Cumulative flow diagram
Also known as CFD, Cumulative flow chart
Definition
A cumulative flow diagram shows how many work items occupy each workflow state over time. The thickness of a band represents the amount of work in that state, while the spacing between boundaries helps reveal movement and waiting.
See work accumulate
A cumulative flow diagram places workflow states on top of one another across time. A growing band means more work is accumulating in that state. A widening distance between started and finished boundaries suggests rising WIP or longer elapsed flow time.
A concrete example
An illustrative team sees its review band grow from three items to twelve while the implementation band stays flat. The diagram does not say why, but it directs attention to reviewer capacity, review policy, and change size rather than to starting more implementation work.
Set honest boundaries
Use stable state definitions and decide how reopened, cancelled, and blocked items appear. Keep the chart readable by grouping states that support the decision being made. Pair the visual with item age and throughput so volume is not mistaken for progress.
Limitations
The diagram is descriptive. It can show where work accumulates but cannot by itself establish causation or value. Poorly maintained states can make a smooth-looking chart that describes the board rather than the actual workflow.
How this relates to Weave
Weave can help teams investigate the change activity and review events that explain a flow pattern. Use it alongside the system that records workflow states, because repository events alone do not represent every product or operational item.
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