Configuring One-Time Editable Original Estimates for Team in Jira

Question

I'm fairly new to Jira. We currently use hours estimates as original estimates, and now our manager has requested a setup where team members can enter their estimates only once and won't be able to edit them afterward. The responsibility of editing these estimates should be restricted to me.

I'd greatly appreciate step-by-step instructions on how to achieve this configuration. Since I'm new to Jira, detailed guidance would be incredibly helpful.

Jack Brickey · Answer

Hi @Hamza D_ , natively Jira does not have a field restriction feature. It really should be handled by process and training of users. However, you could consider creating an automation rule to notify someone if the original estimate has been updated. You will have the original estimate in the history. You could also do more complicated things like add an additional field to record the initial original estimate and not have that on the screens. But personally, I think that's overkill.

Patrik Korovsky · Answer

Hello @Hamza D_ ,

Jira does not have this exact feature readily available, you can set up a workaround using workflow properties and conditions. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Modify the Workflow: You will need to make changes to your project's workflow.

* Navigate to Jira settings.
* Go to Workflows and select the workflow linked to the relevant issue type.
* Click on Diagram mode.

2. Add a Status for Entering Estimates:

* Add a new status, e.g., 'Estimation'.
* For the transition that leads from this 'Estimation' status, you should enforce that the Original Estimate field is changed. This can be done using a workflow validator.

3. Restrict Editing after Estimates are Entered:

* After the 'Estimation' status, you'll have your next status, e.g., 'In Progress' or whatever is suitable for your workflow.
* For the transition from 'Estimation' to this next status, use properties to deny editing of the issue, except for you. This way, once the issue transitions out of the 'Estimation' status, team members cannot modify the Original Estimate.

As an alternative, you could consider setting up the screen schemes such that the estimation field is only available during issue creation and hidden during the view/edit.

Links for Your Reference:

* Status Properties: Jira Workflow Properties
* Workflow Validators: Jira Workflow Validators
* Field behaviour (screens and hiding:) Specifying field behavior

I understand this might seem a bit convoluted, especially if you are new to Jira. Remember to test the changes in a test environment or on a test project first to ensure everything works as intended without disrupting your team's workflow. Let me know if you need any further clarification or assistance.