When enterprises adopt the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe®) at the Solution Train level, complexity increases. You’re not just aligning Agile Release Trains (ARTs) — you’re coordinating multiple ARTs and suppliers to deliver large, integrated solutions. Technical enablers are the backbone that make this possible, ensuring architecture, compliance, and infrastructure keep pace with the evolving product roadmap. This post explores how to scale technical enablers across Large Solution Trains and highlights proven strategies to keep value delivery on track.

What Are Technical Enablers in SAFe?

Technical enablers are the hidden engine of large-scale Agile delivery. They include work items that support architecture evolution, enable test automation, strengthen the DevOps pipeline, and address compliance needs. Unlike business features that deliver direct user value, enablers invest in the “runway” so ARTs can deliver features at speed and scale. Without enablers, teams risk slowdowns, brittle systems, and technical debt spiraling out of control.

To dig deeper into the different types of enablers, the Scaled Agile Framework knowledge base provides a practical breakdown.

Challenges of Scaling Enablers at the Solution Train Level

• Coordinating priorities across multiple ARTs and suppliers
• Maintaining architectural consistency without slowing down delivery
• Ensuring enabler work doesn’t get sidelined for feature delivery
• Tracking enabler progress and aligning it with evolving business objectives
• Managing dependencies and integration points for large, complex systems

These challenges make it clear that scaling enablers isn’t just about technical excellence — it’s about disciplined collaboration across roles, trains, and solution contexts. That’s why mastering the role of a Leading SAFe Agilist can make a big difference.

Types of Technical Enablers in Large Solution Trains

In a Large Solution Train, technical enablers typically fall into four categories:

1. Architectural Enablers: Shape the solution’s technical foundation, enable future features, and reduce risk of rework.
2. Infrastructure Enablers: Set up CI/CD pipelines, test environments, and cloud or on-premises infrastructure.
3. Exploratory Enablers: Support spikes, proof-of-concepts, or prototypes for evaluating technologies or approaches.
4. Compliance Enablers: Ensure security, data privacy, regulatory, and industry standards are met from the start.

This four-fold structure helps Solution Trains align technical investments with business priorities.

Key Steps to Scale Technical Enablers Across Solution Trains

1. Create a Shared Architectural Vision

Architects and Solution Train Engineers (STEs) should define the high-level technical vision early. By leveraging the Architectural Runway, Solution and System Architects create a framework that can evolve over time without causing bottlenecks. A well-articulated vision, visible on the solution Kanban, ensures every ART understands where enabler investment is most critical.

2. Integrate Enablers into the Solution Backlog

Enablers belong in the Solution Backlog, right alongside business features. Solution Management works closely with architects to ensure enablers are prioritized, refined, and ready for PI Planning. This prevents technical work from being an afterthought and keeps the Architectural Runway aligned with solution goals.

3. Involve Solution and System Architects in Backlog Refinement

Architects shouldn’t operate in isolation. Involving them in backlog refinement ensures technical enablers are well defined, connected to business outcomes, and visible to all stakeholders. This practice also helps teams and Product Owners see the downstream impact of technical investments.

If you want to step up your Product Owner or Product Manager skills for effective backlog management, the SAFe Product Owner/Product Manager (POPM) certification is a smart move.

4. Use PI Planning to Align and Sequence Enabler Work

During PI Planning, Solution Train and ARTs can surface dependencies, align enabler stories, and synchronize delivery. This is where collaboration between Solution Architects, ART leadership, and teams pays off. Sequencing technical enablers alongside features helps avoid last-minute surprises during integration.

Strong facilitation during PI Planning comes from skilled Scrum Masters. For those leading this charge, earning a SAFe Scrum Master certification gives you the frameworks and tools needed to guide teams at scale.

5. Make Enabler Progress Transparent

Track technical enablers using Kanban boards, cumulative flow diagrams, and solution-level dashboards. This keeps leadership, architects, and teams on the same page and highlights risks early. Metrics should include lead time, cycle time, and dependencies blocked by incomplete enabler work.

6. Foster a Culture of Continuous Learning

Technical enablers should be seen as investments, not sunk costs. Encourage teams to run architectural spikes, automate infrastructure, and experiment with new technologies. Sharing learnings across ARTs and the Solution Train helps everyone move faster. To deepen facilitation skills for these large-scale environments, consider the SAFe Advanced Scrum Master certification.

7. Use Solution-Level Communities of Practice

Architectural and DevOps Communities of Practice (CoPs) can be powerful platforms to align technical direction and share reusable solutions. CoPs reduce duplication, improve standards adoption, and support skill development across ARTs and suppliers.

Guidance on establishing CoPs for architecture and DevOps can be found in this Community of Practice article.

Managing Dependencies and Integration Points

Large solutions are loaded with dependencies — both technical and organizational. Use dependency maps to visualize handoffs, identify bottlenecks, and reduce risk during integration. Frequent cross-ART sync meetings, like Solution Sync and Scrum of Scrums, help surface blockers early. The SAFe Release Train Engineer certification prepares leaders to manage these dynamics across multiple trains and suppliers.

Keeping the Architectural Runway Healthy

Neglecting technical enablers can lead to architectural debt, fragile systems, and slow feature delivery. Instead, invest in a sustainable runway. Schedule recurring architectural reviews, maintain a prioritized list of enablers in the Solution Backlog, and celebrate architectural wins that unlock new business value.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

• Starving the Runway: Pushing features at the expense of technical enablers creates long-term pain. Balance is essential.
• Isolated Architecture Decisions: Keep architects, Product Owners, and teams collaborating in every PI.
• Invisible Enabler Work: Make enabler status visible on boards, dashboards, and in PI objectives.
• Over-Engineering: Prioritize enablers that unlock the most value; avoid gold-plating.

Best Practices for Scaling Technical Enablers

1. Define clear acceptance criteria for every enabler story or epic.
2. Keep technical enabler work visible and tracked in the same tools as features.
3. Review and re-prioritize enablers at every PI boundary.
4. Encourage teams to propose enablers, not just architects.
5. Measure the impact of enablers in terms of delivery speed, quality, and business outcomes.

Bringing It All Together

Scaling technical enablers across Large Solution Trains requires more than technical know-how — it takes shared vision, rigorous prioritization, and disciplined collaboration. With the right mix of architectural leadership, integrated backlogs, and transparent tracking, organizations can keep their solutions healthy and adaptable.

If you’re preparing to lead at this level, certifications such as Leading SAFe Agilist, SAFe Product Owner/Product Manager, SAFe Scrum Master, SAFe Advanced Scrum Master, and SAFe Release Train Engineer equip you with the skills needed to drive technical excellence at scale.

For additional insights, check out the official resources on Solution Trains in SAFe and practical examples from industry leaders scaling Agile at the enterprise level.

 

Also read - Linking Enablers to Business Value: Techniques for SAFe Teams

Also see - How to Prioritize Enablers in WSJF Without Biasing Business Value