Request for Monitoring Issue Status Duration and Triggering Actions via Automation

[Samuel Kolloch]

Hey community,

I am writing to inquire about a feature related to tracking the duration an issue remains in a specific status and subsequently initiating certain actions through automation if a defined time threshold is exceeded.

Requirements:

1. Tracking Duration:

   • We need a way to monitor and query the duration for which an issue remains in a particular status.
   • For example, we want to know how long an issue stays in the "In Progress" status.

2. Automation Triggers:

   • If the issue remains in the "In Progress" status for more than a specified period (e.g., 48 hours), we would like to automate certain follow-up actions.
   • Potential actions include:
     • Sending notifications to the assignee or project lead.
     • Changing the issue status.
     • Adding a comment to the issue.
     • Escalating the issue to higher management.

Questions:

1. Is there an existing feature or method within Jira that allows us to track the duration an issue stays in a specific status?
2. Can Jira Automation be configured to trigger actions based on the time an issue has been in a particular status?
3. If these features are available, could you provide guidance or documentation on how to implement them?

Thanks for your help!

[Bill Sheboy · Accepted solution]

Hi @Samuel Kolloch 

Is there an existing feature or method within Jira that allows us to track the duration an issue stays in a specific status?

Although the time in a status for an issue can be seen on Atlassian's interpretation of a Control Chart, that time duration cannot be easily reported / viewed for a list of issues: https://support.atlassian.com/jira-software-cloud/docs/view-and-understand-the-control-chart/

It is theoretically possible to use an automation rule to periodically calculate that time, but such solutions are brittle for a variety of reasons.  If you regularly need to report the time in status as a number for many issues, please investigate marketplace apps / addons.

Can Jira Automation be configured to trigger actions based on the time an issue has been in a particular status?

Yes, an automation rule can do that.

A rule could use a scheduled trigger and the JQL operator CHANGED to detect that an issue has not changed status for a period of time: https://support.atlassian.com/jira-software-cloud/docs/jql-operators/#CHANGED

Then rule actions could send notifications, transition the issue status, add comments, etc.

To get you started on creating your rule, please refer to these documentation and example sources:

• https://www.atlassian.com/software/jira/guides/automation/overview#what-is-automation
• https://www.atlassian.com/software/jira/automation-template-library#/rule-list?systemLabelId=all&page=1&pageSize=20&sortKey=name&sortOrder=ASC
• https://support.atlassian.com/cloud-automation/docs/jira-smart-values-issues/
• https://support.atlassian.com/jira-software-cloud/docs/use-advanced-search-with-jira-query-language-jql/

Kind regards,
Bill

[Samuel Kolloch]

Hi @Bill Sheboy ,

thanks for your answer, it really helps a lot :)

Kind regards,

Samuel

[Gizem Gökçe _OBSS_]

Hello @Samuel Kolloch ,

In order to track the duration on each status I suggest you use a marketplace app. Timepiece (formerly Time in Status) ,the oldest and leading "Time in Status" app in Atlassian Marketplace, which is developed by my team at OBSS, has a report type that will meet your need.  Our app is available for both Jira Cloud, and Data Center. 

Timepiece's Status Duration report (please see the screenshot above) shows how much time each issue spent on each status. You can combine the time for multiple statuses to get metrics like Issue Age, Cycle Time, Lead Time, Resolution Time etc. 

Timepiece reports can be accessed through its own reporting page, dashboard gadgets, and issue view screen tabs. All these options can provide both calculated data tables and charts. And the app has a REST API so you can get the reports from Jira UI or via REST. 

You can use Jira automation to create a rule and trigger actions based on how long an issue has been in a particular status with using Timepiece REST API. You can find our Timepiece X Jira Automation use case examples in here.

Please note that to efficiently build an automation rule according to your needs, you will need to have knowledge about Jira Automation configuration and HTTP REST APIs in general.

Visit Timepiece (formerly Time in Status) to explore and enjoy a 30-day free trial to experience the full range of features.

If you wish, you can also schedule a live demo. We will provide a comprehensive overview of the application and address any inquiries you may have.

Hope it helps,

Gizem