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  4. How Does SAFe Differ From LeSS?

How Does SAFe Differ From LeSS?

An overview of two Agile frameworks

Dr. Thomas Baxter user avatar by
Dr. Thomas Baxter
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Mar. 04, 23 · Opinion
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During a practice meeting at my organization, a team member mentioned taking a class on LeSS (Large-Scale Scrum). Many questions were asked as to how LeSS differed from SAFe. I volunteered to present a comparison in a later meeting. The larger Agile community might benefit from this information as well. The below article will attempt to answer the following questions:

  • What are the differences?  
  • Why do companies choose one over the other?
  • How do the roles differ?
  • How do the events differ?
  • How do the certifications?
  • What percentage of organizations use SAFe vs. LeSS?
  • Does the organizational structure differ?
  • What are the pros and cons of implementation?
  • What is the average cost and time of education?
  • What is the average time to fully implement?
  • When was SAFe vs. LeSS published?
  • Geographically, where is SAFe vs. LeSS being adopted?

What Are the Differences Between SAFe and LeSS Frameworks?  

SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework) and LeSS (Large-Scale Scrum) are both frameworks used for scaling Agile practices to large organizations, but they have different approaches and principles.

  • SAFe emphasizes a more prescriptive approach, providing detailed guidance and structure for implementing Agile at scale. For example, SAFe defines three levels of planning and execution: portfolio, program, and team, and offers specific roles, artifacts, and ceremonies for each level. It also includes Lean-Agile principles, such as Lean systems thinking, Agile development, and Lean portfolio management.
  • On the other hand, LeSS emphasizes simplicity and adapting to each organization's unique context. It promotes a single-team mindset, emphasizing that all teams should work towards a shared goal and collaborate closely. LeSS defines two frameworks: basic LeSS, which is for up to eight teams, and LeSS Huge, which can support up to thousands of team members.

Why Do Companies Choose One Over the Other?

The choice between SAFe and LeSS depends on several factors, such as the organization's size, culture, and goals. For example, companies with a more traditional management culture that want a more prescriptive approach may prefer SAFe. In contrast, those with a more Agile mindset and desire more flexibility may prefer LeSS. SAFe is generally better suited for larger organizations, while LeSS may be more appropriate for smaller or mid-sized organizations. Ultimately, the decision between SAFe and LeSS should be based on the organization's specific needs and goals and involve carefully considering and evaluating both frameworks.

How Do the Roles Differ From SAFe to LeSS?

Framework

Level

Role

Description

SAFe

Portfolio

Portfolio Manager

Responsible for setting the strategic direction of the organization

Enterprise Architect

Responsible for defining the technical direction of the organization

Epic Owner

Responsible for defining the business value and prioritization of epics

Program

Release Train Engineer (RTE)

Responsible for coordinating and facilitating the Agile Release Train (ART)

Product Owner (PO):

Responsible for defining the product vision and priorities

Scrum Master (SM)

Responsible for coaching the team and facilitating the Scrum process

Agile Team

The cross-functional team responsible for delivering value

Team

Product Owner (PO)

Responsible for defining and prioritizing user stories

Scrum Master (SM)

Responsible for coaching the team and facilitating the Scrum process

Development Team

The cross-functional team responsible for delivering user stories

LeSS

Key Roles

Product Owner

Responsible for maximizing the value of the product and managing the product backlog

Scrum Master

Responsible for facilitating the Scrum process and removing impediments

Development Team

The cross-functional team responsible for delivering the product

Other Roles

Area Product Owner

Responsible for managing the product backlog for a specific area of the product

Chief Product Owner

Responsible for coordinating the work of multiple Product Owners across the organization

 

How Do the Events Differ From SAFe to LeSS?

In SAFe, there are three levels of planning and execution: Portfolio, Program, and Team. Each level has its own set of events.

Portfolio level

Program level

Team level

Portfolio Kanban: Visualize and manage the flow of epics and features across the organization

 

Program Increment (PI) Planning: Two-day planning event where teams plan the work for the next Program Increment

Sprint Planning: Meeting where the team plans the work for the upcoming Sprint

Portfolio Sync: Regular meetings to align the portfolio backlog with the organization's strategy

 

Daily Stand-up: Daily meeting where teams synchronize their work and identify any obstacles

Daily Stand-up: Daily meeting where team members synchronize their work and identify any obstacles

Portfolio Review: Meeting to review progress and adjust the portfolio backlog

 

Iteration Review: Meeting to review progress and demonstrate the working software

 

Sprint Review: Meeting to review progress and demonstrate the working software

 

 

Iteration Retrospective: Meeting to reflect on the previous iteration and identify areas for improvement

 

Sprint Retrospective: Meeting to reflect on the previous Sprint and identify areas for improvement

 

In LeSS, the key events are:

Event

Description

Sprint Planning

A meeting where the team plans the work for the upcoming Sprint

Daily Scrum

A daily meeting where team members synchronize their work and identify any obstacles

Sprint Review

A meeting to review progress and demonstrate the working product

Sprint Retrospective

A meeting to reflect on the previous Sprint and identify areas for improvement

Overall Retrospective

A meeting to reflect on the overall progress of the organization

Sprint Review (Whole Group)

A meeting where multiple teams come together to review progress and demonstrate their work

Sprint Planning (Whole Group)

A meeting where multiple teams come together to plan their work for the upcoming Sprint

 

SAFe and LeSS have similar events such as Sprint Planning, Daily Stand-up, Sprint Review, and Sprint Retrospective. However, SAFe also includes additional events such as Portfolio Kanban, Portfolio Sync, and PI Planning, while LeSS includes events such as the Overall Retrospective and the Sprint Review (Whole-Group). The choice of events to use will depend on the specific needs of the organization and the scale of the Agile implementation.

How Do the Certifications Differ From SAFe to LeSS?

Both frameworks offer different certifications to help practitioners develop their skills and knowledge. Here are some key differences between the certifications offered by SAFe and LeSS:

Framework

Certification Levels

Focus

Approach

Requirements

Community

SAFe

  • Agilist
  • Practitioner
  • Program Consultant
  • Product Owner/Product Manager
  • Scrum Master
  • Advanced Scrum Master
  • Lean Portfolio Manager
  • Release Train Engineer
  • DevOps Practitioner
  • Architect
  • Agile Product Manager
  • Government Practitioner
  • Agile Software Engineer

Focuses on implementing agile practices in large organizations using a framework that integrates several agile methodologies

Uses a top-down approach to implementing agile practices at scale, with a prescribed framework and set of practices

Certification requires candidates to complete a two-day training course and pass an online exam.

Has a large and active community of practitioners and trainers, with numerous resources available for certification candidates

LeSS

  • LeSS Practitioner (CLP)
  • LeSS for Executives (CLFE)
  • LeSS Basics (CLB)

Focuses exclusively on applying Scrum practices to large-scale projects

 

Takes a more flexible approach, emphasizing the need to adapt Scrum practices to the specific needs of the organization

Certification requires candidates to attend a three-day training course, pass an online exam, and demonstrate practical experience applying LeSS practices.

It has a smaller community of practitioners and trainers, but it proliferates and offers a supportive and engaged network of practitioners.

 

 

Overall, the certifications offered by SAFe and LeSS differ in their focus, approach, and requirements. However, both frameworks offer valuable tools and practices for implementing agile at scale, and certification can help practitioners develop their skills and knowledge in this area.

What Percentage of Organizations Use SAFe vs. LeSS?

There is no definitive answer to what percentage of organizations use SAFe vs. LeSS, as there is no publicly available data on this topic. It can vary depending on factors such as industry, size of the organization, and geographical location.

However, according to some surveys and reports, SAFe is more widely adopted than LeSS. For example, the 14th Annual State of Agile Report by VersionOne found that SAFe was the most popular scaling framework, used by 30% of respondents, while LeSS was used by 6%. Similarly, a survey by Agile Alliance found that SAFe was the most used scaling framework, used by 29% of respondents, while LeSS was used by 6%. It's worth noting that both SAFe and LeSS have their proponents and critics, and the choice of scaling framework depends on various factors, including the organization's goals, culture, and context. Therefore, it's essential to evaluate each framework's strengths and weaknesses and choose the one that best fits the organization's needs.

Is the Organizational Structure Different Between SAFe and LeSS?

Yes, the organizational structure in SAFe and LeSS can differ in some ways. However, both frameworks are designed to help large organizations scale Agile principles and practices.

In SAFe, the framework is designed around three levels of organizational structure:

Team Level

Program Level

Portfolio Level

cross-functional Agile teams work together to deliver value, following the principles of Scrum or Kanban

Agile teams work together to deliver more significant initiatives, called Agile Release Trains (ARTs), aligned with the organization's strategic goals.

Strategic planning and governance are performed to align the organization's initiatives and investments with its long-term objectives.

 

LeSS is:

Design

The Framework

Organization

Designed around the principles of Scrum, with a focus on simplicity and minimizing unnecessary bureaucracy

Encourages organizations to adopt a flat, decentralized organizational structure where all teams work together as part of a single product development effort

Organize around a product, rather than a functional or departmental structure, to foster collaboration and focus on delivering value to customers.

 

 

Overall, while both SAFe and LeSS are designed to help organizations scale Agile practices, they have different approaches to organizational structure, with SAFe being more hierarchical and LeSS emphasizing a flatter, decentralized structure.

How Does the Organizational Structure Between SAFe and LeSS Differ?

While both SAFe and LeSS are designed to help organizations scale Agile practices, they have different approaches to organizational structure, and how they address organizational change can differ.

SAFe:

  • Emphasizes a virtual reporting structure, where Agile teams are organized into Agile Release Trains (ARTs), which are virtual teams that work together to deliver value.
  • The ARTs are aligned with the organization's strategic goals and have clear accountability for the value they deliver.
  • SAFe encourages organizations to keep the existing reporting structure in place but to establish new roles and responsibilities that support Agile practices.

LeSS:

  • Emphasizes a physical, organizational change, where organizations restructure themselves to be organized around products or product lines rather than functional or departmental silos.
  • It recommended that organizations adopt a flat, decentralized structure, with all teams working as part of a single product development effort.
  • LeSS emphasizes that this physical reorganization is essential to break down barriers and silos between teams and foster collaboration and innovation.

While both SAFe and LeSS can require some organizational change, they have different approaches to addressing it. For example, SAFe emphasizes a virtual reporting structure, while LeSS emphasizes a physical, organizational change to break down silos and foster collaboration.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Implementing SAFe vs. LeSS?

Implementing SAFe vs. LeSS has several pros and cons. Here are some of the key advantages and disadvantages of each framework:

Framework

Pros

Cons

SAFe

  • Provides a structured approach to scaling Agile practices to larger organizations
  • Offers a comprehensive framework with multiple layers of management and control, which can help manage complexity and align the organization's initiatives with its strategic goals
  • Provides a standardized vocabulary and set of practices, which can help facilitate communication and collaboration between teams

 

  • Implementing it can be complex and challenging, particularly for organizations that still need to start using Agile practices.
  • It may be perceived as too hierarchical and bureaucratic by some Agile practitioners.
  • Implementing it can be expensive, particularly if the organization needs to train many people.

 

LeSS

  • Emphasizes simplicity and decentralized decision-making, which can foster collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement
  • Encourages a flat, cross-functional organizational structure, which can help break down silos and improve communication and collaboration between teams
  • Offers a flexible framework that can be adapted to the organization's specific needs and context

 

  • It may require significant organizational change, which can be difficult and time-consuming.
  • Some organizations that prefer more standardized practices may perceive it as too loose and unstructured.
  • It may require a higher level of maturity and expertise in Agile practices to implement effectively.

 

 

The choice between SAFe and LeSS depends on the organization's specific needs, context, and goals. SAFe may be a better fit for organizations that need a more structured approach to scale Agile practices. In comparison, LeSS may be a better fit for organizations prioritizing flexibility, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

What Is the Average Cost and Time of Education for SAFe vs. LeSS?

The cost and time of education for SAFe vs. LeSS can vary depending on several factors, such as the level of certification or training, the location, and the training provider. However, here are some general estimates based on the most common training programs:

Framework

Certification

Cost

Days

SAFe

Agilist

$995 to $1,295

2-3 days

Program Consultant (SPC)

$3,995 to $4,995

4-5 days

Product Owner/Product Manager (POPM)

$995 to $1,295

Two days

LeSS

LeSS Practitioner (CLP)

$1,500 to $3,500

Three days

LeSS for Executives (CLFE)

$500 to $1,500

One day

LeSS Basics (CLB)

$500 to $1,500

One day

 

It's important to note that these estimates are only general guidelines, and the actual cost and time of education can vary depending on several factors. Organizations may also incur additional costs for implementing SAFe or LeSS, such as hiring consultants or trainers, purchasing tools or software, and investing in infrastructure and resources to support Agile practices.

What Is the Average Time to Fully Implement SAFe vs. LeSS?

The time to fully implement SAFe or LeSS can vary depending on several factors, such as the size and complexity of the organization, the level of experience with Agile practices, and the level of commitment from leadership and teams. However, here are some general estimates based on the most common implementation programs:

Framework

Timeframe

Description

SAFe Implementation Roadmap

12-24 months

Provides a step-by-step guide for implementing SAFe in an organization. The roadmap includes several milestones, such as setting up Agile teams, establishing a portfolio management process, and aligning the organization's strategy with its Agile initiatives.

LeSS Implementation Guide

6-12 months

Guides on how to implement LeSS in an organization. The guide includes several steps, such as forming cross-functional teams, creating a shared product backlog, and establishing a continuous improvement process.

 

It's important to note that these estimates are only general guidelines, and the actual time to fully implement SAFe or LeSS can vary depending on several factors. Additionally, organizations may implement these frameworks in phases, starting with a pilot project or a specific business unit and gradually expanding to other parts of the organization. Nevertheless, this approach can help manage the complexity and risk of implementing Agile practices at scale.

When Was SAFe vs. LeSS Published?

Framework

Title

Year

Author(s)

SAFe

Agile Software Requirements: Lean Requirements Practices for Teams, Programs, and the Enterprise

2011

Dean Leffingwell

LeSS

Scaling Lean & Agile Development: Thinking and Organizational Tools for Large-Scale Scrum

2010

Craig Larman and Bas Vodde

 

Since their initial publication, SAFe and LeSS has evolved and expanded to incorporate new ideas, best practices, and feedback from the Agile community. Today, both frameworks have a significant following and are widely used by organizations worldwide.

Geographically, Where is SAFe vs. LeSS Being Adopted?

Framework

Strong Presence in

Other regions deployed

SAFe

United States

Europe, Asia, and Australia

LeSS

Europe

United States, Asia, and Australia


Both frameworks have been translated into multiple languages, and active communities of users and practitioners worldwide exist. However, adopting either framework may depend on factors such as the local business culture, regulatory environment, and availability of trained professionals.

References

  • 15 Bureaucratic Leadership Style Advantages and Disadvantages
  • Agile Software Requirements: Lean Requirements Practices for Teams
  • Petrini, Stefano, and Jorge Muniz. "Scrum Management Approach Applied In Aerospace Sector." IIE Annual Conference. Proceedings, Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE), Jan. 2014, p. 434.
  • Scaling Lean & Agile Development: Thinking and Organizational Tools for 
  • Scrum Fundamentals Certified exam Answers - Everything Trending.
agile Framework Large-Scale Scrum (LeSS) scrum

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