ReadyItems

ReadyItems are predefined, fully prepared work items in a planning queue that are ready to be taken up in a sprint or other work cycle. A ReadyItem typically includes a clearly stated goal, well-defined acceptance criteria, an estimate, identified dependencies, and an assigned owner. It is considered free of blockers and has a stable, scoped description that does not require further significant changes before work begins. The concept aligns with the Definition of Ready used in agile methodologies, and teams use it to improve planning reliability and flow.

In practice, ReadyItems are curated during backlog refinement sessions. They pass a checklist that may include scope clarity, test data availability, dependencies resolved, non-functional requirements noted, and a determined priority. Once all criteria are met, items are moved from the backlog into the Ready state, making them eligible for selection in the upcoming sprint or iteration. ReadyItems can exist in software development, product management, and operations work, and are commonly tracked in issue trackers or project management tools with a DoR tag or similar marker.

Benefits include faster sprint planning, reduced risk of mid-sprint scope changes, and improved cross-functional clarity. Potential drawbacks include the risk of over-refinement, delays in getting to the Ready state, or creating bottlenecks if teams treat readiness as a gatekeeper rather than a planning aid.

See also: Definition of Ready, backlog refinement, sprint planning.