Cycle Time in Agile: A Detailed Introduction

Cycle time in agile development is a key performance metric that measures the duration a work item takes to progress through the active phases of the development process, from initiation to deployment. Unlike lead time, cycle time focuses specifically on the time spent in active development stages, providing insights into workflow efficiency and productivity, enabling teams to identify bottlenecks and streamline processes. Calculating cycle time involves tracking the time from when work on an item begins to when it is completed and ready for deployment, allowing teams to make data-driven decisions for continuous improvement. Strategies to improve cycle time include refining the definition of ready and done, leveraging production-like remote environments, streamlining processes, implementing continuous integration and delivery (CI/CD), and utilizing agile metrics to drive improvement. By focusing on cycle time and adopting agile principles, organizations can enhance efficiency, deliver value iteratively, and maintain competitiveness in a fast-paced business environment.