---
title: How can Throughput help a Scrum Team manage their capacity and meet customer needs?
description: "[Throughput](https://www.thescrummaster.co.uk/glossary/throughput/), which measures the number of work items completed per unit of time, is a vital metric for managing a [Scrum Team](https://www.thescrummaster.co.uk/glossary/scrum-team/)'s capacity and ensuring they can meet customer needs. By comparing [Throughput](https://www.thescrummaster.co.uk/glossary/throughput/) with incoming work items, teams can assess…"
url: "https://www.thescrummaster.co.uk/docs/how-can-throughput-help-a-scrum-team-manage-their-capacity-and-meet-customer-needs/"
updated: "2024-12-19"
category: Good Practices / Flow Metrics
---

# How can Throughput help a Scrum Team manage their capacity and meet customer needs?

[Throughput](https://www.thescrummaster.co.uk/glossary/throughput/), which measures the number of work items completed per unit of time, is a vital metric for managing a [Scrum Team](https://www.thescrummaster.co.uk/glossary/scrum-team/)'s capacity and ensuring they can meet customer needs. By comparing [Throughput](https://www.thescrummaster.co.uk/glossary/throughput/) with incoming work items, teams can assess whether they have sufficient capacity to handle the current workload. If the [Throughput](https://www.thescrummaster.co.uk/glossary/throughput/) consistently falls short of demand, it may indicate the need for adjustments in resource allocation, prioritisation, or process improvements.

Additionally, tracking [Throughput](https://www.thescrummaster.co.uk/glossary/throughput/) provides valuable insights into the team's productivity and efficiency. By analysing [Throughput](https://www.thescrummaster.co.uk/glossary/throughput/) trends over time, teams can identify periods of high or low productivity and investigate the underlying causes. This understanding allows for proactive management of capacity and workload, ensuring the team can maintain a steady pace and deliver [Value](https://www.thescrummaster.co.uk/glossary/value/) to customers consistently. [Throughput](https://www.thescrummaster.co.uk/glossary/throughput/) data also supports more informed decision-making when planning future Sprints and selecting the appropriate amount of work to commit to.