Cumulative Flow Diagram

Correct Answer: It shows the number of work items currently in that workflow state

The vertical distance between two workflow states in a Cumulative Flow Diagram (CFD) represents the number of work items currently in that specific workflow state. This is a fundamental principle of CFD visualization. The correct answer accurately describes this key concept - the vertical height between any two lines in a CFD shows the quantity of work items present in that particular state at any given point in time. The other options are incorrect because: - Total elapsed time is shown on the horizontal axis of a CFD, not by vertical distances - Team velocity is measured through other metrics and charts, not through vertical distances in a CFD - While WIP limits are important, they are not represented by the vertical distances between states in a CFD

Correct Answer: Work items are moving through multiple workflow states at the same time

When lines merge in a Cumulative Flow Diagram (CFD), it indicates that work items are moving through multiple workflow states simultaneously. This is the correct interpretation because: A CFD shows the quantity of work in different states over time, with each state represented by a colored band. When lines merge, it means the number of items in one state decreased while simultaneously increasing in another state, showing the flow of work items through multiple stages at once. The other options are incorrect because: - Adding color coding or labeling would not address what the merging lines actually represent in terms of workflow analysis - The speed of processing work items is not indicated by merging lines - this would be shown by the slope of the lines - System reconfiguration is not relevant, as merging lines are a normal and meaningful pattern in CFDs that provide valuable workflow insights

Correct Answer: The team has achieved a stable and predictable flow of work

A consistent horizontal band width across all stages in a Cumulative Flow Diagram (CFD) indicates that work items are flowing smoothly through the system at a steady pace. This demonstrates that: - Work items are moving through each stage at approximately the same rate - There is little to no work accumulation at any particular stage - The team has achieved a stable and predictable workflow - The system is operating with good flow and minimal variability The other answers are incorrect because: A team experiencing frequent bottlenecks would show varying band widths with visible bulges in the CFD where work accumulates. Work items accumulating at different rates would be visible as expanding and contracting bands in the diagram, not consistent horizontal bands. Optimal resource allocation with speed issues would still result in varying band widths as work would build up in certain stages of the process.