In the world of Agile, metrics are an important tool for tracking progress and identifying areas for improvement. By aligning metrics with Agile values and principles, teams can ensure that they are accurately measuring their progress and making informed decisions about how to move forward. Some common Agile metrics include lead time, throughput, and cycle time.
Lead time is the amount of time it takes for a team to complete a piece of work, from the moment it is initiated to the moment it is delivered. This metric is important because it helps teams understand how long it takes them to complete work and whether they are on track to meet their deadlines.
Throughput is a measure of the amount of work a team can complete in a given period of time. This metric is often used to compare the productivity of different teams or to track the progress of a single team over time.
Cycle time is the amount of time it takes for a team to complete a piece of work from start to finish, including any delays or disruptions that may occur along the way. By tracking cycle time, teams can identify bottlenecks in their processes and find ways to eliminate them.
In addition to these metrics, teams may also track other measures such as defect rates, user satisfaction, and team satisfaction. The key is to choose metrics that align with Agile values and principles and that provide valuable insights into the team’s progress and areas for improvement.
One way to ensure that metrics are aligned with Agile values is to follow the guidelines outlined in “Measure What Matters,” a book by John Doerr. In this book, Doerr emphasizes the importance of setting clear, measurable goals that are aligned with the team’s values and vision. By setting these goals and tracking progress towards them, teams can stay focused and motivated, and they can ensure that they are making meaningful progress.
Another helpful resource for understanding Agile metrics is “Better, Safer, Sooner,” a book by Steve Spear. In this book, Spear discusses how organizations can use metrics to improve safety, quality, and speed. By understanding how to effectively use metrics, teams can make better, safer, and faster progress towards their goals.
Often we measure what’s easy, not what matters. Here’s of 20 of my favorite agile metrics that cut through the vanity. I’ve included some practical examples of agile measures that go beyond the velocity, story points, and other typical agile measurements —
Defect density: The number of defects per unit of work. This can be calculated by dividing the total number of defects by the total number of items completed.
Change success rate: The percentage of changes that are successfully implemented. This can be calculated by dividing the number of successful changes by the total number of changes attempted, and then multiplying that number by 100.
Time to market: The time it takes for a product or service to go from the idea stage to being available for purchase. This can be calculated by taking the difference between the date the idea was first proposed and the date the product or service was made available for sale.
Return on investment: The amount of money made or saved as a result of an investment. This can be calculated by dividing the total amount of money made or saved by the total amount of money invested.
Customer satisfaction: A measure of how satisfied customers are with a product or service. This can be calculated by collecting feedback from customers and using a scale to determine their level of satisfaction.
Net promoter score: A measure of how likely customers are to recommend a product or service to others. This can be calculated by collecting feedback from customers and asking them to rate their likelihood of recommending the product or service on a scale.
Time to proficiency: The time it takes for a team member to become proficient in a new skill or task. This can be calculated by taking the difference between the date the skill or task was first introduced and the date the team member became proficient in it.
Overall, Agile metrics are an important tool for tracking progress and identifying areas for improvement. By aligning metrics with Agile values and principles and using them to set clear, measurable goals, teams can ensure that they are making meaningful progress and staying on track to achieve their goals.
