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Kanban Metrics Cheat Sheet

Kanban metrics provide actionable insights to help you improve workflow, reduce bottlenecks, and deliver faster. Tracking these metrics consistently will enable you to make informed decisions and maintain an efficient, predictable process.

Kanban Metrics Cheat Sheet

Kanban Metrics Cheat Sheet


1. Cycle Time

  • Definition: The time it takes for a task to move through the entire Kanban workflow, from start to finish.

  • Importance: Lower cycle times indicate quicker delivery of work. Tracking it helps in identifying bottlenecks.

  • How to Measure: Measure the time taken from when a task enters the "In Progress" column until it’s marked as "Done."


2. Lead Time

  • Definition: The total time from when a task is requested (added to the backlog) to when it is completed (done).

  • Importance: Lead time helps you understand the total time it takes to deliver value to the customer.

  • How to Measure: Measure from the moment a task is added to the board (e.g., "Backlog" column) to when it is marked as "Done."


3. Work in Progress (WIP)

  • Definition: The number of tasks that are currently being worked on but are not yet completed.

  • Importance: Limiting WIP helps to avoid context switching and increases focus. Fewer WIP items typically lead to faster task completion.

  • How to Measure: Track the number of tasks in "In Progress" columns. Adjust limits based on team capacity.


4. Throughput

  • Definition: The number of tasks completed over a given period (e.g., daily, weekly, or monthly).

  • Importance: Helps assess team productivity and predict future delivery rates.

  • How to Measure: Count the number of tasks marked as "Done" over a specific time period.


5. Cumulative Flow Diagram (CFD)

  • Definition: A visual chart showing the distribution of tasks across different stages of the Kanban board over time.

  • Importance: CFD helps visualize WIP, identify bottlenecks, and ensure a smooth workflow.

  • How to Use: Analyze how tasks flow from one column to another, aiming for a stable, predictable flow without bottlenecks.


6. Blocker Clustering

  • Definition: Identifying and analyzing recurring blockers that prevent tasks from moving forward.

  • Importance: Helps uncover the root causes of delays in the workflow, allowing you to take action to remove or reduce these blockers.

  • How to Measure: Track how often tasks are blocked, and categorize the reasons (technical issues, dependencies, etc.).


7. Queue Time

  • Definition: The amount of time a task spends waiting in a queue before it starts being worked on.

  • Importance: Excessive queue times indicate bottlenecks and inefficiencies in the process.

  • How to Measure: Track how long tasks sit in waiting stages (e.g., "To Do" or "Ready for Development") before being moved to an active stage.


8. Aging Work in Progress

  • Definition: The amount of time tasks have been sitting in the "In Progress" state without completion.

  • Importance: Aging tasks often point to bottlenecks or stalled work. Identifying aging WIP helps maintain a continuous flow.

  • How to Measure: Monitor how long tasks have been in progress and review the oldest tasks regularly.


9. Task Completion Rate

  • Definition: The percentage of tasks completed versus the total number of tasks started within a given period.

  • Importance: This metric helps you assess whether the team is completing tasks on time or falling behind.

  • How to Measure: Divide the number of completed tasks by the total number of tasks started, over a specific time period.


10. Flow Efficiency

  • Definition: The percentage of time that a task spends actively being worked on versus waiting in queues.

  • Importance: A low flow efficiency indicates that tasks are spending too much time waiting in queues. Improving flow efficiency leads to faster delivery.

  • How to Measure: (Active time / Total time) * 100. Track how much time a task is actively worked on compared to the total lead time.


Additional Kanban Tips:

  • Limit WIP: Limiting WIP ensures that teams focus on completing tasks rather than starting too many at once, leading to better throughput and reduced cycle times.

  • Use Visual Boards: Keep your Kanban board updated with clear labels and color coding to easily track progress and identify bottlenecks.

  • Review Regularly: Use metrics to regularly review and adjust processes, focusing on continuous improvement.


Conclusion

Kanban metrics provide actionable insights to help you improve workflow, reduce bottlenecks, and deliver faster. Tracking these metrics consistently will enable you to make informed decisions and maintain an efficient, predictable process.



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