In the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe), measuring the flow of value is critical to understanding the efficacy of Agile practices. But what metric best captures this flow? Let’s discuss why “Work in Process (WIP)” is an ideal metric for this purpose.
The Significance of WIP in SAFe
Work in Process (WIP) is a key indicator of how effectively a team or an Agile Release Train (ART) is managing its workload. It measures the amount of work that has been started but not yet completed. In Agile and SAFe, keeping WIP at an optimal level ensures that teams are not overburdened and can focus on delivering value efficiently.
Why Other Metrics Fall Short
While metrics like lines of code written or the number of defects reported provide insights, they do not directly reflect the flow of value. The number of user stories in the product backlog also doesn’t give a real-time picture of value delivery. WIP, on the other hand, directly correlates with the team’s current work and its potential to deliver value.
Real-World Application
Consider a financial services ART working on a new application. By monitoring their WIP, they can gauge whether they are working on too many features simultaneously or if they have the capacity to take on more. This helps in balancing workload and ensuring that every piece of work contributes to delivering customer value.
Conclusion
In SAFe, measuring the flow of value is about understanding and optimizing the work in progress. It’s a metric that aligns with the Agile principle of delivering value incrementally and continuously, ensuring that the focus remains on what matters most – delivering solutions that meet customer needs effectively.