Add Watcher via Automation

[Andy Love]

I'm trying to set an automation rule that will copy the current assignee on a JPD idea and add them as a watcher. 

I see an action for manage watcher is available, but can only select a static user(s) from a list and not use a copy from the assignee field. 

When using the update issue action, watcher is not an available field to select. 

Has anyone solved for this already?

I know it seems a little odd, since assignee already receives the same notifications, but our assignee's change often and they are wanting to keep notifications on for ideas that were previously assigned to them. 

Thanks!

[Nick Haller · Accepted solution]

Hi @Andy Love ,

Although it may seem it's only possible to select a static user within the Add watchers condition of an automation, it is possible to enter a smart value.

If you wanted to add the assignee of an idea as a watcher when the assignee is updated, you should be able to configured something like this:

{{issue.assignee}} 

I've tested this rule with editing the assignee multiple times, and it adds each assignee as watcher.

[Andy Love]

Awesome, thanks Nick that's exactly what I needed!

[Andy Love]

Hey @Nick Haller ,

Looks like the rule is running into an error. 

It shows a user ID and says that this user is not allowed to add watchers to issue. Looking at the user that is trying to be copied, the Atlassian ID does not match. When searching that Atlassian ID in Access, I'm not able to retrieve it using the ID. 

I'm thinking this user ID it's referencing may be the actor "Automation for Jira". Does the "automation for jira" user not have the necessary permissions to perform this task in JPD? Do I need to use one of the actual users from this project to be the actor of the rule maybe? I'm not seeing a way to permission automation for Jira within the specific project. 

[Nick Haller]

Hi @Andy Love ,

There is a known issue with the A4J user where they are not granted JPD product access, and that could be the case with the issue you are currently facing.

As you mentioned, the workaround until this is fixed by engineering would be to adjust the Actor to a JPD user who has permission to add a watcher on an idea.

Please note adding a watcher to an idea is a project-admin permission. If you are to adjust the Actor and retest, please let us know whether or not that corrects the issue.

[Andy Love]

@Nick Haller ,

Thanks again, that resolved it and I'm showing successful now. 

Cheers!