SAFe
Framework scaling Lean-Agile for enterprise Business Agility
ISO 22301
International standard for business continuity management systems
Quick Verdict
SAFe scales Agile for enterprise software delivery, aligning teams for faster time-to-market. ISO 22301 builds BCMS resilience against disruptions. Companies adopt SAFe for agility in IT; ISO 22301 for continuity compliance and risk mitigation.
SAFe
Scaled Agile Framework 6.0 (SAFe)
Key Features
- Coordinates 50-125 teams via Agile Release Trains (ARTs)
- Aligns execution in 8-12 week Program Increments (PIs)
- Applies 10 immutable Lean-Agile principles
- Builds Business Agility with seven core competencies
- Scales via Essential to Full configurations
ISO 22301
ISO 22301:2019 Business continuity management systems
Key Features
- PDCA cycle for continual BCMS improvement
- Business Impact Analysis for critical functions
- Risk assessment and recovery strategies
- Leadership commitment and policy mandates
- Operational testing and audit requirements
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 knowledge base of patterns for scaling Lean-Agile practices across enterprises. It integrates Agile, Lean, systems thinking, and DevOps to enable Business Agility in large-scale software development and IT operations, from teams to portfolios.
Key Components
- **10 immutable Lean-Agile PrinciplesEconomic view, systems thinking, organize around value.
- **Seven Core CompetenciesLean-Agile Leadership, Team/Technical Agility, Agile Product Delivery, Continuous Learning Culture.
- StructuresAgile Release Trains (ARTs)** (50-125 people), Program Increments (PIs) (8-12 weeks), roles like Release Train Engineer (RTE).
- **Four ConfigurationsEssential, Large Solution, Portfolio, Full SAFe. No organizational certification; individual certs via academy.
Why Organizations Use It
Drives 20-50% faster time-to-market, 30-75% productivity gains, quality improvements. Aligns strategy-execution, embeds compliance (GDPR, SOC 2), fosters engagement. Builds competitive edge, stakeholder trust in regulated industries like finance, healthcare.
Implementation Overview
Phased **Implementation RoadmapExecutive training (SAFe Agilist), value stream mapping, ART launches, PI Planning. Suits large enterprises globally, software/IT focus. Ongoing via Inspect & Adapt; tools like Jira Align, Vanta.
ISO 22301 Details
What It Is
ISO 22301:2019, titled Security and resilience — Business continuity management systems — Requirements, is an international certification standard establishing a Business Continuity Management System (BCMS). It provides a flexible, high-level framework using a PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) cycle and risk-based approach to protect against, reduce, and recover from disruptions like cyberattacks, pandemics, and natural disasters.
Key Components
The standard features 10 clauses, with Clauses 4-10 forming core requirements: context understanding, leadership commitment, planning (including BIA and risk assessment), support resources, operational controls (recovery strategies), performance evaluation (audits, monitoring), and improvement. Built on Annex SL, it supports integration with standards like ISO 27001; certification lasts 3 years with annual surveillance audits.
Why Organizations Use It
Organizations adopt it for enhanced resilience, minimized downtime and financial losses, regulatory compliance (e.g., EU NIS Directive), and competitive advantages like procurement wins and lower insurance premiums. It builds stakeholder trust and fosters proactive risk management.
Implementation Overview
Implementation involves gap analysis, BIA, training, testing, and two-stage certification (6-8 weeks). Applicable to all sizes, sectors, and geographies, with tools accelerating processes for SMEs.
Key Differences
| Aspect | SAFe | ISO 22301 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Scaling Agile for enterprise software/IT delivery | Business continuity management system resilience |
| Industry | Software, IT ops, regulated sectors globally | All sectors worldwide, critical infrastructure focus |
| Nature | Voluntary agile scaling framework | Voluntary international certification standard |
| Testing | PI Planning, Inspect & Adapt workshops regularly | BIA, exercises, internal/external audits periodically |
| Penalties | No legal penalties, implementation failure risks | No legal penalties, loss of certification/reputation |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about SAFe and ISO 22301
SAFe FAQ
ISO 22301 FAQ
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