The Cumulative Flow Diagram (CFD) is a valuable visual tool used in Agile and Lean project management methodologies to track and analyse the flow of work through various stages of a project over time. By representing the amount of work in different stages of the process—such as "To Do," "In Progress," and "Done"—in a stacked area chart, the Cumulative Flow Diagram provides a snapshot of project health, progress, and potential bottlenecks.
Key components of a Cumulative Flow Diagram include:
- Axes: The horizontal axis represents time, while the vertical axis represents the cumulative amount of work (typically measured in tasks, stories, or work items).
- Areas between lines: Each coloured area on the chart represents a different stage of the workflow. The width of the area indicates the amount of work in that stage at any given time.
- Lead Time: The time it takes for work to move from the initial stage to completion can be observed, aiding in the prediction of project delivery times.
- Work in Progress (WIP): The diagram highlights the amount of work being handled at different stages, helping teams to manage workload and identify overburdening.
Implementing a Cumulative Flow Diagram requires consistent tracking of the status of work items throughout the project lifecycle. It is a powerful tool for teams committed to continuous improvement, as it not only helps in identifying and solving current issues but also provides insights for preventing future problems. By facilitating a deeper understanding of project dynamics, the Cumulative Flow Diagram enables teams to optimise their processes, improve flow efficiency, and achieve better project outcomes.