Enablers

26/03/2025

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:

  • Exploring AI-based customer support automation.

  • 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:

  • Migrating from monolithic to microservices architecture.

  • Implementing an API gateway for better integrations.

3️⃣ Infrastructure Enablers (Development & Operations)

✔ Purpose: Improve the infrastructure, CI/CD pipelines, DevOps, and system reliability.
✔ Example:

  • Automating cloud-based deployment pipelines.

  • Enhancing monitoring and logging for system reliability.

4️⃣ Compliance Enablers (Security & Regulations)

✔ Purpose: Ensure compliance with legal, security, and industry regulations.
✔ Example:

  • Implementing GDPR-compliant data storage solutions.

  • 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.