What defines the function of an Epic in SAFe?

In the context of SAFe, an Epic plays a crucial role as a significant initiative that helps shape the direction of feature development within an Agile Release Train (ART). By encapsulating large bodies of work that require substantial resources and time to complete, Epics form the backbone for strategic investment decisions. They provide a framework through which Agile teams can align their efforts toward achieving broader business objectives.

Epics are typically broken down into smaller features and user stories, facilitating the prioritization and execution within the program increment. This hierarchical structure ensures that the development is purposeful and that teams are working on the right initiatives that contribute to the organization's strategic goals. This is why the definition of an Epic as a significant initiative guiding feature development is integral to the SAFe methodology, emphasizing its importance in ensuring alignment across various levels of an organization towards common objectives.