Understanding Lead Time
Measure the total time from when a task is created until it is completed, capturing the full lifecycle from idea to delivery.
What Is Lead Time?
Lead time is the total time from when a task is created until it is completed. Unlike cycle time, it includes the time a task waits before work begins. Every completed task counts, and goals aren't counted.
Lead time answers the question: "How long does it take from the moment we identify a need until it's delivered?"
Navigate to Lead Time
On the Metrics Dashboard, click the Lead Time card. The page shows Average, Median, Min and Max for the tasks completed in the range.
Lead Time vs. Cycle Time
On an AI-optimized board the two fit together like this:
- Lead time = backlog wait + cycle time
- Backlog wait runs from creation until an agent claims the task
- Cycle time runs from the claim until the task is completed
Review wait starts when the agent completes the task, so it is in neither. Lead Time Trend plots the average lead time for each day. A large gap between lead time and cycle time means tasks spend a long time waiting to be picked up.
Reducing Lead Time
To improve lead time:
- Prioritize your backlog regularly so important tasks don't sit waiting
- Keep the Ready column small: only add tasks that can start soon
- Write tasks agents can claim straight away, with the context they need
- Watch the gap between lead time and cycle time to see where delays occur
You're all set!
You've completed all the steps in this guide.