Automation or Script Runner?

[Julia Foden]

Hi 

I'm trying to do something with automation but think it can't be done so I'm looking for advice. What I need to do:

• An issue can have between 1 and 6 subtasks.
• There is a custom field select list with values 0 to 10. This field is on the subtasks and on the parent.
• The field is not editable on the parent. The parent should take the highest value from its subtasks.

The trigger is not a problem - could be a workflow transition or a field edit or even scheduled.

Converting the strings in the select list to numbers for maths is not a problem.

The problem is how to get the highest value from the subtasks. Lookup cannot access custom fields. I have tried using a variable for each potential subtask and then branches but this doesn't work because the branches don't run sequentially, and I can't put the main branch on pause until all the other branches have completed. Advanced compare between the subtask's value and the parent's value doesn't work because we need to compare the values from all the other subtasks.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

If this can't be done with automation, I guess it could be done with Script Runner, looping through the subtasks, putting the values in a list, sorting it, and then putting the highest value in the parent? I don't have Script Runner but would do a trial if necessary so any suggestions on docs, tutorials etc also welcome.

Thanks!

[Bill Sheboy · Accepted solution]

Hi @Julia Foden 

Although I wish lookup issues supported more fields, that may not be added due to performance and other issues.

A work-around for your use case with lookup issues is to use JQL to order and grab the relevant issue's key:

• action: lookup issues on JQL for the sub-tasks which orders by the custom field, ascending
• branch: on the JQL for the key from the last value in the lookup: key = {{lookupIssues.key.last}}
  • action: create a variable to save the value of the custom field
• ...
• action: use the created variable to update the parent

Best regards,
Bill

[Julia Foden]

Fantastic @Bill Sheboy ! I was hoping you'd see this and you've given me the solution - thank you very much!