How to update Jira issue field values after editing from an excel file?

Question

Hello,

we're handling requirement lists in Jira, using also the Structure plugin by Alm Works.

Sometimes we export the issue data to excel files, because we need to populate some fields based on calculations.

After having completed the calculation, we'd like to find, if possible, a smarter way than filling in each issue field in Jira by hand.

Sometimes we use the CSV import function, but I wonder if there's a smarter way to do the job, or an available plugin which could be used, to avoid the need of formatting and saving a CSV file, start the wizard, etc... (the best would be to not need to start the wizard, as not all users are allowed to do this).

I was thinking to generate the output CSV file from Excel by some VBA macro, and save it on a web location reachable by JIRA, then scheduling some Jira script to go read the CSV and then update the issue, but before trying to reinvent the wheel, may be there's some ready plug in for this?

Thanks in advance for any hint.

Ciao, Andrea

ABoerio · Answer

Thank you both.

We're already making a lot of calculations using the jira custom fields as well as the formula columns that can be added into a Structure (using the plugin by Alm Works).

I'm also making extensive use of Scriptrunner.

I'd say we're already calculating everything we can calculate within Jira, but this piece of the job has to be done outside Jira. Also because, sometimes, the people who interact with the exported excel file don't even make use of Jira. This happens for example when sharing the excel file with customers or external collaborators, to whom we simply ask to return to us the "form" filled in.

While looking on the net, I was thinking about trying this one, actually,

https://marketplace.atlassian.com/apps/1214580/excel-like-issue-editor-for-jira?hosting=server&tab=overview

which seems quite simple.

unknown · Answer

Much better than auto import

Iago Docando · Answer

Hello there :)

It seems that your problem comes solely from the need of having to make whatever calculation in excel.

Have you checked the calculated custom fields that come with jira misc custom fields? Maybe that simplifies A LOT your process. Give it a try.

https://marketplace.atlassian.com/apps/27136/jira-misc-custom-fields