Set Buffer Time from Recorded Estimation Differences
Buffer time is a reserve for delay or unplanned work. Give the reserve a purpose rather than leaving an unexplained gap.
Its size depends on the work and variation. Review actual duration against estimates instead of assuming one percentage fits every task.
Compare Estimated and Actual Duration
Record the estimate and actual time for a page update, including asset waits, revisions, and checks. Distinguish active effort from waiting to investigate causes.
Todoist’s scheduling guidance includes reviewing the plan. (Todoist: Time blocking)
Locate the Reserve Where It Is Needed
Unfamiliar work and daily support demand need different reserves. Recurring duties belong in the ordinary workload estimate.
When demand consistently exceeds capacity, review scope or staffing. Adding buffer alone may not solve the mismatch.
Use Reserve Consumption to Improve Estimates
Record where and why the reserve was used, updating routine estimates when needed. Use unspent time for agreed work or breaks.
Update service intake information when conditions change, reflecting the period you can actually support.
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