While reviewing the SMRP Best Practices (pp. 202–204), I noticed a potential ambiguity that I would like to open for discussion.
In the sample calculation, planned backlog is explicitly described as work not yet ready to be scheduled, and ready work is treated as a separate category. However, the formula for Planned Backlog (weeks) sums Planned Work + Ready Work, and the Best-in-Class Target Value later refers to Total Backlog (available and unavailable).
Conceptually, planned backlog and ready backlog represent different levels of work maturity within the work management process. From that perspective, the formula appears to be calculating a total backlog horizon, rather than planned backlog in the strict sense.
My question for the group:
Is SMRP intentionally using "planned backlog" as an operational synonym for total backlog (planned + ready) when expressed in weeks, or would it be more appropriate to distinguish these as separate indicators to better assess planning and scheduling maturity?
I am interested in how others interpret and apply this distinction in practice.
------------------------------
Luis Valencia Morón
Gerente General
Asset Healt Management E.I.R.L.
Lima
------------------------------