Calculating Time in Status in Jira Custom Fields Excluding Non-Working Hours

💡 Solution

Jira's custom fields offer unparalleled flexibility to tailor workflows to specific project needs. With the Time in Status integration, teams gain actionable insights into task progress by tracking the time issues spent in each status. While this feature is valuable, its effectiveness depends on smart setup and strategic use.

Why Time in Status Custom Fields Shine

1. Actionable Insights. Time in Status custom field illuminates workflow bottlenecks by showing where tasks slow down. For Kanban boards, excluding the rightmost column ensures data relevance, focusing attention on actionable statuses.

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2. Enhanced Planning. The integration of working calendars ensures that time tracking aligns with business hours. This feature is a game-changer for teams managing SLAs or optimizing schedules.

3. Integration with JQL. Custom fields in Jira Query Language (JQL) enable precise filtering and reporting. Teams can easily find tasks stuck in statuses longer than expected or prioritize based on time spent.

4. Automatic Refresh. The data remains accurate and actionable with hourly updates and real-time synchronization upon task movement, reducing administrative overhead.

Strategic Insights and Recommendations

• Optimize Working Calendars. Custom fields lock into a single work schedule upon creation. Ensure the linked calendar matches your operational hours to avoid discrepancies in tracking.

• Leverage Data in JQL. Empower teams with custom JQL queries. For instance, identifying tasks that exceed specific thresholds (e.g., "days:Time_in_Status_Field > 3") helps prioritize efficiently.

• Tame Unmapped Statuses. Unmapped statuses disrupt automated updates. Regularly audit your board settings to map all statuses for seamless tracking and reporting.

• Use Visual Indicators Wisely. Adding Time in Status fields to card layouts on the board provides instant insights.

• Limit Field Proliferation. Since custom fields are board-specific and read-only, consider their necessity and scope before creation. Excessive custom fields can clutter the interface and degrade performance.