The Essential SAFe configuration is the most elementary configuration of Scaled Agile FRAMEWORK. It is the initial level for organizations opting to implement SAFe, at this level of SAFe, it consists of the most critical elements needed to RECOGNIZE the majority of the framework’s benefits. At Essential SAFe level, it mainly comprises of the Team and Program levels, and Foundation. 

Essential SAFe is a great first step to improving scaled delivery if your organization has not tried it at all. It keeps in the framework of Lean-Agile Principles, Lean Agile Leaders and the basic components on BUILDING and releasing Agile Release Trains (ART) as the chief method of delivery for organizations at the program level. Talking about the PORTFOLIO Level, this is where strategic themes are planned. In any Lean Agile Enterprise, these strategic themes set the tone for developing and achieving the objectives in fulfilling all the requirements necessary for a Value Stream. Thereby creating a SOLUTION. It contains the people and processes necessary to build systems and solutions that the Enterprise needs to meet its strategic objectives. Once, the organization has successfully implemented the Essential SAFe, it can opt for Portfolio level and thus scaling it further.