Start timer when transitioning issue in automation

[suzanne_deasley]

Is there an option when setting up an automation to start timer for an issue when transitioning into in-progress status, for example?  There is a "start timer" feature on the issue but I don't see an action for this in when setting up a "THEN: action" in the automation.  Any help would be appreciated in case I am overlooking something.

[Bill Sheboy · Accepted solution]

Hi @suzanne_deasley -- Welcome to the Atlassian Community!

What do you mean by "start timer for an issue"?  What problem are you trying to solve?

If this is a feature added by a marketplace addon / app, I recommend checking the vendor's documentation to learn if the timers can be started with automation rules, such as by calling a REST API using a rule's Send Web Request action.

If instead you want to set a custom, date / time field to {{now}} a rule could do that.

If you want to see when an issue started an in-progress status while it is still in progress, there is a built-in field for that: statusCategoryChangedDate.  The value changes whenever an issue transitions from one category to another: To Do, In Progress, or Done.

Kind regards,
Bill

[suzanne_deasley]

When you open an issue in Jira, there is a Timesheet Time Tracker / Start Work button.  When you click it give you the option to Start Timer.  This starts a timer.  

I did not add this as an add-on.  I believe it's a built-in feature.  I would like to start this in an automation if possible.

[Bill Sheboy]

That looks like a marketplace app to me, and not a built-in feature.  Perhaps a replacement / addon for time keeping.

I recommend working with your Jira Site Admin to identify the app, and then contact the vendor to learn what automation options are available.

[suzanne_deasley]

Thanks, I didn't realize it was an add-on.  I will work with my admin.