Standards Comparison

    SAFe

    Voluntary
    2023

    Enterprise framework scaling Lean-Agile for Business Agility

    VS

    TISAX

    Mandatory
    2017

    Automotive standard for trusted information security assessments

    Quick Verdict

    SAFe scales agile for enterprise software delivery, enabling business agility in IT. TISAX mandates automotive security assessments for prototype protection. Companies adopt SAFe for faster markets; TISAX for OEM contracts and supply chain trust.

    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 teams for value delivery
    • Program Increments provide 8-12 week predictable planning cadence
    • 10 immutable Lean-Agile principles optimize economic value flow
    • Seven core competencies enable enterprise Business Agility
    • Scalable configurations from Essential to Full SAFe
    Cybersecurity

    TISAX

    Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange (TISAX)

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

    Key Features

    • Secure exchange of assessments via ENX portal
    • Three risk-based assessment levels (AL1-AL3)
    • Automotive-specific prototype protection controls
    • 70+ VDA ISA controls based on ISO 27001
    • Three-year labels with no annual surveillance audits

    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 organizational patterns for scaling Lean-Agile practices across enterprises. Its primary purpose is achieving Business Agility by aligning strategy, execution, and operations in large-scale software and IT environments. SAFe employs a systems thinking approach, integrating Agile, Lean, and DevOps principles.

    Key Components

    • **Agile Release Trains (ARTs)50-125 person virtual organizations.
    • **Program Increments (PIs)8-12 week cadences with PI Planning.
    • 10 Lean-Agile principles and 7 core competencies like Lean-Agile Leadership.
    • Scalable configurations: Essential, Large Solution, Portfolio, Full.
    • Certification via Scaled Agile Academy (e.g., SAFe Agilist, RTE).

    Why Organizations Use It

    Drives faster time-to-market (20-50%), quality improvements, and engagement. Enables compliance in regulated industries (GDPR, SOC 2). Reduces risks via flow metrics; builds stakeholder trust through predictable delivery and dual operating system.

    Implementation Overview

    Phased roadmap: value stream mapping, leadership training, ART launches. Applies to large enterprises in software/IT; tools like Jira Align. No formal certification required, but SPC coaching recommended for success.

    TISAX Details

    What It Is

    TISAX (Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange) is a standardized cybersecurity framework and certification for the automotive industry, developed by the ENX Association using the VDA ISA catalog (version 5.0.4+). It ensures protection of sensitive data like IP, prototypes, and personal information across global supply chains, emphasizing the CIA triad with risk-based assessments at three levels: Basic (AL1), Significant (AL2), and Very High (AL3).

    Key Components

    Core elements include 70+ VDA ISA controls across 7 groups (Policy, Organization, Access, Operations, etc.), automotive-specific prototype protection, and data protection modules. Built on ISO 27001, it uses maturity scoring (0-3+). Labels, valid 3 years, are exchanged via the secure ENX portal, replacing duplicate audits.

    Why Organizations Use It

    OEMs like BMW mandate it contractually for suppliers, mitigating IP theft and disruptions. Benefits include 70-90% audit savings, market access, resilience, and ESG advantages in the €2.5T sector.

    Implementation Overview

    Phased approach: scope/gap analysis (1-3 months), remediation/tabletops (3-9 months), audit (2-4 months), sustainment. Targets Tier 1/2 suppliers, OEMs, services; scalable for SMEs/enterprises via accredited auditors.

    Key Differences

    Scope

    SAFe
    Enterprise agile scaling for software/IT
    TISAX
    Automotive information security & prototypes

    Industry

    SAFe
    Software, IT ops, global enterprises
    TISAX
    Automotive supply chain, mainly Europe

    Nature

    SAFe
    Voluntary scaling framework
    TISAX
    Industry-mandated security assessment

    Testing

    SAFe
    PI planning, Inspect & Adapt workshops
    TISAX
    AL1-3 audits by accredited providers

    Penalties

    SAFe
    No legal penalties, business failure
    TISAX
    Contract loss, OEM exclusion

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about SAFe and TISAX

    SAFe FAQ

    TISAX FAQ

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