In-built dependency analysis

[Fraser Macmillen]

Hi

I am new to Jira and would like to know what analysis is done on dependencies that adds value. For example: if task B has a due date 2022-Feb-25 and is dependent upon (is blocked by) completion of task A for which a due date is updated to 2022-Mar-25 - does Jira flag an issue automatically?

Would a circular reference be flagged?

Is there any analysis of linked tasks? - run automatically or which can be manually run?

If so - how are conflicts flagged / shown?

Can links be easily visualised?

As noted on the Atlassian website Jira started as an issue tracker, if it is "a powerful work management tool for all kinds of use cases" - then I would expect both clear visualisation and consistency checking of dependencies?

[Jack Brickey · Accepted solution]

Hi @Fraser Macmillen ,

for linked issues there is no analysis or behavior underlying the links. These are simply ways of connecting issues for your own benefit. In other words just because issue B is blocked by issue A nothing really blocks issue B from proceeding other than your process.

[Fraser Macmillen]

Thanks for the quick reply Jack.

Two follow on Qs then if no analysis:

 - is there at least easy visualisation of links? I've seen images of some connecting lines in a roadmap view, but only within a flat list of tasks, not a in a hierarchy with Epics etc

- does Atlassian have plans to develop capabilities here to make Jira a fully-fledged & generic (at least technical) project management tool - or should one really be looking to a different software for that task?

Best Regards, Fraser

[Jack Brickey]

I don't know of any visual solution OOTB but you might check the Marketplace for such. Here is one I found with a quick search - linkmap-the-dependencies-and-links-editor . As to whether Atlassian plans to do any development around this, as a customer of Atlassian products, I cannot say.