UNDERSTAND THE CONCEPT
Backlog in weeks expresses estimated remaining work divided by available weekly capacity for the same crew or skill. It is a planning indicator, not a universal target. Unestimated orders and work waiting on engineering can make a single total misleading.
Show ready backlog separately from total backlog and break out risk, age and craft. Capacity should reflect the hours available for this work after known assignments and absences. A falling backlog can indicate completion, but it can also reflect cancelled work or reduced estimates; retain those movements.
Questions to take back to your team
- Is the backlog estimated in consistent labour-hours?
- Are ready and blocked work separated?
- Does capacity match the same craft and planning period?
Further reading
Explore the primary references below. Requirements and applicability depend on your organization and jurisdiction.
