In terms of process, the most effective use we see of remaining estimate is to ensure it always reflects the time remaining to complete a task/issue. This means that either a project manager reminds you to update it or you update it because you realise something has changed. Sometimes you may realise on the spot that things have changed - e.g. you realise the task is harder than initially thought or you uncover new requirements for the task. Sometimes you realise the remaining estimate needs to be updated because you are logging your time and see that it isn't/won't be accurate.
With this in mind, in order to update the remaining estimate, here are some specific instructions when using JIRA.
Option #1: Update Remaining Estimate when logging time
When ever you log time using the Log Work button then the remaining estimate can be updated. Ideally, you entered an Original Estimate when you created the issue/task.
Step 1: Enter an Original Estimate (and remaining if not done automatically) when you create a task
Step 2: Log Work
Go to the Log Work screen to log your time/work. This can be found on the issue itself.
logwork-1.png
Step 3: Update the Remaining Estimate for the task
After clicking Log Work you should see the Log Work screen popup like the one below. Enter the time you've spent and then choose how you want to update the remaining estimate. Using "Adjust Automatically", JIRA will take the current Remaining Estimate and reduce it by the Time Spent that you enter.
logwork-2.png
Option #2: Update the Remaining Estimate only/independently
If for some reason you realise that the Remaining Estimate is going to be longer or shorter than currently set for a given task then you can update the Remaining Estimate by going to the task and clicking Edit. You should then see something like the screen below (after scrolling down on the Edit popup):
update-remaining.png
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