• Product Vision is defined and shared with the team.
• Product Goal is documented and used as a north star.
• Strategic themes and epics are aligned with the Product Goal.
• Key metrics/KPIs are outlined to measure success.

• High-level items (epics, themes) are clearly distinguished from user stories.
• Naming conventions for items (e.g., prefix EPIC-, US-, BUG-) are established.
• Folder/board/lane structure is agreed upon (by goal, theme, persona, etc.).
• Labeling/tagging strategy is defined for filtering and grouping items.

• Backlog tool (e.g., Jira, Azure DevOps, Trello, ClickUp) is set up and accessible to all team members.
• User roles and permissions are configured appropriately (editing, commenting, etc.).
• Custom fields (like Business Value, Complexity, Risk) are configured.
• Templates for PBIs (user stories, bugs, tasks) are pre-filled with default structures.

• All PBIs include:
  • Clear title
  • User story format
  • Acceptance criteria
  • Priority
  • Estimation
• Readiness checklist is integrated into the tool (via labels, workflow, or automation).

• Initial PBIs are added for:
  • Key features
  • Technical spikes
  • Experiments or enablers
  • Bug or debt items (if relevant)
• Each item includes sufficient description for refinement.

• Prioritization method chosen (MoSCoW, WSJF, RICE, etc.).
• Initial prioritization applied to existing backlog items.
• Stakeholder input is reflected in prioritization.
• Prioritization cadence (weekly/monthly) is defined.

• Product Backlog is visible to the whole Scrum Team and stakeholders.
• Dashboard or visual board is set up for tracking high-level themes and progress.
• Reports/exports are configured for status sharing (e.g., in stakeholder reviews).

• Workflow stages (e.g., New → Refining → Ready → In Progress → Done) are defined.
• Each stage includes guidance or definitions for clarity.
• Automation rules (if any) are implemented (e.g., auto-move when estimated).

• Regular refinement sessions are scheduled in the team calendar.
• Product Owner or Manager is clearly assigned as the Backlog owner.
• Sprint Planning-ready PBIs are identified and maintained.
• Refinement metrics are defined (e.g., backlog readiness %, churn rate).

• A central document or page explains the backlog structure, rules, and guidelines.
• Version control or a changelog is maintained for major backlog updates.
• Legacy items (e.g., from old roadmaps) are archived or labeled.

• Use the AI capabilities of your tool to help write and split user stories.
• Use backlog analytics tools (e.g., Jira Product Discovery, Productboard).
• Add labels like "AI-Generated" for tracking AI-assisted stories.