Optimise for Flow
Delivering value quickly and safely via DevOps practices.
Flow Optimization System
DORA Metrics Framework
1. Deployment Frequency
- How often code is deployed to production
- Target: Multiple times per day
- Measurement: Deployments per day/week
2. Lead Time for Change
- Time from commit to production
- Target: Less than one hour
- Measurement: Average time in minutes
3. Change Failure Rate
- Percentage of deployments causing incidents
- Target: Less than 15%
- Measurement: Failed deployments / Total deployments
4. Mean Time to Recovery
- Time to recover from incidents
- Target: Less than one hour
- Measurement: Average recovery time
Implementation Tools
1. CI/CD Pipeline
pipeline:
stages:
- build:
- unit_tests
- integration_tests
- security_scan
- deploy:
- staging
- production
- monitor:
- health_checks
- metrics_collection
2. Value Stream Mapping
Implementation Guide
First 30 Days
- Establish baseline metrics
- Set up monitoring
- Document current process
60-90 Days
- Implement automation
- Reduce manual steps
- Establish feedback loops
Beyond 90 Days
- Continuous improvement
- Advanced automation
- Cross-team optimization
Anti-patterns
1. Manual Deployments
❌ Problem: Human error and slow delivery ✅ Solution: Automated deployment pipeline
2. Long Feedback Loops
❌ Problem: Delayed issue detection ✅ Solution: Continuous monitoring and alerts
3. Siloed Operations
❌ Problem: Disconnected teams ✅ Solution: DevOps culture and practices
Integration Points
With Other Practices
- Supports Cost Optimization
- Enables Motivation
- Drives Mission Delivery
With Tools & Systems
- CI/CD platforms
- Monitoring systems
- Incident management
Related Topics
Pro Tip: Focus on reducing lead time and increasing deployment frequency while maintaining stability. Speed without safety is dangerous.
Further Reading
- “Accelerate” by Nicole Forsgren
- “The DevOps Handbook” by Gene Kim
- “Continuous Delivery” by Jez Humble