backlogs

Backlog is a collection of work items that have been identified but not yet completed or delivered. It serves as a repository from which items are selected for development or processing as capacity allows. In many organizations, backlogs help balance demand with available resources and provide visibility into pending work.

In software development, there are two main backlog concepts. The product backlog is a prioritized list of features, enhancements, and fixes that could be released in future iterations; it is routinely refined. The sprint backlog is the subset chosen for a current iteration, with defined tasks and estimates.

In manufacturing and operations, a backlog represents orders or jobs that have not yet been produced or fulfilled due to capacity limits or supply constraints. A backlog can indicate demand exceeds capacity or supply chain delays and can strain customer commitments.

Causes and consequences: Backlogs arise from insufficient capacity, scope changes, late discovery of requirements, dependencies, or inefficient prioritization. A growing backlog can delay value delivery, increase lead times, raise costs, and harm customer satisfaction.

Management: Effective backlog management includes regular grooming or refinement, clear acceptance criteria, prioritization, and alignment with strategic goals. In agile contexts, frameworks like Scrum use product and sprint backlogs; Kanban emphasizes work-in-progress limits to avoid expanding backlogs.

Metrics and risk: Common indicators include backlog size, age of items, priority distribution, and lead time. Managers monitor these to identify bottlenecks and to plan capacity, staffing, and process improvements. Proactive communication with stakeholders is essential to set expectations about delivery timelines.