Need help with Capacity metric app

Hey msprog ,

Here’s a breakdown of the key terms from the Capacity Metrics App and an explanation of what they mean in the context of the chart you’ve shared:

Metrics Definitions

Add %

This refers to new tasks/items being added to the backlog during the time period.

• Example: If you have 100 units of carryforward work, and 200 units are added during a specific time interval, the Add % is 200%, meaning the backlog has increased 2x compared to the existing work.

• Important Note: Add ≠ CarryForward.

  • CarryForward is the existing work that hasn’t been cleared.

  •  

    Add is new work introduced on top of it.

Burndown %

This refers to the percentage of work that was completed or removed from the carryforward during the interval.

• If 50% of the carryforward work is completed, the Burndown % will be 50%.

• A high burndown % is desirable it shows effective processing of existing tasks.

Cumulative %

This is a running total of carryforward represented as a percentage of some baseline (like initial capacity or a fixed threshold).

• In your chart, this is shown with the red line (right axis).

• It helps monitor long-term trends – whether your backlog is growing or shrinking over time.

Chart Interpretation

Looking at the image:

• The green bars represent CarryForward %, showing how much work is being carried over.

• The red line (Cumulative %) shows a rising trend, indicating backlog is growing steadily.

• In the leftmost bar, the Add % is 200%, which means:

  • New tasks added in that period were double the current carryforward.

  • It’s a signal that the team or system is under strain and new work is outpacing the ability to clear existing tasks.

Summary of “Add % of 200”

• It means: The system received twice the volume of new tasks compared to what was already pending.

• Implication: Without a corresponding increase in burndown, the backlog (carryforward) will grow.

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Best Regards,
Nasif Azam