Forecasted Work versus Capacity
Percentage of work in the pipeline queue (expressed in hours) in relation to total capacity targeted for that pipeline.
Main Description

Overview 

This metric compares the forecasted work (remaining effort for all work in progress added to estimated effort for newly released work) to the available capacity (people and facilities), with the objective of maintaining the forecasted work within a range or threshold of the available organization's capacity to do this work.

Keeping this metric within the predefined threshold prevents systematic work overload and creation of bottlenecks on the project and operational teams, which in turn results in higher levels of productivity and velocity.

Measurement method

Total forecasted work (in-progress and newly added) compared to total available work capacity.

Measurement analysis

This metric is typically captured and monitored as part of the portfolio monitoring and controlling activity, so that flags and exceptions can be created as soon as the forecasted work falls outside of the predefined capacity range. When exceptions are identified, the portfolio manager (or responsible manager) drills down into the specifics of the situation to identify corrective actions required.

Examples

  • Breakdown of forecasted work vs. capacity by:
    • Work pipelines
    • Functional and operational teams
    • Critical skills and competencies within the organization
  • Fixed capacity facilities (for example: testing and integration facilities)