Managing dates in Jira Premium

[BenWade]

Hi everyone,

So, after several months, we opted for Jira Premium. I created a plan and noticed all these warning signs. They are all related to dates

I added 'Dates' tab with custom date fields to all issues in Jira, including epics and subtasks

Using these fields I can filter issues in the issue navigator which I found useful. 

The thing is, I do not know how dates should be managed in Jira. What are the best practices?

Currently, I have a standard hierarchy level (Epic -> Story/Task -> SubTask), but it will be adjusted. The new one will be Theme -> Initiative -> Epic -> Story -> Subtask.

My question is, how should dates be managed? Should parent issues inherit dates from child issues, or vice versa? Or what should I do? Should I somehow automate date fields?

In addition, I now have the Roll-up functionality in 'View Settings.' From what I understand, this functionality is directly linked to dates as well. In my case, it does not show up on the timeline because, as you already know, I don't have a proper protocol for dates. Maybe someone could elaborate how to use this functionality peoperly.

[eugenio_onofre · Accepted solution]

Hi @BenWade

There is no official guideline on how to use dates on a hierarchy level of tickets. But there are some best practices in a couple frameworks, such as Scrum.

Let's say you have the below example following your hierarchy scheme: Theme -> Initiative -> Epic -> Story -> Subtask

- Theme
-- Initiative
--- Epic
---- Story
----- Subtask (due 12/20)

Considering that they are hierarchically related, since the last subtask is due on 12/20, this date should be replicated to the above types. By definition, a story can be marked as resolved only when all subtasks are completed, and that follows the same logic for Epics and Initiatives.

I would strongly recommend using Jira default date fields, such as Start Date and Due Date.

Hope this can help you define your date structure.

Best Regards!

[BenWade]

Thank you for your help, Eugenio. This absolutely sounds logical. 

Waht about roll-up functionality. What dates does it follow?