Definition
It is the measure of the elapsed time from the moment you start working on an item until it is done. Different teams have different definitions of for start and done. Often start includes when analysis began and done is when the stakeholder signed off or it was pushed to production.
Compare to Lead Time
Lead time: How long it takes between the time you get a request and you finish it Cycle time: How long it takes between the time you start working a request and you finish it.
How does it help
Cycle time reveals how smoothly work is flowing through your development process. It helps you spot bottlenecks and see the effects they have on your delivery.
What makes a stable system
Two guiding principles…
- WIP Limits
- Pull System
