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Understanding lead time and cycle time is essential for optimizing agile delivery processes. These metrics help teams identify bottlenecks and improve efficiency in delivering value to customers.
What is Lead Time?
Lead time measures the total duration from when a work item is requested until it is completed. It includes all phases of the process, from initial request to delivery.
What is Cycle Time?
Cycle time tracks the time taken to complete a work item once it enters the active development phase. It excludes delays before work begins.
Calculating Lead Time and Cycle Time
To calculate these metrics, teams should record timestamps at key points in their workflow. For lead time, note the request and completion dates. For cycle time, record when work starts and ends.
Average lead time and cycle time can be calculated by summing individual durations and dividing by the number of work items. Monitoring these averages over time helps identify trends and areas for improvement.
Benefits of Monitoring These Metrics
- Identify bottlenecks in the process
- Improve delivery predictability
- Enhance team efficiency
- Reduce overall delivery time