Optimize Jira workflow for software delivery

[Ladlamuzamil]

I've been using Jira to deliver software projects using a hybrid methodology and I am looking to improve our current workflow:

To do -> In Progress -> Testing -> Done

Currently, we have a staging/test environment and a production environment.

I am looking to improve the workflow based on the following:

• Both the tester and myself -PM- take part in the testing phase, and I would like to add a new layer for that if possible facial care
• I want to add another layer for client review before moving the tasks to Done
• Handle bugs without complicating the workflow.

My question is how can I improve the current workflow taking into consideration that I am optimizing for simplicity as we are a small team and delivering fast is more important than complex processes for us.

Thanks in advance.

[Alex Koxaras -Relational-]

Hi @Ladlamuzamil and welcome!

Your current workflow is rather simple. However, adding more and more factors/stages/statuses to it, there is no way to stay the same or less complex. In my opinion, it will always become more complex, one way or another. With that said, I would approach your question like this:

• I would add a new status called Client Review.
• On Testing status, I would add a self transition with certain condition (e.g. be visible only to Tester and to PM role)
  • I would add a new CF which will have the role of validating that testing has been performed by you and the tester
  • Once these two tests were assessed, only then I could send it for review by the client (I would add a validator on the "Send for review" transition.
• Of course, extra transitions for back to progress would be added from Testing and Client Review 
• FOr the bugs I wouldn't change a thing. They would follow the same workflow and they would be part of the main issue (and/or linked to a task/epic/story etc).  Perhaps I would add an extra transition from testing to Done (skipping the client review).

I think in this way you keep it rather clean, with only one new status (and perhaps a few new transitions).

Hope that helps!

Alex