Jira Automation: Creating multiple linked issues based on Multi-Choice Custom Field

[Mohamed Sarjun]

Hi guys,

I need help with a Jira automation rule for a project that has the following issue types:

Request 

Epic

Story

Sub-task

I have an Issue Collector that creates a Request issue, which includes custom fields related to Epic and Story issue types. 

Requirement: 

When a Request issue is created, I want an automation rule to: 

1. Extract values from a custom field called Category Type (a multi-choice select list with multiple options).

2. For each selected value in Category Type, create:

A Epic issue (linked as a child to the Request). 

A Story issue (linked as a child to the respective Epic issue). 

3. Ensure all issues are linked properly to maintain the hierarchy.

I have already set up an automation rule, but it is not working as expected: 

I am using branching and smart values, but the branch rule is not getting executed. Error: Unable to run this component

Could someone help me identify what's wrong and suggest the correct smart values or rule structure?

Thanks
Sarjun.

[Bill Sheboy · Accepted solution]

Hi @Mohamed Sarjun 

Starting with the original rule you show in the question, when you created the variable, that leads to a text value such as this:

Option A, Option B, Option C

Where using {{issue.customfiled_12663.value}} automatically added a comma-space delimiter.

To then use that to feed the Advanced Branch, the values must be split back into a list:

{{categoryType.split(", ")}}

https://support.atlassian.com/cloud-automation/docs/jira-smart-values-text-fields/#split-String-separator-

As an alternative, you could use the smart value directly to feed the branch:

{{issue.customfiled_12663.value}}

The values in the branch will be the text of the options selected for the field.

Kind regards,
Bill

[Evgenii · Accepted solution]

Hi, @Mohamed Sarjun 

Welcome to Atlassian Community

What is returned in variable {{CategoryType}}?

And if I understood right, you are trying to receive list of values, and work with each of them?

In case of list values it's better to use list iteration, like described here:
https://support.atlassian.com/cloud-automation/docs/jira-smart-values-lists/

It will iterate through all elements in field value and use values in actions.

Made an example

[Mohamed Sarjun]

Hi @Evgenii 

Yes, you understood it correctly. The variable {{CategoryType}} holds a list of values selected in the Category Type custom field (which is a multi-choice select list). My goal is to iterate through each value in this list and create separate Epic and Story issues for each selected value while maintaining the correct parent-child hierarchy.

However, I am facing issues when trying to extract and work with individual values from this list within the automation rule

[Evgenii]

I made an example, attached images above. I think, it's your case, and it will solve your problem

[Mohamed Sarjun]

I tried implementing the same branching rule as suggested, but I am still encountering the same issue: "Unable to run this component." It seems like the iteration is not working as expected in my case.

Are there any additional steps I should take to ensure the list values are properly processed within the branch?