Product managers are expected to collaborate in planning enabler work by establishing what?

Product managers are expected to collaborate in planning enabler work by establishing capacity allocation because it helps determine how much work can be allocated to different types of activities within the team. Capacity allocation refers to the distribution of the team's available bandwidth to various types of work, including new features, maintenance, and enabler work. This strategic management of capacity is crucial during planning to ensure that enabler work, which supports future development and enhances the system architecture, is adequately resourced and prioritized alongside other work items.

Emphasizing capacity allocation allows product managers to communicate effectively about the resources available for enablers, ensuring that these essential elements are not overlooked in favor of immediate, visible features. This approach helps maintain a balance between delivering value and fostering sustainable technical development and innovation.