In the dynamic landscape of established software companies, a persistent clash often simmers beneath the surface – the tug-of-war between engineering teams and product teams. On one side stands the engineering faction, yearning to defend their work and capacity, while on the other side, the product team strives to predict timelines and product outcomes. This clash of priorities frequently creates a formidable barrier to successful product delivery. The linchpin lies in the ability to measure product capacity accurately and plan accordingly, providing a bridge that connects these seemingly conflicting objectives.

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The engineering team's yearning for defensibility stems from the desire to showcase the tangible impact of their efforts. Often working behind the scenes, engineers aim to establish a clear understanding of the value they bring to the table. By having a robust system in place to measure and communicate their contributions, engineers can assert their significance within the organization. This not only bolsters their confidence but also enables them to garner the necessary resources and support for their initiatives.

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Contrastingly, the product team's focus on predictability arises from the need to navigate the intricate web of timelines, expectations, and market demands. For a software company to thrive, product teams must chart a path that aligns with customer needs and market trends. This requires accurate predictions of when products or features will be ready for launch. Without this predictability, the company risks missed opportunities, dissatisfied customers, and budget overruns.

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The fundamental stumbling block here is that these two objectives often appear at odds with one another. Engineering desires the flexibility to delve deep into challenges, to iterate and innovate without constraints, which can make predicting timelines a Herculean task. On the other side, product teams rely on these timelines to chart their strategic course, and deviations can have cascading effects on the entire business plan.

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The silver bullet lies in effectively measuring and planning product capacity. This entails a holistic approach that encompasses technical complexity, available resources, and the team's historical performance. By quantifying the team's capabilities, software companies can create a framework that addresses both engineering's call for defensibility and product's need for predictability. When engineering can confidently communicate their capacity and its utilization, it brings transparency to their efforts, empowering them to stand by their work. Simultaneously, product teams armed with accurate capacity insights can craft timelines that are not based on wishful thinking but on empirical evidence.

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In conclusion, the perennial struggle between engineering and product teams at established software companies need not be a source of discord. By embracing the power of measuring product capacity accurately and planning accordingly, these two seemingly disparate objectives can harmonize. The ability to provide defensibility for engineering's efforts and predictability for product timelines resides in this crucial nexus. When companies master this delicate balance, they pave the way for seamless collaboration, successful product deliveries, and a cohesive path towards innovation and growth.

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• Bentley Wilson, CEO

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