Standards Comparison

    SAFe

    Voluntary
    2023

    Framework scaling Lean-Agile practices for enterprise Business Agility

    VS

    EN 1090

    Mandatory
    2009

    EU standard for steel and aluminium structural execution

    Quick Verdict

    SAFe scales Agile for enterprise software agility, while EN 1090 mandates structural steel/aluminium execution for EU market access via CE marking. Companies adopt SAFe voluntarily for faster delivery; EN 1090 compulsorily to avoid legal exclusion.

    Agile Scaling

    SAFe

    Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe 6.0)

    Cost
    €€€€
    Complexity
    High
    Implementation Time
    12-18 months

    Key Features

    • Agile Release Trains synchronize 50-125 teams for value delivery
    • Program Increments enable predictable 8-12 week cadences
    • 10 immutable Lean-Agile principles guide economic decisions
    • Seven core competencies drive Business Agility holistically
    • Configurable levels scale from Essential to Full SAFe
    Structural Metalwork

    EN 1090

    EN 1090 Execution of steel and aluminium structures

    Cost
    €€€€
    Complexity
    High
    Implementation Time
    6-12 months

    Key Features

    • Risk-based Execution Classes EXC1-4
    • Factory Production Control FPC certification
    • ISO 3834 welding quality management
    • CE marking and DoP requirements
    • Material traceability and NDT inspection

    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 achieve Business Agility, focusing on aligning strategy, execution, and operations in complex software and IT environments through structured patterns.

    Key Components

    • **Agile Release Trains (ARTs)50-125 cross-functional members delivering value.
    • **10 Lean-Agile principlesImmutable foundation like economic view and systems thinking.
    • **Seven core competenciesIncluding Lean-Agile Leadership, Team Agility, and Continuous Learning Culture.
    • **ConfigurationsEssential, Large Solution, Portfolio, Full for scalability.
    • No formal certification for framework, but SAFe Agilist/RTE trainings via Scaled Agile Academy.

    Why Organizations Use It

    Drives faster time-to-market (20-50%), productivity gains (30-75%), and quality improvements. Addresses scaling pains in enterprises, embeds compliance (GDPR, SOC 2), builds stakeholder trust via predictable PIs, and provides competitive edge in digital transformation.

    Implementation Overview

    Phased roadmap: Train leaders, map value streams, launch ARTs with PI Planning. Suited for large software/IT firms; requires RTEs, tools like Jira Align. Ongoing via Inspect & Adapt; 12-18 months typical for maturity.

    EN 1090 Details

    What It Is

    EN 1090 is the European harmonized standard family for execution and conformity assessment of structural steel (EN 1090-2) and aluminium (EN 1090-3) components, with EN 1090-1 enabling CE marking under the CPR. It ensures controlled fabrication, assembly, and performance declaration for load-bearing kits in construction. Adopts risk-based Execution Classes (EXC1-4) linking consequence, service, and production categories.

    Key Components

    • **Factory Production Control (FPC)Certified system for traceability, inspection, welding.
    • **Technical rulesMaterials, tolerances, corrosion protection, NDT, ISO 3834 welding.
    • **AVCP processesITT/ITC, DoP, Notified Body surveillance.
    • Scales via EXC1-4 for proportional assurance.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Mandatory for EU market access via CE marking.
    • Mitigates liability, failures through disciplined processes.
    • Builds competitive edge, tender qualification, trust.
    • Drives quality consistency, rework reduction.

    Implementation Overview

    Phased: gap analysis, FPC build, training (welding coordinators), NB certification/surveillance. Targets fabricators EU/EEA-wide, any size, heavy on technical capability.

    Key Differences

    Scope

    SAFe
    Scaling Agile for enterprise software/IT
    EN 1090
    Execution of steel/aluminium structures

    Industry

    SAFe
    Software, IT operations globally
    EN 1090
    Construction, manufacturing in EU/EEA

    Nature

    SAFe
    Voluntary scaling framework
    EN 1090
    Mandatory harmonized standard for CE

    Testing

    SAFe
    PI planning, retrospectives internal
    EN 1090
    FPC certification, NB audits/surveillance

    Penalties

    SAFe
    No legal penalties, adoption optional
    EN 1090
    Market exclusion, fines, legal liability

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about SAFe and EN 1090

    SAFe FAQ

    EN 1090 FAQ

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