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Project management tools are only helpful if used right, and add-ons can help you get the most out of them and make things run smoother.
As powerful as Jira is, certain gaps remain, and add-ons are key to unlocking its full potential.
In this article, I’ll explain how Jira Project Management add-ons improve workflows, review some of the top ones, and offer tips for selecting the right add-ons.
What are the Jira add-ons, and why install one
Jira add-ons, also known as “apps” or “plugins” within the Atlassian ecosystem, are software designed to extend Jira’s core functionality for agile and non-agile teams alike.
Available through the Atlassian Marketplace, these add-ons offer a wide range of capabilities that allow teams to accomplish more with less effort.
By extending Jira’s native capabilities, add-ons fill critical gaps in task tracking, resource management, timeline management, repetitive task automation, and overall efficiency.
Additionally, many add-ons improve team communication by offering advanced reporting and analytics, enabling project managers to gain deeper insights and make more informed decisions.
Key Jira add-ons for Project Management
The below-listed Jira plugins were chosen to improve teamwork in Jira, focusing on making project management workflows more efficient. While many similar add-ons are available, these stand out because they are widely trusted and highly rated by Jira users.
Each one brings unique features that build on what Jira already offers, making them essential for managing projects.
Note
Jira add-ons typically follow a flexible pricing model that scales based on team size and hosting type. Plans are available for Jira Cloud and Data Center, with costs tailored to meet the needs of small teams and large enterprises. Most Atlassian Marketplace add-ons offer a 30-day free trial, regardless of team size or hosting type.
- Jira Cloud pricing often starts with free or low-cost options for small teams (up to 10 users), with per-user costs decreasing as team sizes increase.
- Data Center plans are subscription-based, starting at rates that accommodate smaller teams while providing the scalability needed for enterprise environments.
Smart Checklist for Jira (pro)
Smart Checklist for Jira (Pro) transforms task management within Jira by enabling users to create detailed, actionable checklists inside Jira issues. Designed to streamline workflows and ensure task completion, it helps teams standardize recurring processes, enhance task clarity, and track progress efficiently—all while working within the familiar Jira interface to ensure no step is overlooked.
- Detailed checklists transform complex tasks into manageable steps with Markdown-enabled checklists. For example, teams can create checklists for sprint planning, quality assurance, or compliance checks, adding due dates, links, and team member mentions to provide actionable context within a single Jira issue.
- Reusable templates save time and ensure consistency for tasks such as onboarding, code reviews, or payroll approvals. They can be applied across multiple Jira projects, helping teams follow streamlined processes.
- Workflow integration increases accountability by enforcing checklist completion before issues transition to the next stage. For instance, a product release cannot move to “Done” until all checklist items, such as testing and stakeholder approval, are verified as complete.
- Automation saves time by automating checklist applications based on triggers. For example, when creating a service desk issue, predefined templates like “Troubleshooting Steps” or “Customer Follow-Up” can be applied automatically.
Smart Checklist helps you organize your work with clear ToDo’s. Create checklists, save them as templates, and apply them to recurring tasks with automation.
Jira Misc Workflow Extensions (JMWE)
JMWE simplifies and enhances Jira workflows by automating tasks, customizing processes through no-code post-functions, and optional scripting for advanced users.
- Automation features include the ability to automatically assign a task to the next team member or update a due date based on priority levels during any status transition.
- Customization options allow teams to tailor workflows to their needs, such as requiring approvals before an issue transitions to “Done” or sending automated notifications when a task is overdue.
- Post-functions run automatically when an issue transitions between statuses, offering over 30 prebuilt options such as adding comments, updating custom fields, or triggering webhooks.
- Scripting allows users to create complex, custom rules, such as adjusting timelines based on task dependencies or integrating with external systems.
These are just a few examples, as JMWE offers a wide range of capabilities to customize and automate virtually every aspect of Jira workflows.
Timesheets by Tempo
Tempo Timesheets optimize time tracking and reporting within Jira, enabling teams to manage work hours, project budgets, and resource allocation. This is possible due to its automation features, customizable reports, and seamless integration with Jira workflows and external tools like Google Calendar, Slack, and Outlook.
- Automatic time logging helps reduce the effort of manually entering work hours by syncing with external tools like calendars and software development platforms like Bitbucket, GitHub, and GitLab.
- The reporting feature allows teams to tailor data to specific business needs and get key metrics that help stakeholders make informed decisions. Reports can also integrate with Jira dashboards, offering real-time visibility. For sharing data outside Jira, reports can be exported in formats like PDF, CSV, or Excel.
- Integrations with external tools sync tasks, meetings, and notifications, automatically providing a clear view of time usage and ensuring all work is recorded. Additionally, AI-powered suggestions automate time tracking by predicting and recommending relevant work logs, saving time and effort.
Xporter – Export issues from Jira
Xporter streamlines reporting by automating repetitive tasks and simplifying the creation of detailed, professional documents. It allows teams to customize templates to fit specific needs, reducing manual effort and ensuring consistency.
- Users can include detailed data like comments, work logs, and linked issues, providing a comprehensive view of project progress. With support for formats like Microsoft Word, Excel, and PDF, Xporter makes it easy to generate polished documentation for any purpose.
- The integration with Jira workflows allows for easy report generation directly from issue screens or during status transitions. This not only saves time but also keeps reporting aligned with the team’s existing processes, eliminating the need for additional steps.
- An extensive template library allows Xporter users to easily create custom templates in formats like DOCX, XLSX, or RTF, offering flexibility to tailor reports to match company branding or specific project needs. Permission controls keep data secure by ensuring only authorized users can access sensitive information.
Activity Timeline: Resource Capacity Planning, Time Tracking
Activity Timeline is a tool that helps teams plan and manage workloads, schedules, and deadlines. It connects with Jira to provide simple, real-time dashboards, making it easy to see who’s working on what tasks are due and when they are due.
- Resource and capacity planning helps teams monitor workload, identify bottlenecks, and optimize resource allocation. Timelines enhance this process by organizing tasks, deadlines, and schedules in a single view, just like a Gantt chart, while allowing tasks to be assigned to individuals, teams, or multiple team members for maximum flexibility.
- Time tracking and reporting help teams compare planned vs. actual time spent on tasks and projects, offering clear insights into performance. Integration with Advanced Roadmaps deepens these insights by revealing productivity trends and optimizing resource allocation. Data visualization tools, such as capacity charts and performance graphs, provide actionable insights into resource usage and project progress, further supporting effective decision-making.
- External tool integration syncs schedules and tasks with MS Outlook and Google Calendar, ensuring everything is noticed.
Best practices for choosing and advocating Jira add-ons
Selecting the right Jira app is key to helping your team, but you also need to get everyone on board with using it. Here are some tips to make that happen:
1. Investigate and clearly define the problem a plugin would solve.
Start by understanding the specific problem you need to solve. Are there some Jira issues falling through the cracks? Are notifications not set up as you need them? Is resource management inefficient?
Once you clearly identify the challenges your team is facing, focus on choosing add-ons that address those specific needs rather than adopting tools just for the sake of having them.
2. Check for native functionality.
Before diving too deep into Atlassian Marketplace, remember that Jira’s built-in features are solid. Many issues can be resolved just by tweaking settings and using existing features.
If the solution already exists within Jira, you save both time and money while avoiding unnecessary complexity.
3. Determine the cost of each add-on.
Not all add-ons are free, and pricing often varies based on your team size or subscription plan.
When looking for the right add-on, pay attention beyond the upfront costs to evaluate the long-term value the add-on brings. Consider whether its benefits outweigh the investment.
4. Build internal interest and alignment within the organization.
Engage directly with team members who will use the add-on. Show them how it can simplify their workflows and solve specific challenges they face.
When your team understands the value it brings, they’ll be more likely to embrace and use the new tool.
5. Effectively present a case to stakeholders to secure buy-in.
When addressing Jira admins or any other decision-makers, present strategic benefits and concrete examples that support your point with data where possible. The key is to show how an add-on supports organizational goals and if the investment delivers measurable returns.
For instance, if it’s an app that automates task dependencies, stress its potential to reduce project delays rather than explaining its functionality significantly.
Conclusion
Jira add-ons unlock the platform’s full potential by addressing gaps and enhancing project workflows. From automating tasks to improving collaboration, the right tools can significantly boost productivity.
If you still need to decide which to choose, take advantage of free trials and a very supportive Atlassian Community that is always ready to share experiences.
