Integrating Jira with Confluence for Project Status Updates

[Fahad Sarwar]

We are currently using the free plan of Jira, and I need to set up an automatic integration between Jira and Confluence. The goal is to display the project status for the our project on a Confluence page and ensure its updated in real-time from Jira. This page should be accessible to stakeholders without needing manual updates.

Specifically, I need help with the following:

1. How do I create a "Plan on a Page" for theour project in Confluence, summarizing key milestones, goals, and timelines?
2. How do I set up Jira-Confluence integration for project status updates, given that we are on a free plan?
3. What are the limitations of Jira and Confluence integration on the free plan, and how can we work around them if necessary?
4. How can I configure permissions so that stakeholder can view the Confluence page without needing access to Jira?

I need immediate assistance as we are planning to showcase the integration next week. Any advice, step-by-step guidance, or links to relevant documentation would be greatly appreciated!

[Shatakshi Mete]

Here’s how you can approach setting up Jira and Confluence integration on a free plan for your project’s status updates:

1. Creating a "Plan on a Page" in Confluence

• Step 1: Go to Confluence and create a new page for your project. You can start with a template like "Project Plan" or "Meeting Notes" that gives you a nice structure.
• Step 2: Add key information like Milestones, Goals, and Timelines using tables or task lists. You can easily create sections for each.
• Step 3: Use the Jira Issues Macro to display real-time data from Jira. You’ll need the Jira URL or issue keys to link them to Confluence.

2. Setting Up Jira-Confluence Integration on the Free Plan

• Step 1: From Confluence, click on the + icon in the editor and choose Jira from the dropdown menu.
• Step 2: You can either paste specific Jira issue links or pull in entire Jira boards using filters. The macro will pull real-time data from Jira.
• Step 3: For automatic updates, ensure your Jira issues are filtered correctly (like showing only open tasks or tasks with a specific label). This ensures stakeholders always see the latest status.

3. Limitations on the Free Plan & Workarounds

• On the free plan, you can integrate Jira and Confluence, but automation features and advanced permissions are limited.
• Workaround: Instead of automatic, rule-based updates, make sure your Jira filters or issue boards are well-defined. By using the Jira Issues Macro, data will still update in real-time, but you’ll need to ensure it’s well-organized.
• Another limitation is user access. Free plan only supports basic permissions.

4. Configuring Permissions for Stakeholders

• Step 1: In Confluence, make the page public if you want external stakeholders to view it without needing access to Jira. Go to Space Settings > Permissions and enable public links.
• Step 2: If your stakeholders are internal (within your organization), ensure they have view-only access to the Confluence page, even if they don’t have access to Jira.
• Be aware that in the free plan, managing specific permissions may be limited, but public links can be a good workaround for read-only access.