Understanding CFD Patterns

Cumulative Flow Diagrams (CFDs) reveal important patterns that provide insights into your workflow. Recognizing and interpreting these patterns is crucial for effective project management and process improvement.

Key CFD Patterns

• Parallel lines: Indicate a stable system with consistent throughput.
• Widening bands: Suggest bottlenecks or increasing work in progress (WIP).
• Narrowing bands: May indicate improved efficiency or decreased WIP.
• Stairstep pattern: Often seen in systems with batch processing or periodic releases.
• Sudden changes: Can represent significant events or changes in the process.

Identifying these patterns helps in:

• Detecting bottlenecks and inefficiencies
• Forecasting project completion
• Optimizing resource allocation
• Tracking the impact of process changes

For a deeper understanding of CFD patterns and their interpretations, refer to this comprehensive guide on Cumulative Flow Diagrams.