align-backlog

Map backlog items to strategic anchors and generate a Backlog Alignment Report.

7|3|Updated Jan 23, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/nesnilnehc/ai-cortex --skill align-backlog
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: align-backlog
Source: https://github.com/nesnilnehc/ai-cortex/tree/main/skills/align-backlog
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/nesnilnehc/ai-cortex --skill align-backlog

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Backlog items often drift away from current strategy, making it hard to demonstrate how work supports strategic targets. This skill provides a repeatable approach to map items to anchors, classify alignment, and surface concrete change proposals to restore strategic alignment.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Map items to strategic anchors (goals, milestones, roadmap themes) and identify misalignments.
  • Classify items as aligned, partially aligned, misaligned, or orphan, with evidence and rationale.
  • Generate a persistent Backlog Alignment Report (machine-readable block included) and store it at the defined path.

Quick Start

Provide your backlog items and strategy sources, and the Skill will generate a Backlog Alignment Report at docs/calibration/backlog-alignment.md.

Frequently Asked Questions about align-backlog

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I align my product backlog with current strategy and roadmap goals?

Backlog alignment classifies items as aligned, partially aligned, misaligned, or orphan by mapping them against strategic anchors like goals and roadmap themes. This identifies drift and surfaces concrete proposals to add, cut, merge, or reprioritize work.

What is the best way to identify orphan items during a backlog health check?

Identify orphan items during a backlog health check by mapping tasks against current strategic anchors. Items lacking evidence of supporting goals or roadmap themes are classified as orphans, enabling targeted cleanup and reprioritization proposals.

Can I run a backlog alignment analysis on a specific scope or subset of items?

Yes, you can apply backlog alignment to a specific subset using optional scope control. This targets specific portions during sprint planning or strategy refreshes without analyzing the entire work item repository, classifying partial scopes efficiently.

How do I generate a persistent backlog alignment report for governance documentation?

Generate a persistent backlog alignment report by mapping items to strategic anchors and saving the machine-readable output. The report includes alignment classifications and concrete change proposals, stored at a defined path like docs/calibration/backlog-alignment.md.

Does backlog alignment prevent unsafe edits to strategy and roadmap documentation?

Yes, backlog alignment prevents unsafe edits by requiring explicit user confirmation before applying proposed changes. This governance mechanism ensures that actions to cut, merge, or reprioritize items are reviewed before modifying strategy or roadmap documentation.