Roadmap management (delays, replanning, etc)

[Mirella Donatello]

Hello all

I have just recently started using Jira and need to develop a big roadmap for a project which will be tracked and updated according to the execution. Basically, I need to create tasks with interdependencies, start and finish dates and have the ability to replan if needed - eg. if something is delayed, automatically postpone the dependent activities, if something ends sooner than expected, start the dependant activities before plan, etc  

I normally use Microsoft Project software for this needs, however my current client uses Jira and I need something that is available online for everyone to see and update, therefore I am trying to understand if Jira has the tools I need

I did some research but I am still not clear on the topics below. Please let me know how you can help and if you have any websites or videos to share, will be very helpful

1. Is the advanced roadmap tools available for all types of projects now? (incl. kanban)? 

2. Does Jira provide other types of dependencies besides "block"/starting one activity after the other is finished? eg. linking activities to start together or to end together; or 1 activity starting 2 weeks after the other

3. Is it possible to automatically replan the tasks or if something is delayed we have to manually update all dependent activities?

4. Is it possible to add a % of the advancement instead of a a "binary" on going/concluded/delayed?

Thank you!!

[Stuart Capel - London]

Hi @Mirella Donatello 

I've used many tools over the years, Microsoft Project, Trello, Asana, Smartsheet etc. Advanced Roadmaps through Jira Software Premium is my favourite way to track projects in the way you describe. Especially if you want to manage work that's already in Jira (setting up from scratch can be a huge task). The first thing to check though is whether you're on Jira Software Premium. It's a higher tier on the pricing model and without it you'll only be able to use standard Roadmaps. The main difference is that advanced Roadmaps can bring multiple projects into the view whereas standard work on only one project. There are also a lot more features with AR including a nice dependency mapping view.

Your questions, my view:

1. Only company managed projects at the moment, team managed projects won't be available in AR. One day this might change but it's worth baring in mind as it's not straight forward to change between company and team managed. Kanban, Scrum, Jira Work Management, all projects should be available in AR as long as they are company managed.

2. Yes, there are lots of types of dependency types. Finish to start, start to finish, relates to etc. I've always had what I needed.

3. When end dates move out over the timeline that have dependent tasks, they are highlighted but don't get pushed out automatically. You'll need to change start dates yourself. I used to want an option to push all back based on dependencies but having to check each dependency put me in a good habit of tweaking the plan more than once a day. It meant I was much closer to what was going on.

4. Yes, you can add completion based on story points, tasks or hours / days etc. I'd have to explore percentage completion specifically but I think it's possible.