Lead Time measures the total time it takes for a feature or user story to move from the moment it is requested to the point it is delivered. This includes both the time the team actively works on the item and any waiting time in the process. It’s a key metric for assessing overall process efficiency.
Velocity is a measure of the amount of work a team completes during an iteration (sprint). It is typically calculated in story points and is used to help teams estimate how much work they can take on in future iterations. It's crucial for forecasting and capacity planning.
Throughput refers to the rate at which work items (e.g., features, stories) are completed and delivered. It is usually measured in items per unit of time (e.g., features per week). Tracking throughput helps teams understand the flow of work and identify bottlenecks in the system.
Customer Satisfaction (CSAT) is a crucial KPI in SAFe because it directly measures how well the product or service meets customer expectations. Feedback from customers is used to validate the value being delivered and guide future development. While velocity and cycle time are operational metrics, CSAT helps assess the outcomes from the customer’s perspective.
Metrics in SAFe are used to drive continuous improvement by providing teams and leadership with real-time data to assess performance. They help identify areas for improvement, ensure that work is aligned with business goals, and support decisions related to process optimization. Metrics like lead time, cycle time, and throughput are all used to fine-tune processes for better delivery of value.
