What's the best way to link very similar issues to show that one is the most current (newest)?

Question

Let's assume that I have an issue to improve the process for handling customer rescheduling, and that this issue was completed (resolved) in June 2018.

Fast forward to July 2020 and we now have a new issue to further improve the rescheduling process. This ticket will build upon the earlier one, but along the way we may also remove or change the functionality to the point that the first issue is no longer 'accurate', in terms of what the process does now.

Obviously we want to keep the original issue in tact, as it gives us a history of what was done and when. But I am unsure as to what is the simplest way to make it clear that:

* the two tickets involved the same process/feature/functionality
* The newer ticket builds upon the original
* The original ticket may now be outdated, in terms of the resolution. In other words, the newer ticket may have changed what is detailed in the solution for the original issue
* The newer issue should be considered the 'most current' solution

I'm sure I am overthinking this, but I feel like there could be a simple solution that I am missing. Surely this must be a common situation and I'd like to know how others solve this problem.

Bill Sheboy · Answer

Hi @Brandon

There is also a suggestion to add the ability to order the linked issues, such as by status or a custom field.  Here is the item if you want to review/vote for it:

Ability to order the linked Issues

https://jira.atlassian.com/browse/JRACLOUD-68543

Best regards,

Bill

Ste Wright · Answer

Hi @Brandon

I like John's option - as you can add a new link type such as "supersedes" or "continues" - specific for this use case.

If you're looking to use a more common, existing link type - I usually go with "relates to" to show the issues are at least loosely linked :)

Ste

John Funk · Answer

Hi Brandon,

You can actually create new Issue Linking types that might provide more relationship information that could make your points above clearer.

Go to Settings > Issues > Issue Linking to add new issue linking types.