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Data-Driven Engineering ​

Definition: Data-Driven Engineering is a management approach where decisions are based on the objective analysis of engineering data, rather than relying solely on intuition, tradition, or anecdotal evidence. It involves treating the engineering organization itself as a system that can be measured, analyzed, and improved.

Core Principles ​

  • Objective Measurement Over Subjective Feeling This principle emphasizes using quantitative metrics to understand what is happening.

    Example: Instead of saying "I feel like code reviews are slow," a data-driven approach measures PR Review Time to identify the actual average duration and variance.

  • Focus on Trends, Not Absolutes The value is in observing patterns and changes over time, not in judging a single number in isolation.

    Key Insight: A rising Rework Rate over several months is a clear signal of declining code quality or unclear requirements, prompting investigation. A single high number for one sprint might just be an anomaly.

  • Decisions Informed by Data Data should be a primary input for strategic and tactical decisions. This includes:

    • Process Improvements: Using Cycle Time data to justify a new, streamlined deployment process.

    • Resource Allocation: Directing mentorship efforts towards teams with high Code Churn.

    • Investment Justification: Showing the business the cost of delay caused by high Technical Debt.

  • Empowerment Through Visibility The goal is not top-down control. It's about providing teams with access to their own data so they can self-correct and take ownership of their processes and outcomes.

Relevance in Engineering ​

In a complex engineering environment, it's impossible for any single person to have a complete picture. Data-Driven Engineering provides a shared, objective view of reality that aligns teams and leaders. It elevates conversations from debates based on opinion to discussions based on evidence. This allows leaders to make smarter investments, helps teams to identify and solve their own problems, and creates a culture of continuous, measurable improvement that is fair and transparent.

Associated Metrics ​