Optimizing Jira for SAFe: ICON Agility's Expert Solutions

Jira is one of the most widely used Agile tools in the world—but out of the box, it’s not designed for enterprise scaling. For organizations adopting the Scaled Agile Framework® (SAFe®), Jira often becomes a barrier instead of a bridge.

That’s where ICON Agility Services comes in.

With decades of experience in both Agile transformation and tooling strategy, ICON helps organizations optimize Jira to support SAFe at scale, creating a seamless connection between Agile principles and enterprise execution.

The Jira + SAFe Challenge

Jira was originally built for team-level task tracking, not enterprise coordination. As companies scale, they quickly encounter pain points such as:

• Misaligned workflows across teams and ARTs
• Difficulties managing Program Increments (PIs) and cross-team dependencies
• Inaccurate or inconsistent reporting
• Poor traceability from strategy to execution
• Confusion between Scrum, Kanban, and SAFe-specific structures

Many enterprises layer plug-ins like Advanced Roadmaps or Jira Align on top, but these tools only add value when Jira is configured with purpose and clarity.

ICON’s Approach to Jira Enablement for SAFe

At ICON, we know that tools should serve the framework—not force workarounds. That’s why we offer end-to-end Jira optimization services aligned with SAFe implementation and Agile best practices.

Assessment and Alignment

We begin with a detailed analysis of your current Jira setup, Agile maturity, and SAFe adoption goals. Then we map a path forward—whether you’re optimizing Classic Jira, Jira Software, or Jira Align.

Configurations That Work for Your Framework

We tailor Jira workflows, boards, issue types, and hierarchies to match SAFe roles and ceremonies. That includes:

• Proper alignment between Epics, Features, Stories, and Enablers
• Configuration of ART-level Kanban boards and PI Planning structures
• Establishing cadence-based workflows that reflect SAFe ceremonies

Real-Time Reporting and Visibility

ICON ensures you get meaningful insights through customized dashboards, metrics, and reports that align with SAFe objectives. From team velocity to portfolio-level status, we bring visibility where it matters.

Role-Based Training and Coaching

We don’t just configure the tool—we train your RTEs, Scrum Masters, Product Managers, and Jira admins to use it confidently in real SAFe events like PI Planning, ART syncs, and Inspect & Adapt workshops.

Integration with the Bigger Picture

Whether you’re using Jira alongside other tools like Confluence, Aha!, or Rally—or moving toward enterprise-level platforms like Jira Align—ICON ensures seamless data flows and clear alignment with your value streams.

Real-World Results

A global financial services client turned to ICON when their Jira environment created chaos instead of clarity. After a comprehensive review and reconfiguration aligned with SAFe 6.0, ICON delivered:

• A unified Jira structure across 12 ARTs
• Meaningful dashboards for executives, RTEs, and product leaders
• 40% improvement in reporting accuracy within two PIs
• Clear visibility into OKRs, features, and delivery progress

Why ICON?

• Over 32 years of Agile transformation experience
• Platinum Scaled Agile Partner and trusted SAFe training provider
• Deep expertise in Jira, Jira Align, Rally, and other Agile tools
• End-to-end service: assessment, implementation, coaching, and support
• Trusted by 40% of the Fortune 100

Ready to Make Jira Work for SAFe?

If Jira is slowing down your Agile transformation, let’s fix that. ICON Agility Services will help you design, configure, and enable Jira to accelerate—not obstruct—your journey toward enterprise agility.

🔗 Talk to our Agile tooling experts
🌐 Learn more at www.iconagility.com