Embedded Files
Jira offers several native tools and features to help teams manage dependencies, which are critical relationships where the start or finish of one piece of work relies on the start or finish of another. Managing these ties is vital for coordinating effort, especially across multiple teams and Spaces.
The primary built-in dependency tool is Issue Linking. Teams use the standard linking functionality (e.g., "Blocks," "Relates To," "Clones," "Is Cloned By") to explicitly map out how issues depend on one another. The most common link type for dependencies is "Blocks", which clearly identifies a preceding task that must be completed before the current task can begin.
When an issue is linked, the relationship is visible on the issue card, allowing the assignee to quickly understand prerequisites and potential blockers before they start work.
Advanced Dependency Management with Advanced Roadmaps
Advanced Dependency Management with Advanced Roadmaps
For larger organisations and programs, the most powerful dependency tool is Advanced Roadmaps (Plans). While basic linking is team-specific, Advanced Roadmaps aggregates dependencies across multiple Spaces and teams to provide a portfolio-wide view. When Epics and Initiatives are planned on the roadmap, the tool visualizes all linked dependencies on a timeline. This is crucial for program managers who need to identify critical path issues and potential conflicts months in advance. Advanced Roadmaps also features dedicated dependency reports that highlight circular dependencies and broken links, helping program managers proactively negotiate and resolve conflicts before they impact delivery. It allows for a shift from simply tracking dependencies at the execution level to strategically planning around them at the portfolio level.
Impact on Execution
Impact on Execution
Effective use of these dependency tools dramatically improves execution flow. By accurately linking issues, Jira helps teams maintain a clear picture of their required sequence of work. This information can then be used to create Kanban or Scrum board filters that automatically highlight issues that are currently "Blocked" or have external dependencies, making these issues immediately visible to the team during daily stand-ups. This ensures that a dependency doesn't become a passive blocker; rather, it becomes a visible and urgent piece of work that must be prioritized and resolved, whether through internal negotiation or external escalation.
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