Standards Comparison

    SAFe

    Voluntary
    2023

    Framework scaling Lean-Agile to enterprise Business Agility

    VS

    ISO/IEC 42001:2023

    Voluntary
    2023

    International standard for AI management systems.

    Quick Verdict

    SAFe scales Agile for enterprise software delivery and business agility, while ISO/IEC 42001:2023 governs AI risks through management systems. Companies adopt SAFe for faster time-to-market; ISO 42001 for ethical compliance and trust in AI deployments.

    Agile Scaling

    SAFe

    Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) 6.0

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

    Key Features

    • Agile Release Trains align 50-125 cross-functional teams
    • 8-12 week Program Increments enable PI Planning
    • 10 immutable Lean-Agile principles provide foundational guidance
    • Seven core competencies drive Business Agility
    • Four scalable configurations from Essential to Full
    AI Management

    ISO/IEC 42001:2023

    ISO/IEC 42001:2023 Artificial Intelligence Management Systems

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

    Key Features

    • PDCA framework for full AI lifecycle governance
    • Mandatory AI Impact Assessments for high-risk systems
    • 38 Annex A controls for AI-specific risks
    • Seamless integration with ISO 27001 and HLS standards
    • Third-party supplier risk management 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 framework for scaling Lean-Agile practices across large enterprises. Its primary purpose is to achieve Business Agility by aligning strategy, portfolio, program, and team execution in complex software and IT environments. It employs a systems thinking approach, integrating Agile, Lean, and DevOps principles.

    Key Components

    • Agile Release Trains (ARTs) of 50-125 people for value delivery.
    • 10 immutable Lean-Agile principles and 7 core competencies like Lean-Agile Leadership and Continuous Learning Culture.
    • Key roles: Release Train Engineer (RTE), Product Management; events: PI Planning, Inspect & Adapt.
    • **4 configurationsEssential, Large Solution, Portfolio, Full. No formal certification, but extensive training ecosystem.

    Why Organizations Use It

    Drives 20-50% faster time-to-market, 30-75% productivity gains, improved quality. Voluntary adoption for competitive agility, embedding compliance (GDPR, SOC 2), risk management via flow metrics, and stakeholder trust in regulated industries like finance and healthcare.

    Implementation Overview

    Follow phased **Implementation Roadmapexecutive training, value stream mapping, ART launches. Suited for large enterprises in software/IT; involves SPC coaching, tools like Jira Align. Typical for global organizations; measure via PI metrics.

    ISO/IEC 42001:2023 Details

    What It Is

    ISO/IEC 42001:2023 is the world's first international standard for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and improving an Artificial Intelligence Management System (AIMS). It provides a certifiable framework using the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) methodology and High-Level Structure (HLS) to manage AI risks and opportunities across the full lifecycle, applicable to any organization regardless of size or sector.

    Key Components

    • Clauses 4-10 cover context, leadership, planning, support, operation, evaluation, and improvement.
    • Annex A includes 38 AI-specific controls for risks like bias, transparency, and third-party issues.
    • Built on ISO management systems like ISO 27001 and ISO 9001 for interoperability.
    • Third-party certification via accredited auditors, with 3-year validity and surveillance.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Mitigates AI risks (bias, drift, ethics) while enabling innovation and trust.
    • Aligns with regulations like EU AI Act; enhances reputation and procurement.
    • Delivers ROI via cost savings, insurance discounts, and competitive edge, as seen in Microsoft and UiPath adoptions.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased gap analysis, risk assessments, training, and audits; 6-12 months typical.
    • Universal applicability; leverages tools like ISMS.online for efficiency.

    Key Differences

    Scope

    SAFe
    Scaling Agile for enterprise software delivery
    ISO/IEC 42001:2023
    AI Management Systems governance and risks

    Industry

    SAFe
    Software, IT ops, regulated sectors globally
    ISO/IEC 42001:2023
    All sectors using AI worldwide

    Nature

    SAFe
    Voluntary scaling framework with certifications
    ISO/IEC 42001:2023
    Voluntary international certification standard

    Testing

    SAFe
    PI Planning, Inspect & Adapt workshops
    ISO/IEC 42001:2023
    Audits, AIIAs, management reviews

    Penalties

    SAFe
    No legal penalties, loss of agility
    ISO/IEC 42001:2023
    No legal penalties, certification loss

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about SAFe and ISO/IEC 42001:2023

    SAFe FAQ

    ISO/IEC 42001:2023 FAQ

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