Work Item Age Run Chart
Work Item Age is the time elapsed since the work item started. A run chart is a line graph showing changes in a data series over time. This chart displays the average age of a work item and the total age of all work items in progress over time.
What you'll find in this article
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How do I read this chart?
Each dot represents the work-in-progress for a given day. The dot's placement shows two things:
The date for the data (horizontal axis)
The total or average age of your WIP, depending on the line, for the chosen date (vertical axis)
How Work Item Age is calculated
We use your workflow stage controls to get key information for calculating Work Item Age:
Your first checked workflow stage – the point when items are considered started
Your last checked workflow stage – the point when items are considered complete
With these points defined, you can identify your WIP as the work items between them.
Getting more info on dots and work items
Hover over any dot to see the average and total Work Item Age for items in progress that day.
Select any dot to see the work item dialog which details more granular information about what is contained in each data point.
Why is Work Item Age so important?
Work Item Age is arguably the most important flow metric for teams focused on improving their delivery. Why? Because it deals with the here and now – it highlights work that is currently in progress and potentially at risk of taking too long. Cycle Time and Throughput are lagging indicators (they look at completed work), but Work Item Age is a leading indicator. It gives you an early warning when something is languishing.
Controlling age can dramatically improve your predictability. If you manage only one thing, manage the age of your work items.
Key Chart Controls
Run Chart Line Toggles
The controls to toggle the Average Age and Total Age lines on and off are located at the bottom of the chart.
Data Control
To activate the Data Control, select the corresponding symbol in the top right-hand corner of the chart.
Item Filter
You can filter down the dots shown on this chart by choosing one or more available filters.
If you want to clear your filters so that all dots show up again, you click the Reset button.
Additional Chart Controls
Workflow Stages
Deselect undesired workflow states to see Work Item Age for a specific segment of your workflow.
If you have any questions, please submit them to our help desk.