Summary

It is possible to sync the Category field of a Jira Align Feature so that it can be displayed in a Jira Epic. This article discusses how to configure this ability.

Environment

Jira Align

Solution

To configure Category sync between Jira Align Features and Jira Epics:

1. In Jira Align, make sure that Category is enabled in Settings > Details Panel Settings > [select Portfolio] > Feature
2. In Jira Align, make a note of the current choices available for Categories under Jira Align > Platform > Dropdowns and choose Feature Category in the Dropdown field.
     if the list of choices needs modifying, do that now - but take into account that this list affects all Portfolios
3. In Jira, create a custom field of type Select List (Single Choice) 
   • Give the field a suitable name (using Category may conflict with an existing field)
   • Add the list of Category choices noted in step 2 to the Context Options list in this field
     while it is possible to use different category names, it is recommended they are matched to those in Jira Align to avoid confusion
   • Make a note of the numeric ID for this new field
   • Make sure this custom field is added to the Epic screens of the projects that are integrated with Jira Align.
4. After creating this new Jira field, in Jira Align, go to Settings > Jira Settings > Resync configuration and click Configuration data pull
5. Allow time for this sync task to complete (when completed a refresh of the screen should show the Configuration data pull button has re-appeared)
6. In Jira Align, go to Settings > Jira Settings > Field Management (tab)
7. Click Add field
8. In the Jira Align field dropdown, choose Category
9. In the Jira field ID dropdown, choose the Jira field created in step 3
10. In the Map field values section make sure a row exists that maps every Jira Align Category to the matching Jira Category. Note: the Jira Align Categories can be selected, however Jira Categories need to be typed in. Make sure that what is entered is an exact match for each category name, as configured in Jira.
11. Click Save

The sync of categories between Jira Align and Jira is now possible

If the list of Categories needs adjusting later then update the configuration of:

• the Category choices in Jira Align (step 2)
• the Context Options for the custom field in Jira (step 3)
• the Field Value Mappings in Jira Align (step 10)

Related Content

Jira - Create a custom field
Jira - Add a custom field to a screen
How to Map Jira Custom Fields to Jira Align Feature Fields with the New Field Management Tab