Enablers
Enablers in SAFe 6.0
🔹 What are Enablers?
Enablers in SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework) 6.0 are special work items that support technical capabilities, system evolution, and infrastructure improvements. They help sustain business agility by ensuring continuous delivery, scalability, and compliance.
🔹 Types of Enablers & Examples
1️⃣ Exploration Enablers (Research & Innovation)
✔ Purpose: Reduce uncertainty by researching new technologies, conducting PoCs (Proof of Concept), and prototyping solutions.
✔ Example:
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Exploring AI-based customer support automation.
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Conducting R&D on blockchain for secure transactions.
2️⃣ Architecture Enablers (Technical Foundation)
✔ Purpose: Build and maintain the architectural runway, enabling scalability and system evolution.
✔ Example:
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Migrating from monolithic to microservices architecture.
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Implementing an API gateway for better integrations.
3️⃣ Infrastructure Enablers (Development & Operations)
✔ Purpose: Improve the infrastructure, CI/CD pipelines, DevOps, and system reliability.
✔ Example:
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Automating cloud-based deployment pipelines.
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Enhancing monitoring and logging for system reliability.
4️⃣ Compliance Enablers (Security & Regulations)
✔ Purpose: Ensure compliance with legal, security, and industry regulations.
✔ Example:
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Implementing GDPR-compliant data storage solutions.
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Performing security audits and penetration testing.
🔹 Where Are Enablers Used?
SAFe Level Enabler Type Example
Portfolio Level Exploration Enabler Research AI-driven fraud detection
Large Solution Level Architecture Enabler Implement microservices for scalability
Program Level Infrastructure Enabler Automate cloud-based CI/CD pipelines
Team Level Compliance Enabler Develop audit logging for financial transactions
🔹 Why Are Enablers Important?
✅ Enable continuous flow of value.
✅ Support system scalability & performance.
✅ Reduce technical debt and long-term risks.
✅ Ensure compliance with industry standards.
MCQs on Enablers
1. What is the primary purpose of an Enabler in SAFe?
A) To deliver direct customer value
B) To support architectural, infrastructure, and compliance needs
C) To replace business features in Agile Release Trains
D) To increase the velocity of individual teams
✅ Correct Answer: B) To support architectural, infrastructure, and compliance needs
2. Which of the following is NOT a type of Enabler in SAFe 6.0?
A) Exploration Enabler
B) Compliance Enabler
C) Business Enabler
D) Architecture Enabler
✅ Correct Answer: C) Business Enabler
3. Which type of Enabler focuses on research, prototyping, and reducing uncertainty?
A) Architecture Enabler
B) Exploration Enabler
C) Infrastructure Enabler
D) Compliance Enabler
✅ Correct Answer: B) Exploration Enabler
4. A team is working on refactoring a monolithic application into microservices. What type of Enabler does this represent?
A) Compliance Enabler
B) Exploration Enabler
C) Architecture Enabler
D) Infrastructure Enabler
✅ Correct Answer: C) Architecture Enabler
5. What is an example of an Infrastructure Enabler?
A) Implementing GDPR compliance measures
B) Setting up automated CI/CD pipelines
C) Researching AI-driven customer analytics
D) Defining business epics for the roadmap
✅ Correct Answer: B) Setting up automated CI/CD pipelines
6. Which SAFe work item can include Enablers?
A) Features
B) Capabilities
C) Stories
D) All of the above
✅ Correct Answer: D) All of the above
7. Compliance Enablers primarily address which of the following?
A) Security, regulations, and legal requirements
B) User experience improvements
C) New market expansion strategies
D) Feature development for customer needs
✅ Correct Answer: A) Security, regulations, and legal requirements
8. At which SAFe level can Enablers be implemented?
A) Portfolio Level
B) Large Solution Level
C) Program and Team Levels
D) All of the above
✅ Correct Answer: D) All of the above
9. What is the key benefit of prioritizing Enablers in SAFe?
A) Delivering more features faster
B) Ensuring long-term system sustainability and innovation
C) Increasing Agile Release Train velocity
D) Removing the need for Business Epics
✅ Correct Answer: B) Ensuring long-term system sustainability and innovation
10. Which statement about Enablers is FALSE?
A) Enablers support technical excellence and continuous delivery.
B) Enablers always provide immediate business value.
C) Enablers can be written as Stories, Features, Capabilities, or Epics.
D) Enablers are necessary to build and maintain the architectural runway.
✅ Correct Answer: B) Enablers always provide immediate business value.