Can you change settings so dependencies drive date changes?

[Jose Bohorquez]

If one task is blocked by another (i.e. dependency exists), most project management tools cause the dependent tasks to push if the blocking task changes.

For example, initially Task 2 (Start 5/5, End: 5/7) is blocked by Task 1 (Start 5/2, End 5/4)

If I then push the end date of Task 1 to 5/8, I would expect the Start date of Task 2 to automatically move to 5/9. Is there a way to do that in Jira?

[Ste Wright]

Hi @Jose Bohorquez 

Yes, but you'd need Automation to help you do this.

What's available depends on your hosting type:

• Cloud: Native Automation will be able to do this
• Data Center: Automation will be able to do this, but it isn't native yet, it's coming before 30th June 2022 - see this article for more information
• Server: There's no native option for this platform type, given it is EOL

For DC/Server, you could use the Automation app from the Marketplace - for DC use it as a free trial until it becomes native - or use a different automation app, such as Scriptrunner

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Assuming you have access to standard Automation - this is how you could do it:

• Trigger: Field Value Changed
  • Field: Start Date
• Branch: Linked Issues = blocks
  • Action: Edit Issue
    • Start Date - copy from Trigger Issue
      • Copy from... operation is available via the 3-dots icon

You can customise the rule as needed around other fields, etc.

Note: If the Issues can be in multiple Jira Projects:

• You'll need to use a Global Automation rule, created via Jira Settings > System > Global Automation
• Global Automation rules have execution limits if you are on Cloud, depending on your plan type:
  • Free = 100 per month
  • Standard = 500 per month
  • Premium = 1000 per paid user, per month (eg. 200 users = 200K)
  • Enterprise = Unlimited

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Let us know if this helps, or if you need any specific help with setting up the rule!

Ste