Cumulative flow

Definition

Cumulative flow is a visual representation of the work in progress over time within an Agile project, showing the status of tasks across different stages of development. This chart helps teams track how much work is completed, in progress, and yet to be started, providing insight into workflow efficiency and potential bottlenecks. The cumulative flow diagram (CFD) supports better planning and forecasting by illustrating trends and changes in workflow patterns.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cumulative flow charts can reveal trends in project performance over time, helping teams identify periods of congestion or smooth flow.
2. By examining the differences in color bands on a cumulative flow chart, teams can quickly assess the health of their workflow and determine if any stages are overloaded.
3. The cumulative flow diagram is a crucial tool for Agile teams as it enhances visibility into the team's progress and workload management.
4. Monitoring cumulative flow regularly can lead to actionable insights, prompting necessary adjustments in team practices or workflows.
5. An ideal cumulative flow chart shows a steady increase in completed work while keeping work in progress at manageable levels, indicating an effective workflow.

Review Questions

• How does cumulative flow contribute to identifying workflow bottlenecks in an Agile project?
  • Cumulative flow contributes to identifying workflow bottlenecks by visually representing the status of tasks across various stages of development. When the chart shows an accumulation of work in one stage while other stages continue to progress, it indicates a blockage that may need addressing. This visibility allows teams to analyze their process and make necessary adjustments to improve efficiency.
• In what ways can cumulative flow charts assist teams in improving their planning and forecasting?
  • Cumulative flow charts assist teams in improving their planning and forecasting by providing clear insights into past performance trends and current workloads. By analyzing historical data shown in the chart, teams can make informed predictions about future deliverables and better allocate resources. This proactive approach enables teams to adjust their workflows based on expected outcomes, resulting in more accurate planning.
• Evaluate the relationship between cumulative flow, lead time, and throughput in managing an Agile project's success.
  • Cumulative flow, lead time, and throughput are interconnected elements that together contribute to managing an Agile project's success. Cumulative flow provides a visual overview of how work is progressing through different stages, while lead time measures the efficiency from request to completion. Throughput indicates how many tasks are being completed over a set period. By monitoring these elements collectively, teams can identify inefficiencies, optimize their processes, and enhance overall productivity, leading to better outcomes and successful project delivery.

Related terms

Work in Progress (WIP): The total amount of work currently being processed within a system, which helps teams limit the number of tasks they handle at once to improve focus and efficiency.

Throughput: The rate at which tasks or work items are completed over a specific period, indicating the efficiency of the team in delivering value.

Lead Time: The total time it takes for a task to go from the initial request to completion, providing insight into the efficiency of the process and potential areas for improvement.