generate-rom

Generate Rough Order of Magnitude effort estimates for backlog stories and epics.

Updated Dec 1, 2025
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/jterratsdev/smart-deployment --skill generate-rom-jterratsdev
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: generate-rom
Source: https://github.com/jterratsdev/smart-deployment/tree/main/.setup-agents/skills/generate-rom
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/jterratsdev/smart-deployment --skill generate-rom-jterratsdev

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve? Teams need coarse, order-of-magnitude effort estimates for stories and epics before sprint planning, but producing consistent ROM baselines with explicit assumptions is often skipped or done ad hoc. ## Core Features & Use Cases - T-shirt Sizing Baseline: Maps stories to XXS through XXL sizes based on human-equivalent effort days, with XXL acting as a split gate that routes oversized items to decomposition. - Ranged Estimates: Produces low, expected, and high effort ranges with explicit assumptions and exclusions instead of false-precision single numbers. - Local Backlog Recording: Records the ROM baseline against the repo-resident backlog task in .setup-agents/state/tasks.jsonl, with Atlassian MCP as an optional mirror only. - Use Case: A BA or PM refines an epic, estimates each story independently, rolls the results up to the epic, and records the ROM table so planning and prioritization can consume it. ## Quick Start Ask the assistant to generate a ROM estimate for a refined story or epic and record the baseline against the local backlog task.

Frequently Asked Questions about generate-rom

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I create a ROM estimate for a story or epic?

Estimate each refined story independently using t-shirt sizes mapped to human-effort days, then roll the results up to the epic. Record explicit assumptions and exclusions, and present low, expected, and high ranges rather than a single number.

What t-shirt sizes are used for effort estimation?

Sizes range from XXS (under 4 hours) through XS, S, M, L, and XL up to XXL (12+ days). XXL is treated as a split gate, meaning the item must be decomposed before any day value is assigned.

Does the ROM estimate get recorded in Jira?

No, the ROM is recorded against the repo-resident backlog task in .setup-agents/state/tasks.jsonl via local task and estimate commands. Atlassian MCP integration is optional and mirror-only.

When should a story be decomposed instead of estimated?

Any item sized XXL, meaning 12 or more human-effort days, should be handed to a decompose step before estimation. XXL is a split gate, not a valid estimate, because items that large carry too much uncertainty for planning.

Why does a ROM need assumptions and exclusions?

A ROM without stated assumptions and exclusions is unusable because consumers cannot judge its confidence or scope. Low-confidence estimates should be flagged for further refinement before any commitment is made.