scrum framework easily adapts to situations, so it can be suitably used for pending cases. Scrum's concept is simple but proves difficult to implement. But SAFe® is easy to implement, and at the same time, it preserves the attributes of the enterprise and its process structure. However, the Scaled Agile Framework is not as adaptable as the Scrum framework. 

At a glance, let's present the comparison between the two frameworks in a tabular form below for a better understanding of Scrum vs. SAFe®.

So, this is all about Scrum vs. SAFe®. We hope we have made a clear distinction between the two frameworks. The main difference between the two is in how they are implemented. Although both the frameworks use Agile and Lean principles, they are implemented at different levels. SAFe® puts its focus on release planning which Scrum does not. The middle management has virtually no role in the Scrum framework, while the SAFe® framework has program and portfolio management as its two essential levels.

Which Framework is Right for Your Organization?

Choosing between Scrum and SAFe® depends on the size and needs of your organization.

Use Scrum if:

• Your team is small (5-11 people)
• You need quick feedback loops and frequent iterations
• Your organization values flexibility and adaptability
• You are working on a single-team project

Use SAFe® if:

• You are scaling Agile across multiple teams
• Your organization requires alignment between different departments
• Governance and compliance play a critical role in project execution
• You are working in a large enterprise with structured processes

One primary consideration is cost. Implementing SAFe® requires investment in training, tooling, and additional roles, which may not be viable for smaller organizations. On the other hand, Scrum requires minimal overhead, making it a cost-effective choice for startups and smaller teams.

Conclusion

Both Scrum and SAFe® offer valuable benefits depending on the organizational needs. While Scrum is lightweight, flexible, and designed for small teams, SAFe® provides structure, alignment, and scalability for large enterprises. Organizations that need fast adaptability and iterative development may benefit more from Scrum, whereas enterprises requiring a structured approach to Agile at scale may find SAFe® more beneficial. 

1. https://www.scrum.org/forum/scrum-forum/17375/scrum-vs-safe
2. https://scrumguides.org/
3. https://www.scaledagileframework.com/