What are "Capabilities" in SAFe?

In the context of the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe), "Capabilities" refer to higher-level solution behavior that typically spans multiple Agile teams. They represent the broader, more strategic aspects of a solution that are necessary to meet customer needs and achieve business goals. Capabilities encompass the larger functional areas of a system, detailing what the system needs to accomplish rather than how it is achieved. This approach allows for better coordination and collaboration among teams as they work together to deliver a cohesive solution.

When developing capabilities, teams usually break them down into more detailed features, which can then be prioritized and implemented incrementally. This hierarchical organization ensures that all aspects of a solution are considered and integrated, paving the way for seamless interoperability between different components handled by different Agile teams.

In contrast, basic functionalities of a product describe individual features that do not illustrate the broader interactions or behaviors. Specific software features focus on detailed attributes rather than the overarching capabilities needed at the solution level. Finally, technical skills required for development deal with the expertise needed to implement a solution, rather than the behavior and outcomes that the solution must deliver from a user or business perspective.