Introduction

Jira Query Language (JQL) is a powerful tool that enables users to query and analyze data stored in Jira projects. For project managers, scrum masters, and team leads, leveraging JQL to create time-in-status reports is a game-changer for monitoring workflows, identifying bottlenecks, and optimizing team efficiency. This article delves deep into the world of JQL for Jira time-in-status reports, equipping you with the knowledge and techniques to master this aspect of Jira reporting.

Understanding Time in Status

Time in Status refers to the duration an issue spends in each workflow status, such as “To Do,” “In Progress,” or “Done.” This metric helps:

1. Bottlenecks: Identify where issues linger longer than expected.
2. Efficiency: Analyze team productivity and workflow efficiency.
3. Process Improvements: Spot patterns and trends that indicate areas for improvement.

While JQL alone cannot calculate Time in Status metrics directly, it can filter and organize issues based on criteria that support Time in Status analysis. Specialized Jira add-ons, such as Time in Status Reports are often used to supplement JQL for detailed reports.

Crafting JQL Queries for Time in Status

Here are steps and examples to create effective JQL queries for Time in Status analysis:

1. Filter by Status

You can filter issues currently in a specific status to analyze trends or identify stuck items:

This query returns all issues currently in the "In Progress" status.

2. Filter by Transition History

JQL allows you to query issues that have been in or transitioned through certain statuses:

This query finds issues that transitioned from "To Do" to "In Progress" during the specified time period.

3. Use Date Filters

Combine status filters with date functions to focus on recent activities:

This query finds issues resolved in the current month.

4. Search by Assignee or Reporter

Narrow down results to a specific individual for accountability or workload analysis:

This query identifies issues assigned to John Doe in the "In Progress" status.

5. Track All Status Transitions Within a Time Range:

This identifies all issues that transitioned through any status in the current month.

6. Filter by Custom Time Fields (if set up):

Combine custom date fields for granular control:

This query identifies issues that entered "In Progress" last week.

7. Combining Filters for Detailed Insights

Combine multiple JQL clauses to refine your queries further:

This query retrieves issues from "MyProject" that were in "Code Review" before December 2023 and assigned to specific users.

Challenges with Native JQL

JQL has no built-in functions to calculate time spent in statuses. This limitation makes it challenging to generate detailed time-in-status reports without additional tools or workarounds.

Solutions for Time in Status Reports

Following options are available to generate detailed Time in Status reports in Jira

1. Using Jira Plugins

The Time in Status Reports app for Jira helps you track the amount of time that issues spend in different statuses during their lifecycle. It provides reports and visualizations to help teams understand bottlenecks, workflow efficiency, and individual performance.

The app allows you to generate 20 + various reports, including:

1. Jira Time in Status: Shows the time spent by each user in each status.
2. Time with Assignee: Tracks time spent with each assignee.
3. Status Count: Displays how many times each issue went into each status.
4. Average Time in Status: Helps measure the average time spent in each status across different issues.
5. Transition Reports: Helps analyze the issue transition details like who transition to which status and when.

The below images show the app is extremely feature rich to meet a variety of use cases. Also the app supports dar theme too.

2. Using Automation Rules

Jira’s automation rules can help track time in status:

Create Custom Fields
Create custom fields like “Time in Progress” to store time spent in a status.

Set Up Automation Rules
Use triggers and actions to calculate and update time spent in a status.
Example Rule:

• Trigger: Status changes from “In Progress.”
• Condition: Issue matches specific criteria.
• Action: Update the custom field using smart values like {{now.diff(issue.statusCategoryChangedDate).hours}}.

3. Use Jira Rest APIs

Another option could be to write your own custom solution using Jira Rest API's. However this could be a lengthy and time taking project.

Conclusion

Time in status reporting is essential for understanding workflows, identifying bottlenecks, and improving efficiency. While native JQL has limitations, various solutions—including plugins, automation, and external analysis—enable detailed and actionable reporting. By leveraging these tools and techniques, teams can gain deeper insights into their processes and drive continuous improvement.

Whether you’re a project manager aiming to optimize workflows or a team lead monitoring performance, mastering time-in-status reporting with JQL and its enhancements is a valuable skill. Start with basic queries, explore advanced plugins, and integrate automation to unlock the full potential of Jira for your team.