How to Track the Amount of Time Spent in Status in Jira

Tracking the amount of time an issue spends in a particular status in Jira can be crucial for project management, workflow analysis, and improving efficiency. While Jira offers various built-in reporting and tracking features, tracking time in status directly in Jira can be limited. This article will guide you through how to effectively track the amount of time spent in status using a Jira dashboard gadget, specifically through the "Time in Status Report Dashboard Gadget" included in the "Simple Custom Reports, Charts & Time in Status for Jira" app available on the Atlassian Marketplace.

Using Jira's Built-in Features

Jira's native functionality primarily focuses on tracking the status of issues rather than the duration in each status. While you can see the status history of an issue, calculating the time spent in each status is not straightforward. You would typically need to manually check the history of each issue or rely on advanced JQL queries, which can be time-consuming and complex.

Leveraging "Time in Status Report Dashboard Gadget"

The "Time in Status Report Dashboard Gadget" is a part of the "Simple Custom Reports, Charts & Time in Status for Jira" app. This gadget simplifies the process by providing a clear and concise way to visualize the time spent in each status for your Jira issues.

Installing the App

1. Visit the Atlassian Marketplace at Simple Custom Reports, Charts & Time in Status for Jira.

2. Select your Jira hosting type (Cloud, Server, or Data Center).

3. Click on "Get it now" or "Try it free" to install the app in your Jira instance.

Adding the Gadget to Your Jira Dashboard

1. Access Your Dashboard: Click on 'Dashboards' in the top menu bar of Jira.

2. Choose a Dashboard: Select the dashboard where you want to add the "Time in Status Report" gadget.

3. Edit the Dashboard: Click on the 'Edit' button to modify the dashboard.

4. Add the Gadget: Click on 'Add Gadget' to open the Gadget Directory.

5. Find the Gadget: Search for the "Time in Status Report" gadget in the directory.

6. Add and Configure: Click 'Add gadget' next to it, then configure it as needed. You might need to select specific projects, issues, or statuses you want to track.

7. Save Your Dashboard: After configuring, save your changes.

Tracking the amount of time issues spend in each status is vital for effective project management. While Jira's native tools offer limited functionality in this aspect, the "Time in Status Report Dashboard Gadget" from the "Simple Custom Reports, Charts & Time in Status for Jira" app provides a comprehensive solution. By following the steps above, you can easily integrate this functionality into your Jira dashboard, enhancing your ability to monitor and optimize your workflows.