SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework)
A framework for scaling Agile and Lean practices across large enterprises with multiple teams, programs, and portfolios. Not part of official Scrum.
What it means
SAFe is a proprietary, prescriptive scaling framework, distinct from Scrum. It layers additional roles, events, and artifacts, such as Release Train Engineers and Program Increment Planning, on top of team-level Scrum or Kanban practices.
The Scrum Guide takes no position on scaling frameworks; SAFe represents one approach among several, favored by organizations wanting detailed, out-of-the-box structure for coordinating dozens or hundreds of people.
Common mistakes
Critics argue SAFe's heavy structure can conflict with Scrum's emphasis on minimal process and self-management; supporters value its clear coordination mechanisms for large, complex organizations.
Example
A 200-person division adopts SAFe to align eight Agile Release Trains around a shared quarterly Program Increment.