SAFe vs LeSS

Using Agile to bring change into an organization creates a marvelous metamorphosis. Agile helps to achieve continuous improvement while working on the timely implementation of goals. However, transforming a large enterprise by implementing Agile is demanding, especially when multiple departments are involved. Different Agile frameworks are available. Some might be better for organizations than others. The challenge is to find the right one.

Here we are talking about two of the most popular Agile scaling frameworks, SAFe and LeSS

What is SAFe? Scaled Agile Framework®? 

Unquestionably, the most used framework, SAFe, is used to implement scaled Agile across large organizations. The framework is based on the principles of two leading management approaches. The first one is Lean Thinking, where waste is avoided, silo thinking is not favored, and decision-making focuses on the “big picture.” The second is the Agile methodology, which values trust, flexibility, empowerment, and collaboration.

SAFe is a framework that works well for sizable companies with hundreds of teams working on projects. The concept of Agile Release Trains (ART) provides a reliable system for designing and delivering software products. ARTs align different groups on a cadence of eight to twelve weeks for Program Increments (PI). Before the next PI begins, the teams involved take the time to determine what they will achieve and resolve cross-functional needs and issues.

Advantages of SAFe: 

• SAFe addresses business aspects that other frameworks don’t: for example, Portfolio Management takes a holistic view that benefits the entire organization. 
• Business strategies are mapped into initiatives, features, and stories of work. From top to bottom, a clear pathway is defined. 
• Since its foundation is in the principles of Lean Thinking, teams can efficiently deliver the most significant value.
• It provides a framework for parallel working across different teams, sometimes in varied global locations. 

Disadvantages of SAFe

The blueprint for implementation and its alignment to Agile and Lean Thinking principles could be challenging if an existing company’s culture is vastly different. 

What is LeSS: Large Scale Scrum? 

As the name suggests, in LeSS, the fundamental principles of Scrum (transparency, evaluation, self-organization, collaboration, and others) are scaled up for large-scale implementations in multiple teams. The teams focus on the entire organization and don’t work in isolation. A company can use two frameworks: LeSS, which works for a maximum of eight teams, and LeSS Huge, which is for nine or more teams.

Advantages of LeSS: 

• Since it is based on Scrum, most organizations are already familiar with how it works and are quite comfortable during the scaling up. 
• LeSS emphasizes thinking of the system as a whole and looks at the linkages and interactions between a large enterprise’s various components.
• It is focused on developing a product and not on the success of a project. It can lead to better customer satisfaction
• In LeSS, there is only one Product Owner and one Product Backlog

Disadvantages of LeSS: 

• Since LeSS is built around the Scrum model, it works best only for companies that have successfully worked with Scrum before. It does not work well with other approaches.
• A single product owner concept is challenging, and it cannot be easy to manage different teams.

Similarities Between SAFe vs. LeSS: 

• Both SAFe and LeSS are based on Agile principles and organize multiple teams within large enterprises
• Both frameworks support value delivery, and collaboration within teams and accept change as a regular part of software development.
• Lean thinking principles that involve innovation and problem-solving are part of both frameworks. 
• SAFe and LeSS have excellent technical practices like continuous integration, test-driven development, test automation, etc. 
• Systems Thinking models are used to take an integrated approach to solution development, incorporating all elements of a system and its environment into the design, development, deployment, and maintenance process.
• Both frameworks include workflow synchronization. Sprints in LeSS or Iterations in SAFe are designed to begin and end at the same time. 
• Both SAFe and LeSS have extensive community support.

Some other factors to consider:

One of the ways LeSS differs is that it strives to simplify organizational structure by remaining flexible. Fewer people are needed to deliver a product since it does not add roles and overhead aggressively. SAFe, on the other hand, requires additional functions. There is a Release Train Engineer (RTE), who is like a full-time Scrum Master, a Solution Train Engineer (STE) oversees the smooth running of the ART, and Epic Owners are responsible for Portfolio Level Epics. It also includes changes in processes, artifacts, and at organizational levels. Some organizations may not be ready to take on such a high level of evolution. And the LeSS approach to scaling, with a heavy focus on waste reduction across the organization and a goal of continuous improvement, maybe an easier route to take.

LeSS is, therefore, ideal for a midsized company. There is one Product Owner who understands the framework and principles. He or she is responsible for bridging the gap between business goals and the technical teams’ work. External coaches, rather than full-time employees, can be hired to coordinate the various groups. SAFE is perfect for large corporate structures since it fully defines the organization's structure. 

LeSS is more developed than Scrum. The organization’s structure is clearer at higher levels, and it is better at pursuing an overarching vision. It works well if the leadership is flexible and willing to restructure and experiment when needed. However, if more explicit definitions are required, it is better to go with SAFe. All levels are clarified so that Agile practices can be implemented from the programmer level to top management.

LeSS keeps all of the original Scrum features. There are meetings, roles, and Sprints. Any additions are made only to get the scaled-up process to work. A Scrum of Scrums meeting is conducted every day after the daily standups to discuss overlap and integration. Additional Product Backlog Refinements and Retrospective meetings are held in multi-team and single-team formats to manage the shared backlog (by sharing closely related items or splitting further) and making plans. SAFe continues the Agile feature of iterations; it drastically changes them for the three higher levels of Program, Value Stream, and Portfolio. For teams used to working with Scrum, LeSS will be a more comfortable framework for scaling up.

If costs are an issue, the organization should look at LeSS since they are a natural progression to Scrum. Very little training and restructuring are required, and the scaled-up organization can be up and running very quickly. However, with SAFe, there is a lot to be done in restructuring, redefining roles, adding more layers, rethinking, and training. It is true even of companies that have been practicing Agile methods. The process of transition to get the scaling done will require commitment from the top levels, a higher budget, and a longer transition time. 

Conclusion:

Both LeSS and SAFe have Agile practices at the core of their frameworks. They are meant to scale up enterprises that want to move into a higher functioning gear. They have excellent features and proven track records. Choosing the right one to fit a requirement is a matter of weighing all the options.
In conclusion, both SAFe and LeSS offer effective frameworks for implementing Agile at scale within organizations. SAFe, with its structured approach and comprehensive framework, suits large enterprises with complex structures and extensive teams. On the other hand, LeSS simplifies organizational structures and focuses on waste reduction and continuous improvement, making it ideal for mid-sized companies seeking agility without extensive restructuring. Ultimately, the choice between SAFe and LeSS depends on factors such as organizational size, readiness for change, budget considerations, and leadership flexibility. With careful consideration of these factors, organizations can select the framework that best aligns with their goals and facilitates successful Agile transformations. Simpliaxis offers comprehensive training in both SAFe and LeSS methodologies, empowering organizations and professionals to navigate the complexities of Agile scaling with confidence and competence.