In a world where time is money, a question we're often asked at Synx is "why do you charge points instead hours?". This decision isn’t just about metrics or measurements; it’s about the very essence of what we believe in — delivering value, not just time.
The time trap
The traditional method of tracking hours has long been the industry standard, and there's a reason why—it’s simple, quantifiable, and provides a direct measure of effort. There's a catch to it though; not all hours are created equal.
We’ve all experienced endless hours spent in meetings, the time lost in figuring out complex problems, and the inevitable moments where work stretches far beyond the original estimate. The question then becomes, is time the best measure of the value we provide?
At Synx, we realised that the time trap wasn’t serving our clients or our team. The focus on hours often led to a misguided emphasis on how long something took, rather than how valuable the outcome was. We found that the true measure of success wasn’t in the ticking clock, but in the impact of the work itself.
The shift to value-based points
So we made a fundamental change in how we measure our work. Instead of hours, we started using value-based points. This wasn’t just a change in the tools we use; it was a shift in mindset.
Value-based points allow us to focus on outcomes rather than inputs. They measure the complexity, the strategic importance, and the ultimate impact of a task. By assigning points based on value, we can better prioritise the work that truly matters. This ensures that every action we take is aligned with our clients’ goals, delivering the maximum possible value.
But there’s more to this story. Value-based points also empower our team because they allow us to avoid the burnout that comes from chasing hours and instead fosters a culture of efficiency and innovation. Our team are encouraged to find the most effective solutions, knowing that their efforts will be recognised not by how long they worked, but by the value they created.
A tale of two companies: value-based points in action
Let’s consider an example: two companies, Company A and Company B, both require the same technical solution—a new e-commerce feature to enhance user experience.
For Company A, this feature is a minor upgrade to an already successful platform with a steady customer base. The impact is incremental, and while important, it’s a small piece of their overall strategy. Based on this, the task is assigned a moderate number of points, reflecting the moderate impact it will have on their business.
Now, let’s look at Company B. They are a startup entering a competitive market, and this e-commerce feature is a crucial component of their go-to-market strategy. The success of this feature could make or break their launch, determining their ability to attract and retain customers. For Company B, the same technical solution carries significantly more weight and is therefore assigned a higher number of points.
The time and technical effort required might be similar for both companies, but the value they derive from the solution is vastly different. This is why at Synx, we assess each task based on the specific context of the client’s needs and the impact it will have on their business. It’s not about the hours logged; it’s about the difference made.
A case for creativity and efficiency
We were recently tasked with developing a new feature for a client’s platform. If we had measured this work in hours, the focus would have been on the time spent coding, testing, debugging, documenting and training. However, by using value-based points, the emphasis shifted to how this feature would improve user engagement and drive business goals.
The result? Our team didn’t just deliver a feature—they delivered a solution that far exceeded the client’s expectations. The time spent wasn't as important compared to the value created. This is the power of focusing on value over time.