Courses Agile is currently taking over how businesses operate. Every organization is advised to scale Agile, but how do you scale it? Take a look at the Scaling Agile frameworks comparison and decide which one is best for your team or organization.
Why Compare Different Agile Scaling Frameworks?
Comparing Agile Scaling Frameworks is important because each framework offers unique benefits and fits the different needs of the organization. Getting to understand the advantages and disadvantages of each can help make decisions on choosing the one that fit your set goals.
Agile methodologies are now the popular option for most, if not all, software development organizations. These organizations are facing rapid growth, but as they grow, they face challenges in scaling Agile methodologies in various teams. Most firms and organizations find difficulty in selecting the right Agile framework for their teams, so don’t feel as if you are alone.
This guide is going to help you understand the most popular frameworks. Here is a list you can choose from;
- Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe)
- Large Scale Scrum (LeSS)
- Disciplined Agile (DA)
- Scrum@Scale
- Nexus
SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework)
The Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) is the most widely known and used by organizations with many teams. With the help of principles such as Lean, Agile, and DevOps, SAFe is whole. On the other hand, it tends to feel a bit heavy due to its multiple layers of complexity and roles. This is overwhelming for smaller teams, even ones new to Agile.
If you are in a large organization practising Agile, SAFe can provide the formula and structure needed to scale up and witness change. You can consider pursuing a SAFe certification for one of the courses listed here and scale your career and organization to a whole new level.
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Why SAFe?
- SAFe makes it easy for huge teams (over 50 people)
- Offers strong frameworks for portfolio management
- Follows Lean principles to be continuously advanced
Downsides: If your group’s main task is flexibility, SAFe is perhaps too stiff.
Large Scale Scrum
Large Scale Scrum, or LeSS, keeps things straightforward and tends to adhere closely to traditional Scrum procedures but now on a bigger scale. If your company is already very good at Scrum and you want to keep things that simple as you advance in the industry, then this is a terrific option. LeSS strongly emphasizes minimizing overhead and enhancing team communication. Nevertheless, it might not provide sufficient assistance for organizations with more complicated requirements.
Why LeSS?
- Best for teams already familiar with Scrum.
- Encourages pass-useful teamwork and transparency.
- Avoids pointless overhead.
Downside: Scaling simplicity can sometimes oversimplify methods that want extra nuance.
Disciplined Agile (DA)
The Disciplined Agile (DA) is capable of integrating methodologies – Agile, Lean, and others – to come up with a way of providing organizations with a customizable framework to address specific challenges in various areas of the business. Challenges ranging from portfolio management to DevOps don’t stand a chance against DA.
DA is relatively great for someone who sees value in flexibility and wants to cooperate with the needs of the firm. For you to implement it effectively, you are required to understand Agile principles.
Why DA?
- Highly adaptable to different ventures.
- Suits groups can experiment with Agile practices.
- Promotes innovation and experimentation.
Downside: Too much flexibility can be overwhelming if not led by strong management.
Scrum@Scale
Scrum@Scale tries to keep everything in its simplest form. This is a framework that works perfectly with organizations already in use of Scrum and need to maintain their current practices as they scale up. As it aligns the objectives of teams, it makes sure that this process remains flexible and easily adaptable. Not all that glitters is gold, but for this case, it might be, apart from a small factor where it may not provide enough structure for businesses. This slightly limits organizations with very complex products or those that require extensive coordination.
Why Scrum@Scale?
- Keeps groups self-sufficient yet connected.
- Best ideal for corporations that cost innovation over inflexible structures.
- Encourages decentralized decision-making.
Downside: Scaling up needs a robust Agile subculture in teams.
Nexus?
Nexus, being another framework, is built around Scrum. It is specially designed to manage dependency between teams. How does it aid in coping with these dependencies? With the introduction of new roles and events. In addition, this ensures that there is a bond among teams to encourage them to work together effectively.
Does your organization find use in Scrum? If so, then this is a good option for you and your firm. However, Nexus is not like other Scrum-based frameworks, it may face challenges when used by organizations with very complex or large-scale projects.
Why Nexus?
- Great for tasks with overlapping team responsibilities.
- Focuses on minimising pass-team bottlenecks.
- Encourages team responsibility.
Downside: Not suitable for new Agile groups.
How Do These Frameworks Compare?
Scaling Agile Frameworks comparison depends on factors like complexity, flexibility, and the levels of control offered by these Frameworks.
| Framework | Complexity | Flexibility | Ideal for | Key Features |
| SAFe | High | Low | Large Enterprises | Multi-level structure, detailed roles, and governance |
| LeSS | Medium | High | Medium to Large Teams | Minimalistic, focuses on customer-centricity |
| Disciplined Agile | Medium | High | Diverse Teams and Organizations | Adaptive framework, customizable to fit needs |
| Scrum@Scale | Medium | Medium | Organizations Scaling Scrum | Relies on Scrum principles, Scrum of Scrums approach |
| Nexus | Medium | Medium | Scaling Scrum at the team level | Focuses on aligning multiple Scrum teams, providing a framework for coordination |
Which Framework is Right for Your Organization?
Choosing the right framework depends on the size of your organization, culture, and the objectives set to achieve. This can range in different ways, if you are in a large firm with a structured workplace, you might consider SAFe. Maybe your organization is smaller compared to others, but it has scrum-experienced teams, you should then be involved with Scrum of Scrums or LeSS. Let us assume flexibility is what you need, then undoubtedly, Disciplined Agile is your go-to. Therefore, for you to choose the right framework, consider the above factors.
Upcoming Training on ValueX2
Are you interested in mastering these frameworks? At ValueX2, we offer you the opportunity to partake in our comprehensive training programs on Agile Scaling Frameworks as directed by the needs of your organization. Whether you are just a newbie or looking for a way to scale your agile practices. Our courses are specially crafted to make you succeed. Check out our upcoming training sessions here!
FAQs
Q: What is the most used scaling method for agile?
A: SAFe is the most widely adopted scaling method in the agile community. Being built on Lean and Agile principles provides it with features that have made it a top option. It provides a well-structured approach to scaling agile practices.
Q: What is the most important factor to consider when choosing a Scaled Agile Framework?
A: As you engage in the activity of selecting the right framework, consider your organization’s culture, size, and structure. Frameworks should be evaluated based on how well they align with your company goals, flexibility, and teamwork across members.
Q: What is the main difference between SAFe and LeSS?
A: With SAFe you get the opportunity to get more structure, top-down approach to scaling. LeSS focuses mainly on maintaining simplicity without losing the essence of Scrum in the organization’s teams.
Q: Can I combine elements from different Frameworks?
A: Yes! Most businesses use a hybrid approach and the results are very good maybe even the best for them. The Disciplined Agile is one of the best frameworks for this kind of customization.
