SAFe
Framework scaling Lean-Agile for enterprise agility
ISO 30301
International standard for records management systems
Quick Verdict
SAFe scales Agile for enterprise software delivery with PI cadences and ARTs, while ISO 30301 establishes certifiable records management systems for governance and compliance. Enterprises adopt SAFe for agility at scale; ISO 30301 for defensible evidence and auditability.
SAFe
Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) 6.0
Key Features
- Synchronizes 50-125 teams via Agile Release Trains
- Delivers value through 8-12 week Program Increments
- Guided by 10 immutable Lean-Agile principles
- Drives Business Agility with seven core competencies
- Scales via Essential to Full configurations
ISO 30301
ISO 30301:2019 Management systems for records requirements
Key Features
- HLS alignment for integrated management systems
- Normative Annex A operational records controls
- Explicit records requirements identification (Clause 4.1.2)
- Risk-based planning with measurable objectives
- Flexible conformity pathways including certification
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 in Program Increments (PIs).
- 10 immutable Lean-Agile principles and seven core competencies like Lean-Agile Leadership and Continuous Learning Culture.
- Key roles: Release Train Engineer (RTE), Product Management.
- Events: PI Planning, Inspect & Adapt; no formal certification but SAFe Agilist training recommended.
Why Organizations Use It
Drives faster time-to-market (20-50%), productivity gains (30-75%), and quality improvements. Enables compliance in regulated industries via embedded governance. Builds stakeholder trust through alignment and flow metrics; competitive edge in software/IT via dual operating system.
Implementation Overview
Phased roadmap: value stream mapping, leadership training, ART launches. Applies to large enterprises in IT/software; tools like Jira Align. Ongoing via metrics and retrospectives; SPC coaching advised.
ISO 30301 Details
What It Is
ISO 30301:2019 is an international certification standard titled Information and documentation — Management systems for records — Requirements. It specifies auditable requirements for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and improving a Management System for Records (MSR). Applicable to any organization, it uses a risk-based, PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) approach aligned with the High-Level Structure (HLS) for integration with other ISO standards.
Key Components
- HLS clauses 4–10 covering context, leadership, planning, support, operation, performance evaluation, and improvement.
- Clause 8 and Annex A (normative) for records lifecycle controls (creation, capture, access, retention, disposition).
- Core principles: authenticity, reliability, integrity, usability.
- Flexible conformity: self-declaration, external confirmation, or third-party certification.
Why Organizations Use It
- Ensures reliable evidence for governance, compliance, audits, and business continuity.
- Mitigates risks like data loss, legal penalties, and operational disruption.
- Drives efficiency, stakeholder trust, and integration with ISO 9001/27001.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, policy design, operational controls, audits.
- Suited for all sizes/industries; 12-18 months typical; certification optional via accredited bodies.
Key Differences
| Aspect | SAFe | ISO 30301 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Scaling Agile for enterprise software/IT delivery | Records management system governance and lifecycle |
| Industry | Software, IT operations, regulated sectors like finance | All industries, any organization worldwide |
| Nature | Voluntary scaling framework with certifications | Certifiable management system requirements standard |
| Testing | PI planning, Inspect & Adapt workshops, metrics | Internal audits, management reviews, certification audits |
| Penalties | No legal penalties, loss of agility/ROI | No legal penalties, loss of certification/compliance |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about SAFe and ISO 30301
SAFe FAQ
ISO 30301 FAQ
You Might also be Interested in These Articles...
Top 5 Reasons TISAX Tabletop Exercises Prevent €10M+ Supply Chain Breaches for ADAS Tier 1 Suppliers in 2025
Unlock top 5 reasons TISAX tabletop exercises deliver 4:1 ROI preventing €10M+ supply chain breaches for ADAS Tier 1 suppliers. ENX case studies & VDA ISA contr
TISAX Tabletop Exercises for ADAS Suppliers: Simulating Prototype IP Leaks and Ransomware in Hybrid Supply Chains (2025 Edition with Hero Scenario Visual)
Master TISAX 'Very High' tabletop exercises for ADAS suppliers with 2024 breach simulations like CAD leaks and ransomware. Get scripts, AAR templates, hybrid ti
SOC 2 Trust Services Criteria in Plain English: Side-by-Side Decoder for Security, Availability, and Beyond
Decode AICPA Trust Services Criteria from auditor jargon to plain English with side-by-side tables, analogies & TL;DRs. CISOs & founders: implement SOC 2 contro
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
ISO 17025 vs Basel III
ISO 17025 vs Basel III: Compare lab competence standards with banking capital/liquidity rules. Key differences, implementation pitfalls, and strategies for compliance success.
ISO/IEC 42001:2023 vs APRA CPS 234
Unlock ISO/IEC 42001:2023 vs APRA CPS 234: AI governance meets financial cyber resilience. Key differences, synergies & compliance roadmap. Compare now!
GDPR vs WELL
Compare GDPR vs WELL: EU data privacy powerhouse meets health-focused building standard. Uncover key differences in compliance, enforcement & global impact—boost your strategy now!