Essential SAFe

  • Release version: Xanadu
  • Updated July 31, 2025
  • 1 minute to read

    • With Essential SAFe, you can apply lean and agile principles to your Agile Release Trains and teams, and develop and deliver work with fewer defects in the shortest viable lead time.

    Essential SAFe is the most basic configuration of SAFe that works in two levels for both product managers and team members. At the Agile Release Train (ART) level, product managers can capture and prioritize features in a centralized backlog, and monitor the progress of features in a visual task board.

    At the Team level, team members can implement stories that are decomposed from features. To learn more about the levels, see the SAFe Board section below.

    To start using the features of Essential SAFe, install the Agile - Scaled Agile Framework - Essential SAFe plugin (com.snc.sdlc.safe).

    SAFe Board

    The table below provides an overview of how you can access the key levels of Essential SAFe on SAFe Board.
    Level Description
    Agile Release Train (ART) As a product manager, you can plan and monitor activities across teams within an ART by accessing the ART level on the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) > SAFe Board. In addition, you can:
    • manage the ART backlog in a centralized location.
    • define a program increment and identify the features that need to be completed within that program increment.
    • perform big room planning.
    • track all the features of the ART and view their transition from one state (lane) to another, in a visual task board.
    Team As a team member, you can plan and monitor activities within the team by accessing the Team level on the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) > SAFe Board. In addition you can:
    • manage the team backlog in a centralized location.
    • streamline sprint planning and completion activities.
    • track all stories and view their transition from one state (lane) to another, in a visual task board.