Elapsed Time & Progress Percentage Optimization Guide
Core Equations
- Progress % = Elapsed / Total × 100
- Remaining % = 100 − Progress %
- Velocity (per unit) = Elapsed Units / Progress Factor
Progress Diagnostics
- Progress % < Planned % ⇒ schedule lag
- High % with low deliverable completion ⇒ front‑loaded time usage risk
- Flat % trend over intervals ⇒ blockage / resource constraint
Forecasting Heuristics
- Projected Finish = (Elapsed Time ÷ Progress Fraction)
- Acceleration Needed = (Remaining Work / Remaining Time)
- Slack % = Planned Progress − Actual Progress
Accuracy Enhancers
- Normalize units (convert all to seconds before ratio)
- Log period snapshots (time‑stamped) for trend slope
- Exclude approved pauses to avoid artificial lag inflation
Risk Flags
- Scope change without total time reset
- Elapsed > Total (data entry error)
- Remaining % grows between updates (mis-entered baseline)
FAQ
- Why convert to smallest unit? Prevent rounding distortion across mixed inputs.
- Can progress exceed 100%? Only if scope reduced post measurement—rebaseline required.
- Multiple phases? Track phase weighted factors then aggregate.
Action Tip: Pair progress % with deliverable quality metric to avoid false optimism from time consumption alone.