Standards Comparison

    SAFe

    Voluntary
    2023

    Framework scaling Lean-Agile across large enterprises

    VS

    ISO 55001

    Voluntary
    2014

    International standard for asset management systems.

    Quick Verdict

    SAFe scales agile for enterprise software delivery, enabling fast value flow in IT. ISO 55001 establishes asset management systems for lifecycle optimization in infrastructure. Companies adopt SAFe for agility, ISO 55001 for governance and value realization.

    Agile Scaling

    SAFe

    Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) 6.0

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

    Key Features

    • Agile Release Trains synchronize 50-125 members for value delivery
    • Program Increments enable 8-12 week aligned planning cadences
    • 10 immutable Lean-Agile principles guide economic systems thinking
    • Seven core competencies drive enterprise Business Agility
    • Four configurations scale from Essential to Full SAFe
    Asset Management

    ISO 55001

    ISO 55001:2024 Asset management — Management systems requirements

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

    Key Features

    • Strategic Asset Management Plan (SAMP) bridges strategy to operations
    • Annex SL structure integrates with other ISO management systems
    • Formal asset management decision-making framework (2024 update)
    • Risk and opportunity actions explicitly separated in planning
    • PDCA cycle ensures continual improvement and context alignment

    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 enterprises. It enables Business Agility by aligning strategy, execution, and operations in large-scale software and IT environments. Key approach integrates Agile, Lean, DevOps, and systems thinking for predictable value delivery.

    Key Components

    • **Agile Release Trains (ARTs)50-125 cross-functional teams.
    • **Program Increments (PIs)8-12 week cadences with PI Planning.
    • **10 Lean-Agile principlesEconomic view, systems thinking, value flow.
    • **7 core competenciesLean-Agile Leadership, Team Agility, Portfolio Management.
    • **ConfigurationsEssential to Full SAFe; certifications like SAFe Agilist available.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Accelerates time-to-market 20-50%, boosts productivity 30-75%.
    • Enhances quality, engagement, compliance in regulated industries.
    • Manages risks via flow metrics, ROAM analysis.
    • Builds trust through alignment, competitive edge in digital transformation.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased roadmap: Training, value stream mapping, ART launches.
    • Key activities: PI Planning, Inspect & Adapt, certifications.
    • Applies to large enterprises, software/IT ops globally; no mandatory audits.

    ISO 55001 Details

    What It Is

    ISO 55001:2024 is the international standard specifying requirements for an Asset Management System (AMS). It provides a management system framework to establish, implement, maintain, and improve asset management, enabling organizations to realize value from assets across their lifecycles. Applicable to asset-intensive sectors, it uses a risk-based, PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) approach aligned with Annex SL for integration with other ISO standards.

    Key Components

    • Clauses 4-10 cover context, leadership, planning, support, operation, performance evaluation, and improvement.
    • 72 'shall' requirements emphasizing SAMP (Strategic Asset Management Plan), decision-making framework, and risk/opportunity management.
    • Built on ISO 55000 terminology; certification via accredited audits.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Drives cost optimization, risk reduction, and performance in utilities, infrastructure, manufacturing.
    • Meets regulatory, contractual demands; builds stakeholder trust.
    • Enhances resilience, decision quality, and competitive edge.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased: gap analysis, SAMP development, process integration, training.
    • Suits all sizes/industries; 12-24 months typical; voluntary certification.

    Key Differences

    Scope

    SAFe
    Scaling agile for software/IT enterprises
    ISO 55001
    Asset management systems lifecycle governance

    Industry

    SAFe
    Software, IT ops, regulated tech sectors
    ISO 55001
    Utilities, infrastructure, manufacturing, public sector

    Nature

    SAFe
    Voluntary agile scaling framework
    ISO 55001
    Voluntary certification management standard

    Testing

    SAFe
    PI planning, Inspect & Adapt workshops
    ISO 55001
    Internal audits, management reviews, certification audits

    Penalties

    SAFe
    No legal penalties, implementation failure
    ISO 55001
    No legal penalties, loss of certification

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about SAFe and ISO 55001

    SAFe FAQ

    ISO 55001 FAQ

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