Does anyone have advice on what tool to use for a connection between Jira and Power BI?

Question

The reporting functionality in Jira is limited. We want to use Power BI. We want a synchronized connection between Jira and Power BI so the reports that we make with Power BI update automatically when new data comes in from Jira, just like the Jira dashboards that update automatically.

I want ask Atlassian as well, but I don't where I can submit a ticket for this, because when I try at support they keep referring me to support pages.

Minvan Cemyer · Answer

Connecting Jira with Power BI allows you to leverage your Jira data for insightful reporting and analytics. Here are some commonly used methods and tools to establish a connection between Jira and Power BI:

1. Jira Power BI Connector:
Consider using a third-party Jira Power BI Connector. Several connectors are available in the Power BI marketplace that facilitate the integration. These connectors simplify the process of pulling Jira data into Power BI.
2. REST API Integration:
Power BI has built-in support for consuming data from REST APIs. Jira provides a robust REST API that you can use to fetch data. You can create custom queries using Jira's REST API and import the data into Power BI using the "Web" connector.
3. Power Query:
Utilize Power Query within Power BI to connect directly to your Jira database or to an intermediate data storage that aggregates Jira data. Power Query allows you to transform and shape data before importing it into Power BI.
4. Jira Cloud for Power BI App:
If you're using Jira Cloud, there is a Jira Cloud for Power BI app available in the Power BI service. You can connect to your Jira Cloud instance using this app and build reports directly within Power BI.
5. Export to CSV/Excel:
Export Jira data to CSV or Excel format and then import the files into Power BI. While this method involves manual steps, it can be effective for smaller datasets or one-time analyses.
6. Use Plugins or Add-ons:
Explore Jira plugins or add-ons that facilitate data export in a format compatible with Power BI. Some Jira plugins provide enhanced reporting features that can be leveraged in Power BI.
Steps for REST API Integration:
Generate Jira API Token:

In your Jira instance, generate an API token for authentication. This is required for secure communication.
Identify Jira REST API Endpoints:

Determine the Jira REST API endpoints that correspond to the data you want to fetch (e.g., issues, projects, users).
Power BI Web Connector:

In Power BI, use the "Web" connector to connect to the Jira REST API. Provide the API endpoint URLs and configure authentication using the Jira username and API token.
Query and Transformation:

Use Power Query to refine and shape the data as needed. You can filter, aggregate, and transform the data before loading it into Power BI.
Load Data into Power BI:

Load the transformed data into Power BI. Create visualizations and reports based on your Jira data.
Considerations:
Ensure that your Jira instance allows API access and that you have the necessary permissions to retrieve data.
Protect sensitive data by using secure methods of authentication, such as API tokens.
Regularly update your data in Power BI to reflect changes in your Jira instance.
Choose the method that best aligns with your specific requirements, considering factors such as data volume, frequency of updates, and the complexity of your reporting needs.

Anna Odrynska - Alpha Serve · Answer

Hi @Stijn_Mensink

There is no default way to automatically update Power BI reports based on Jira data, regardless the integration you select.

We recommend to our customers who are using Power BI Connector for Jira app to set up the scheduled refresh on the Power BI side. Thus, they get the data updated automatically to the needed time or once in some time (the most often configuration of Power BI scheduled refresh is once in 30 minutes).

Feel free to take a look at this step-by-step guide how to configure it: https://aserve.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/PBCFJC/pages/1333624841/Real-time+Jira+reporting+and+scheduled+refresh

Cheers,

Anna from Alpha Serve

Marc -Devoteam- · Answer

Hi @Stijn_Mensink

There are multiple marketplace apps for such an integration, see powerbi .

I have used Power BI Connector for Jira, whit multiple clients and they are very with the integration and the data it provides to be used within PowerBI.

Still its a choice you would have to make, in relation to costs, security and risk, related to your company requirements off course.