SAFe
Framework for scaling Lean-Agile in enterprises
CMMI
Global framework for process maturity and improvement
Quick Verdict
SAFe scales Agile for enterprise software delivery with ARTs and PIs, while CMMI builds process maturity through practice areas and appraisals. Companies adopt SAFe for agility at scale; CMMI for predictable quality and certification.
SAFe
Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe 6.0)
Key Features
- Synchronizes 50-125 people in Agile Release Trains (ARTs)
- Delivers value through 8-12 week Program Increments
- Applies 10 immutable Lean-Agile principles economically
- Builds seven core competencies for Business Agility
- Scales via Essential to Full configurations
CMMI
Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI)
Key Features
- Maturity Levels 0-5 for organizational progression
- 25 Practice Areas across 4 categories
- Staged and continuous representations
- SCAMPI appraisals for benchmarking
- Generic practices for institutionalization
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
SAFe Details
What It Is
Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe 6.0) is a comprehensive framework for scaling Lean-Agile practices across large enterprises. It integrates Agile, Lean, and systems thinking to align strategy, execution, and operations, focusing on Business Agility through configurable levels from Essential to Full SAFe.
Key Components
- **Agile Release Trains (ARTs)50-125 people delivering value.
- **10 Lean-Agile principlesEconomic view, systems thinking, value flow.
- **Seven core competenciesLeadership, Team Agility, Portfolio Management, etc.
- **Program Increments (PIs)8-12 week cadences with PI Planning. No formal certification required, but SAFe Agilist/RTE trainings recommended.
Why Organizations Use It
Drives faster time-to-market (20-50%), productivity gains (30-75%), quality improvements. Enables compliance in regulated industries via embedded governance. Builds trust through alignment, reduces risks with ROAM analysis, enhances competitiveness in software/IT ops.
Implementation Overview
Phased roadmap: Value stream mapping, leadership training, ART launches. Applies to large enterprises in IT/software; tools like Jira Align/Vanta aid. Involves SPC coaching, PI events; 12-18 months typical for maturity.
CMMI Details
What It Is
Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) is a performance improvement framework developed by the Software Engineering Institute and now governed by ISACA. It provides a structured approach to process maturity across development, services, and acquisition, using maturity and capability levels to benchmark and enhance organizational performance.
Key Components
- 4 Category Areas (Doing, Managing, Enabling, Improving) with 12 Capability Areas and 25 Practice Areas in v2.0.
- Maturity Levels 0-5 and Capability Levels 0-3.
- Generic practices for institutionalization and specific practices per area.
- SCAMPI appraisals (Classes A/B/C) for certification.
Why Organizations Use It
- Improves predictability, reduces rework, boosts quality and ROI.
- Required for defense/government contracts; enhances competitive bidding.
- Manages risks in software/IT operations; builds stakeholder trust.
Implementation Overview
- Phased approach: assessment, piloting, rollout, appraisal.
- Applies to mid-large organizations in IT, defense, services.
- Involves training, tooling, change management; SCAMPI A for official ratings. (178 words)
Key Differences
| Aspect | SAFe | CMMI |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Scaling Agile for enterprise software/IT | Process maturity across development/services |
| Industry | Software, IT ops, regulated sectors | Software, defense, services, global industries |
| Nature | Voluntary scaling framework | Process improvement model/certification |
| Testing | PI Planning, Inspect & Adapt workshops | SCAMPI appraisals (A/B/C classes) |
| Penalties | No formal penalties (adoption risks) | No legal penalties (certification loss) |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about SAFe and CMMI
SAFe FAQ
CMMI FAQ
You Might also be Interested in These Articles...
The CIS Controls v8.1 Evidence Pack: What Auditors Ask For (and How to Produce Proof Fast)
Fail CIS Controls v8.1 audits due to missing evidence? Get the blueprint: exact artifacts auditors want, repository structure, and automation from security tool
Beyond Reactive: Transforming Compliance into Real-Time Threat Prevention
Discover how modern compliance monitoring tools leverage continuous, real-time oversight and automated alerts to shift organizations from reactive problem-solving to proactive threat detection and prevention, safeguarding against emerging risks before they escalate.
The Regulatory Radar: How Data-Driven Compliance Tools Provide Strategic Foresight
Unlock strategic foresight with data-driven compliance tools. Act as your regulatory radar: real-time monitoring, automated insights, and 3x cost cuts. Anticipa
Run Maturity Assessments with GRADUM
Transform your compliance journey with our AI-powered assessment platform
Assess your organization's maturity across multiple standards and regulations including ISO 27001, DORA, NIS2, NIST, GDPR, and hundreds more. Get actionable insights and track your progress with collaborative, AI-powered evaluations.
Check out these other Gradum.io Standards Comparison Pages
EN 1090 vs ISO 27701
Compare EN 1090 vs ISO 27701: Decode steel/aluminium CE marking (EXC1-4, FPC) vs privacy PIMS for GDPR. Key diffs, compliance tips. Achieve EU market access & data security now!
Six Sigma vs AS9120B
Six Sigma vs AS9120B: DMAIC drives data-powered breakthroughs; AS9120B ensures aerospace QMS compliance. Compare methodologies, benefits & strategies for peak efficiency. Dive in!
SOC 2 vs REACH
Compare SOC 2 vs REACH: SOC 2 secures SaaS data via Trust Criteria; REACH mandates EU chemical safety. Unlock enterprise trust & compliance strategies now!