> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.cortex.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.cortex.io/solutions/dora.md).

# DORA metrics

The DORA framework is a set of metrics that help teams measure software delivery performance. DORA metrics give engineering teams clear insights into how fast, reliable, and efficient their development practices are. This empowers teams to track progress, identify bottlenecks, and drive continuous improvement. Read more about these metrics in the [dora.dev guide](https://dora.dev/guides/dora-metrics-four-keys/).

<figure><img src="/files/7G63Xdl7zEpg3hqR7Cog" alt="Cortex can help you improve DORA metrics." width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### How Cortex helps with DORA initiatives

Cortex moves DORA from status reporting to an actionable loop:

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Measure

Measure and visualize your metrics in the [DORA Dashboard](/solutions/dora/configure.md#step-2-review-eng-intelligence-baseline-metrics).
{% endstep %}

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### Investigate

Drill down into underlying data in Data Explorer.
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{% step %}

### Take action

Codify expectations by [launching a Scorecard](/solutions/dora/configure.md#step-3-create-a-dora-scorecard), allowing you to continuously evaluate entities against DORA standards using live data from integrated tools.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Validate impact

[Review your DORA Dashboard](/solutions/dora/in-action.md#analyze-and-act-on-trends-in-eng-intelligence-metrics) to see improved metrics, validating the impact of the DORA Metrics Scorecard and other initiatives.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

### Understanding DORA benchmarks and performance levels

Before getting started, we recommend reviewing the latest [State of DevOps report](https://cloud.google.com/devops/state-of-devops) to understand the current performance level standards for the key DORA metrics.

According to the 2024 DORA State of DevOps report, performance level is assessed based on the following benchmarks:

<table><thead><tr><th>Performance level</th><th>Change lead time</th><th width="182.5625">Deployment frequency</th><th>Change fail rate</th><th>MTTR</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Elite</strong></td><td>>1 day</td><td>On demand (multiple per day)</td><td>5%</td><td>>1 hour</td></tr><tr><td><strong>High</strong></td><td>1 day-1 week</td><td>1x/day - 1x/week</td><td>10%</td><td>>1 day</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Medium</strong></td><td>1 week-1 month</td><td>1x/week - 1x/month</td><td>20%</td><td>>1 day</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Low</strong></td><td>1-6 months</td><td>1x/month - 1x/6 months</td><td>40%</td><td>1 week-1 month</td></tr></tbody></table>

## Drive and maintain DORA standards in Cortex

Learn how to configure Cortex features for DORA metric improvements: [**Standardize and automate DORA benchmarks**](/solutions/dora/configure.md).

Learn about maintaining DORA benchmarks and continuously improving: [**DORA metrics in action**](/solutions/dora/in-action.md).

{% hint style="success" %}
Looking for additional resources on enforcing DORA standards in Cortex?

* Check out the [Cortex Academy "Operationalizing DORA Metrics" course](https://academy.cortex.io/courses/cortex-solutions-operationalizing-dora-metrics), available to all Cortex customers and POVs.
* See Cortex's "Operationalizing DORA Metrics" webinar with Google Cloud's DORA program leader, Nathen Harvey, and learn about the key takeaways [in our blog](https://www.cortex.io/post/from-insight-to-impact-key-takeaways-from-our-dora-webinar-with-nathen-harvey).
  {% endhint %}