ship-backlog

Manage prioritized feature backlogs sorted by RICE score from BACKLOG.md.

2|1|Updated Mar 9, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/Acendas/shipyard --skill ship-backlog
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: ship-backlog
Source: https://github.com/Acendas/shipyard/tree/main/plugins/shipyard/skills/ship-backlog
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/Acendas/shipyard --skill ship-backlog

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

backlog management is a core part of product planning. Ship-backlog helps teams view, groom, and manage the prioritized backlog sorted by RICE score. Use when you want to see the backlog, reprioritize features, run a grooming session, clean up stale items, declare backlog bankruptcy, or decide what to work on next.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • View, groom, and manage the prioritized backlog sorted by RICE score (Reach × Impact × Confidence ÷ Effort).
  • Data model: BACKLOG.md is an ordered index of feature IDs; feature data (title, RICE, points, status, complexity) is read from feature files on display.
  • Commands and context support for grooming, ranking, bankruptcy, and sprint planning (via shipyard-context and /ship-* commands).

Quick Start

Start by viewing the backlog and then groom, rank, or bankrupt items using the available commands.

Frequently Asked Questions about ship-backlog

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I prioritize my product backlog using the RICE framework?

Backlog prioritization using RICE automates feature ranking by calculating Reach × Impact × Confidence ÷ Effort. It reads feature metadata including points, status, and complexity from your feature files to enforce a RICE-based sort across sprint planning and grooming sessions.

What is backlog bankruptcy and when should I use it?

Backlog bankruptcy is a grooming operation that cleans up stale items by removing or resetting outdated features from your prioritized list. You should use it when your backlog accumulates abandoned features and you need to declare a fresh start for accurate sprint planning.

How do I run a backlog grooming session for sprint planning?

Backlog grooming sessions are supported through dedicated commands that let you view, reprioritize, and manage features sorted by RICE score. You can rank items, clean up stale entries, or declare backlog bankruptcy to decide what to work on next.

Do I need specific feature metadata for RICE-based backlog sorting to work?

Yes, RICE-based backlog sorting requires feature metadata including points, RICE score, and status to function correctly. The Skill reads this data from individual feature files referenced by the BACKLOG.md index to display and rank your prioritized items.

What's the best way to manage feature lifecycle and ranking in a sprint?

Feature lifecycle management and ranking is best handled by automating prioritization with RICE scores across sprint planning and grooming scenarios. This approach enforces a consistent RICE-based sort while supporting operations to view, groom, and bankrupt backlog items.

Can I use BACKLOG.md as an ordered index for feature management?

Yes, BACKLOG.md serves as an ordered index of feature IDs for feature management. The Skill reads this index and pulls detailed feature data like title, RICE, points, and status from individual feature files on display to maintain your prioritized backlog.