Jira Workflow Errors Incorrect

[Michael Berger]

I am editing the default Jira workflow and I added a new "On Hold" status, which at some point was assigned to the "default" status (when a ticket is created). I now would like to delete "On Hold" (changed the name to DELETE), or at least reconfigure the workflow so that tickets go to "To Do". However I get a number of errors, none of which are accurate, but nonetheless prevent me from changing anything.

First, I cannot change the "Create" transition to set a new task to "To Do" I get the following error.

Second, I cannot change the name of the DELETE status to To Do, it says that already exists, even when I have removed the To Do status from the board.

I literally just want to return to the most simple workflow Jira offers, but their own error system appears to be preventing this, any tips?

[Angélica Luz · Accepted solution]

Hello @Michael Berger,

Thank you for reaching out to Atlassian Community!

Testing on my local site, I’m not able to replicate the same issue directly from the workflow. I created new status and also, even changing the category of the “To Do” status, I wasn’t able to change the status for the “Create” transition.

The workflows in next-gen are based on what is also created in the Board. If the columns are changed it will reflect on the workflow.

Can you please go to the board and drag and drop the “To Do” column and place it as the first one?

Also, drag and drop the “Delete” before the “Done” column. 

You can also try to delete the “Delete” directly from the board instead of the workflow.

Please, give it a try and let us know how it goes.

Kind regards,
Angélica

[Michael Berger]

Wow, that worked!

"That" meaning:

1. I added a 4th column directly on the board in my sprint, titled "Delete".
2. I ordered my columns: "To Do", "In Progress", "Delete", "Done".
3. I then went to "Configure board" and moved the status I wanted to delete into the "Delete" column. Then saved my changes to the board.
4. I then opened my workflow (Project settings > Issue types > Edit Workflow) and the "Create" transition had changed (it now pointed at "To Do" and not at the status I wanted to delete").
5. Then I could selected the unwanted status and delete it.

Thank you @Angélica Luz !

That was not a particularly intuitive process, but hey, if it works it works!

[John Funk]

Hi Michael,

There are 3 status categories - To Do, In Progress, and Done. All issues created must be in one of those categories. 

In your image, the Delete status is green which means it is in a Done type status category. So the message is correct, you cannot have a workflow with the first step being a Done status category type of status - it must be a To Do category. 

That does not mean that you need to change the name of the status to To Do. 

So create a new status or add the status of To Do to your work flow as the first column/status in your workflow. 

I am assuming this is a Next-gen type project? 

[Michael Berger]

Hi John,

Thank you for your response! Yes, you are correct that this is a Next-Gen project.

The screenshot I shared is actually showing a hoverover error that is not allowing me to change the DELETE status as the end-state of the transition, despite the fact that it is (as you pointed out) a Done status.

This is my current workflow.

However I am unable to drag/change the Create transition to end on "To Do", it is stuck on DELETE. This means I cannot delete the DELETE status. When I try to edit the Create transition I see the following:

[John Funk]

Grrr - that stinks. Try to maybe delete the the DELETE status on your board. Then make the To Do status the first column on your board. Maybe you can back into that way. 

[Michael Berger]

That's what I was hoping as well, but I cannot delete the DELETE status (see greyed-out in bottom right of screenshot).

[John Funk]

Did you try to delete it on the board itself?

[Michael Berger]

When I'm on the "Columns and statuses" page that configures the board, I do not see any way to delete a status. I can drag the status DELETE off the board but it will not let me save that configuration as I get an error: "All statuses must be assigned to a column".

[John Funk]

When you click on the workflow like you have in the image above - can you change the category to To Do? 

[Michael Berger]

Yes, I can change the status to To Do.

It looks like Next-Gen projects might have only partial functionality on editing workflows at the moment: https://jira.atlassian.com/browse/JSWCLOUD-17434

This seems really surprising to me that Jira would release Next-Gen with such a significant gap in capabilities that are fundamental to process management.

For now, what I have done is changed this extraneous status "DELETE" to "To Do..." since I cannot call it just "To Do" (that raises an error).

John, I'm a little new to the Atlassian Community, but is there any way (using a Free product subscription) to get eyes from Atlassian staff on a bug?

Also, thank you for your help so far!

[John Funk]

I totally hear you. Next-gen users are lucky that they can even partially modify the workflows right now - that's been a long time coming. 

I can tag Atlassian on this one if you want provide a comment with your bug.

[John Funk]

I am glad that Angelica was able to get you taken care of.  :-)

[Michael Berger]

Agreed, it was a strange issue so I'm glad to get a workaround. Thank you for helping me try to work through the problem @John Funk !