> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://stepsize.gitbook.io/stepsize-documentation/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://stepsize.gitbook.io/stepsize-documentation/workflows/using-stepsize-in-your-planning-process.md).

# Using Stepsize in your planning process

Stepsize brings a new level of visibility to tech debt.

The best way to ensure reported issues get fixed is to make good practices a habit during your sprint cycles. Stepsize is the ideal tool for this.

{% hint style="info" %}
Haven't invited your team to Stepsize yet? Open the [Stepsize web app](https://app.stepsize.com) and head to `Settings` > `Members`. Head over to our guide on inviting collaborators for more information.
{% endhint %}

## **Allocating resource to fixing issues**

Teams that have a strategy for managing tech debt [ship 50% faster](https://stepsize.com/blog/cost-of-technical-debt). When teams use Stepsize to do this, they ship [3 times faster](https://stepsize.com).

To manage tech debt effectively, pay it back quickly and regularly.

Here are two methods your team could use:

1. Allocate 15-20% of resources to refactoring code and fixing bugs in every sprint cycle
2. Allocate entire sprints to deal with tech debt on a regular basis, such as every quarter

## **Planning to fix tech debt**

Use a portion of your team's sprint planning to agree which issues to prioritise.

For example, you could

* Prioritise issues which impact the current work
* Prioritise issues which are lowering morale<br>

## **Identifying issues to fix using the visualisation tool**

At the top of the Stepsize sidebar, navigate to `Visualisation`.

The visualisation shows you a visual representation of your codebase, which acts as a heamap for issues in your codebase.

You can filter your visualisation based on tags your team uses.

![Using the Visualisation tool in Stepsize](https://res.cloudinary.com/drvhrxrne/image/upload/v1671455776/samples/product_guides/visualisation_zoe31i.gif)

## **What next?**

Stepsize has a range of powerful tools which help you surface tech debt during your code review process. Learn more about this in the next guide.