Using Smartsheet for SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework)
Spreadsheet-familiar interface makes adoption easy for teams transitioning from Excel — minimal training needed for basic use. When combined with SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework), this makes Smartsheet a strong candidate for teams who want a structured, repeatable workflow without sacrificing flexibility. SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework) works best in Smartsheet when you leverage its portfolio management to implement the framework's key practices directly in the tool your team already lives in.
SAFe coordinates multiple Agile teams across a programme increment (PI) — typically 8–12 weeks — with shared objectives, dependencies, and a PI planning ceremony.
How to set up SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework) in Smartsheet
Configure portfolio and programme levels
Smartsheet's portfolio management supports SAFe's portfolio layer. Create a portfolio workspace with Epics representing large Strategic Themes. Below that, create programme-level projects representing each Agile Release Train (ART). Each ART project contains the team-level sprints.
Set up the Programme Increment (PI) structure
Create a milestone or version representing the PI boundary. Use a dedicated board or timeline view to map Features to sprints within the PI. Before PI planning, export a draft PI view for the planning ceremony.
Model dependencies and risks
Use Smartsheet's dependency tracking or Gantt view to map inter-team dependencies. In SAFe, cross-team dependencies must be visible before PI planning is complete. Label them by the owning ART and consuming ART.
Set up PI Objectives and tracking
Create a custom field for "PI Objective" on team projects in Smartsheet. Each team commits to 4–6 PI Objectives. Track confidence levels (1–10) and update weekly. The Agile Programme Manager reviews programme-level progress against PI Objectives.
Which Smartsheet features matter for SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework)
Smartsheet has 1 of 3 core SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework) features natively.