Overview

In SAFe, a Capability is a higher-level solution behavior that spans multiple Agile Release Trains (ARTs) and is sized to be delivered within a Program Increment (PI). Capability represents a critical building block in the value stream, enabling business and technical outcomes that support larger solution intent. Capabilities provide a bridge between portfolio-level strategic intent and the features developed by ARTs, ensuring alignment across complex systems and organizations.

Objectives

• Translate portfolio epics and solution intent into actionable solution behaviors
• Ensure cross-ART alignment in delivering complex solution components
• Maintain traceability from strategic objectives to features and user stories
• Enable incremental delivery while supporting long-term architectural vision

Dependencies

Capability 1.2 depends on:

• Portfolio Management for alignment with strategic themes
• Solution Management for defining and refining solution intent
• Multiple Agile Release Trains to deliver component features
• System and Solution Architects for technical guidance and enabler work
• Customer and business stakeholder input for value prioritization

Related Capabilities or Stages

Capability is closely related to:

• Other capabilities in the same value stream that build toward shared solution intent
• Program Features that break the capability into deliverable increments
• Enablers that address architecture, compliance, and infrastructure needs
• Portfolio Epics that define the larger business opportunity driving the capability