Can I set a Jira automation for returning an issue when the time spent field is blank?

[Natalia Tanko]

I'd like to set up a Jira automation that doesn't allow tickets to be closed when the time spent field is blank/has not been filled out. 

Ideally, it would be something like this: 

when issue moved from ((in progress --> in review) OR (in review --> closed/done))

If time spent is empty

issue transitioned to in progress AND

comment added "please log time spent in order to close the issue" 

[Alex Koxaras -Relational-]

Hi @Natalia Tanko 

Why you don't add a "Field required validator" to these transitions?

This will not allow the user to transition the issue to the next status.

To do that:

• GO to project > project settings
• Workflows > Edit the desirable workflow
• Click "Diagram" on the workflow
• Find the transitions to which you want to impose this validator
• Click on the transition > Validator
• Click Add > "Field Required Validator"
• Click Add > Publish Workflow
• Test that the above works

[Natalia Tanko]

Our company uses workflows across multiple projects, and I don't have permission to edit the workflow myself. 

That's why I'm hoping to use automation, but I'm open to other ideas/suggestions! 

[Alex Koxaras -Relational-]

I would suggest that you contact your jira admin and ask him to do these changes. The above is by far a better UX than creating a jira automation which returns the issue back to another status. This will confuse the user for sure ("But I'm sure that I moved it to "In Review"! Why it keeps getting back to in progress? I receive no message about it!)

[Nic Brough -Adaptavist-]

Automation is not the way to do this (because it would make it look like the Automation has destroyed data that the user deliberately entered), you need a condition or validator on the workflow.

[Natalia Tanko]

I am 100% sure that my admin will not let me change the workflow as it's used across a variety of teams at our company. 

Instead of sending the issue back in the workflow, is there a way to just send a comment if timespent is empty? This way it's a notification of some sort, but we don't have to mess with the workflow at all?? 

[Nic Brough -Adaptavist-]

Automation can send emails, yes.