LSA vs. SAFe: Which agile scaling framework is right for you?

Lean-Scale Agile (LSA) and Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) are both frameworks that help large organizations adopt agile development at scale. Both frameworks are based on the principles of lean and agile, but they have some key differences.

LSA is a newer framework that is designed to be more flexible and adaptable than SAFe. It provides a set of principles and practices that organizations can use to create their own custom agile process. LSA is also more focused on continuous improvement and value delivery.

SAFe is a more mature framework that provides a more prescriptive approach to agile scaling. It includes a set of roles, artifacts, and events that organizations can follow to implement SAFe. It is also more focused on program and portfolio management.

Benefits of LSA

• Reduced costs: LSA helps you reduce costs by reducing rework and improving quality.
• Flexibility and adaptability: It is a more flexible and adaptable framework than SAFe, allowing you to create your own custom agile process.
• Focus on continuous improvement and value delivery: LSA is more focused on continuous improvement and value delivery than SAFe.

Benefits of SAFe

• Increased customer satisfaction: SAFe helps you deliver high-quality products and services that meet the needs of your customers.
• Reduced time to market: It enables you to release products and services more quickly, without sacrificing quality.
• Improved employee engagement: SAFe creates a more collaborative and empowering work environment for employees.
• Increased productivity: SAFe helps eliminate waste and improve efficiency.
• Reduced costs: With SAFe, you can reduce costs by reducing rework and improving quality.
• Prescriptive approach: SAFe provides a more prescriptive approach to agile scaling than LSA, making it easier to implement.
• Proven track record: SAFe is a more mature framework with a proven track record of success.
• Widely adopted: SAFe is more widely adopted than LSA, making it easier to find experienced SAFe practitioners.

Key differences between LSA and SAFe:

LSA and SAFe architecture

Both frameworks emphasize on the importance of the architectural runway, the foundation of a well-designed and evolving architecture.

LSA architecture is based on the following principles:

• Emergent design: The architecture evolves over time as teams learn and deliver value.
• Intentional architecture: Architects play a critical role in defining and communicating the architectural vision and strategy, and in collaborating with teams to implement it.
• Architectural runway: The architectural runway provides the technical foundation for teams to deliver value quickly and reliably.

SAFe architecture is built on the same principles as LSA architecture, but it also includes the following elements:

• Architectural enablers: Architectural enablers are epics or stories that define and implement the architectural runway.
• Architectural runway management: Architectural runway management is a process for ensuring the architectural runway is kept up-to-date and meets the needs of the teams.

Both LSA and SAFe architectures are designed to help organizations build and evolve complex systems to be scalable, agile and responsive to change.

Source: https://v5.scaledagileframework.com

Which framework is right for you?

The best agile framework for your organization will depend on your specific needs and goals.

If you are looking for a framework that is flexible and adaptable, then LSA may be a good choice. LSA is a principles-based framework that emphasizes emergent design, intentional architecture and architectural runway. This means that the architecture of your system will evolve over time as your teams learn and deliver value. LSA also gives architects a critical role in defining and communicating the architectural vision and strategy and in collaborating with teams to implement it.

If you are looking for a framework that is more prescriptive and has a proven track record, then SAFe may be a better choice. SAFe is a comprehensive framework that provides a detailed roadmap to scale Agile across large organizations. SAFe includes architectural enablers and architectural runway management, which helps ensure your system is built on a solid foundation and your teams have the resources they need to deliver value quickly and reliably.

Which framework is right for you will depend on several factors, such as the size and complexity of your organization, your culture and your specific goals. If you are unsure which framework to choose, it is a good idea to consult with an experienced Agile consulting company.

Here are some tips for choosing between LSA and SAFe:

• Consider your organization’s culture and values. LSA is a good fit for organizations that are looking for a more flexible and adaptable approach to Agile scaling. SAFe is a good fit for organizations that are looking for a more prescriptive approach with a proven track record.
• Assess your organization’s needs and goals. What are you trying to achieve with Agile scaling? Do you need a framework that will help you improve your continuous improvement process? Do you need a framework that will help you manage your programs and portfolios more effectively?

Ultimately, the best way to decide which framework is right for you is to experiment and see what works best for your organization.

Here are some additional things to consider while choosing between LSA and SAFe:

• LSA is a newer framework, so there may be fewer resources and support available.
• SAFe is a more mature framework, so there are more resources and support available.
• SAFe is more widely adopted, so it may be easier to find experienced SAFe practitioners.

Conclusion

Both LSA and SAFe are valuable frameworks for Agile scaling. The best framework for your organization will depend on your specific needs and goals. If you are looking for a more flexible and adaptable framework, then LSA may be a good choice. If you are looking for a more prescriptive framework with a proven track record, then SAFe may be a better choice. Contact our team of expert consultants to discuss this further.