SAFe
Enterprise framework for scaling Lean-Agile practices
ISO 37301
International standard for certifiable compliance management systems
Quick Verdict
SAFe scales Agile for enterprise software delivery and IT operations, while ISO 37301 establishes certifiable compliance management systems. Companies adopt SAFe for business agility and faster time-to-market; ISO 37301 for risk-based governance, stakeholder trust, and regulatory assurance.
SAFe
Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe 6.0)
Key Features
- Synchronizes 50-125 teams via Agile Release Trains (ARTs)
- Aligns strategy through 8-12 week Program Increments (PIs)
- Foundational 10 immutable Lean-Agile principles
- Drives Business Agility with 7 core competencies
- Scales via Essential to Full configurations
ISO 37301
ISO 37301:2021 Compliance management systems
Key Features
- Certifiable CMS requirements replacing guidance-only ISO 19600
- HLS alignment enables integration with ISO 9001/14001/27001
- Risk-based planning for obligations and opportunities
- Leadership commitment and compliance culture emphasis
- Confidential whistleblowing channels with anti-retaliation protections
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 enterprise-level framework for scaling Lean-Agile practices. It integrates Agile, Lean, systems thinking, and DevOps to achieve Business Agility across large organizations, focusing on aligning strategy, execution, and operations through structured patterns.
Key Components
- **Agile Release Trains (ARTs)50-125 person virtual organizations delivering value in Program Increments (PIs).
- **10 immutable Lean-Agile principlesEconomic view, systems thinking, value flow.
- **7 core competenciesLean-Agile Leadership, Team Agility, Agile Product Delivery, etc.
- **ConfigurationsEssential, Large Solution, Portfolio, Full SAFe.
- Certification via Scaled Agile Academy (e.g., SAFe Agilist, RTE).
Why Organizations Use It
Drives faster time-to-market (20-50%), productivity gains (30-75%), quality improvements. Enables compliance in regulated industries (GDPR, SOC 2). Builds stakeholder trust through predictable delivery, employee engagement, and competitive agility.
Implementation Overview
Phased roadmap: Value stream mapping, leadership training, ART launches, PI Planning. Applies to large enterprises in software/IT; tools like Jira Align, Vanta. No formal certification required, but SPC-led rollouts recommended. (178 words)
ISO 37301 Details
What It Is
ISO 37301:2021 – Compliance management systems – Requirements with guidance for use is a certifiable international standard. It provides requirements for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and improving effective compliance management systems (CMS). Applicable to all organization sizes and sectors, it uses a risk-based Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) approach aligned with the ISO High-Level Structure (HLS).
Key Components
- **Leadership and commitmentTop management accountability, policy, culture.
- **PlanningCompliance obligations, risk assessment, objectives.
- **SupportResources, competence, awareness, communication (including whistleblowing).
- **OperationControls, third-party management.
- **Performance evaluationMonitoring, audits, management reviews.
- **ImprovementNonconformities, continual enhancement. Supports certification via accredited bodies; companion standards like ISO 37302/37303.
Why Organizations Use It
Drives risk reduction, regulatory adherence, and integrity culture. Offers third-party assurance, ESG alignment, stakeholder trust, and integration benefits. Mitigates fines, litigation; enhances reputation and efficiency.
Implementation Overview
Phased approach: context analysis, obligation register, controls, training, audits. Scalable for SMEs/large enterprises; global applicability. Certification requires accredited audits in 3-year cycles.
Key Differences
| Aspect | SAFe | ISO 37301 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Scaling Agile for enterprise software delivery | Compliance management systems for all obligations |
| Industry | IT, software, regulated sectors like finance | All industries, sectors, organization sizes globally |
| Nature | Voluntary agile scaling framework | Certifiable international management standard |
| Testing | PI planning, Inspect & Adapt workshops | Internal audits, management reviews, certification audits |
| Penalties | No legal penalties, implementation failure risks | No legal penalties, loss of certification |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about SAFe and ISO 37301
SAFe FAQ
ISO 37301 FAQ
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