What is the purpose of exit criteria in a logistics plan?

• A. Conditions that must be met before moving to the next phase
• B. The budget approval step
• C. Conditions that must be met before moving to the next phase or releasing a portion of operations, ensuring readiness and compliance
• D. A performance review after deployment

Answer: (C)

Exit criteria are the measurable conditions that signal a phase is ready to advance or that a portion of operations can be released, ensuring everything is ready and compliant before moving forward. In a logistics plan, they act as gates that prevent premature transitions by confirming key readiness factors—such as system functionality, process reliability, regulatory compliance, and training—are in place.

That’s why the best choice includes both moving to the next phase and releasing a portion of operations, with an emphasis on readiness and compliance. It captures the forward-looking, gating role of exit criteria, not just a single step like budget approval or a post-deployment review. For example, you might require high inventory accuracy, stable transportation schedules, IT system integration, and safety checks completed before you proceed or begin a phased rollout.