Csv bulk import linked work

[rfrazier1]

At creation time of issues using the bulk csv import method, is there a way to link two issues as *relates to?  If so, can you please provide me with an example?

[Tomislav Tobijas · Accepted solution]

Hi @rfrazier1 ,

I've just tested this and it seems it's possible.

You could use something like this (I haven't actually used "Parent ID", so it can be removed):

During the import, you could then select link type (e.g., "Relates").

⚠️ When using bulk create via CSV, you need to have appropriate global permission and also all fields you'd like to import would need to be on create screen. In your case, you would need to have Linked Issues (yeah, they still didn't rename that to 'items'...) field on create screen to have a successful import. 👈

This will/should work from import option you're accessing (so, you do not need to use Jira admin external import).

You can see this reply/thread for additional insights.

Anyway, this is what the result based on that CSV screenshot at the beginning looks like.
So, you could link an existing item, or an item that is also created via CSV import (a non-existent one). It should work in both cases.

Hope this helps.

Cheers,
Tobi

[rfrazier1]

Thank you @Tomislav Tobijas Is it safe to assume the 'relates to' will not work at bulk update time if the fields do not exist at creation time?  For example, a story spike and a story have already been added, but I want to go back and update these two to relate to one another.  Since these fields exist in the database, it seems I should be able to add them at creation or at update time in the bulk csv.

[Tomislav Tobijas]

@rfrazier1 for bulk update (via CSV) you'll need to use Jira admin interface (Settings > System > External system import). Check out more here > scroll just above the linked section.

Now, as this can be done only via Jira admin nav/page within which you can use all fields, linked issues don't necessarily need to be added to the screen. Work item linking, of course, needs to be enabled.

It's not really that straightforward, but as stated here, you can check on which 'import experience' you're currently at:

Now, to actually bulk update items via CSV, it would seem you'll need to be Jira admin and navigate to Settings > System > External system import and from there, once you get to mapping window, URL will look something like this: https://<sitename>.atlassian.net/secure/admin/CsvFieldMappingsPage and in there, you'll be able to select pretty much any field, including the one for Work item key. (in order to make bulk update via CSV)

[Trudy Claspill]

@Tomislav Tobijas 

The author indicated in their response to my answer that they do not have administrator access, so they will not be able to access the External System Import function.

[Tomislav Tobijas]

@Trudy Claspill, true, I did read that. However, bulk creation and bulk update are two different things, at least from the perspective of whoever designed the system. 👀

• Bulk create via CSV is available to anyone (if "Make bulk changes" global permission is given)
• Bulk update via CSV is available only to Jira admins

So, looking at the original question:

At creation time of issues using the bulk csv import method, is there a way to link two issues as *relates to?  If so, can you please provide me with an example?

Import via CSV will do the trick if creating new items (and connecting them with new or existing ones), but if you strictly want to update the existing ones, this is only doable by Jira admin. 

There's a feature request for bulk update also being available to users who are not Jira admins: JRACLOUD-84457: As an admin, I would like update Jira Issues via CSV import without the need of a Jira Admin 👈

cc @rfrazier1 

[rfrazier1]

Good Morning.

Here's an example of what I'm looking for:

1. Epic - this will be the parent for both the Story Spike and Story
   1. I can already designate this relationship at creation time
2. Story Spike - I want to indicate this is related to the Story at creation time
3. Story - I want to indicate this is related to the Story Spike at creation time

Essentially, I'd like to designate Story Spike and Story are related to each other at creation time so I don't have to go into each issue and add this relationship.

If this is possible at update time, I can also do it at that time, but it sounds like I have to be an Administrator for this function.

[Tomislav Tobijas]

Hi @rfrazier1 ,

I'm guessing Story Spike and Story are on the same hierarchy levels (level 0).

In any case, this should be possible. It seemed like a long textual explanation so here's the video 😄 (basically, everything I've written above)

https://www.loom.com/share/ed0ea748c1834feda0a31b67198bf245

[rfrazier1]

Hi @Tomislav Tobijas great, I think I've got it. 

1. Does the below format look correct as a template?
2. Do I need to add the issue ID into both of them for them to relate back to each other or just into one of them?

Thank you for your help!

[Tomislav Tobijas]

Hi @rfrazier1 ,

1. Yeah, this looks good.
2. No need to add on both, you can only add ID to one of them. As import works in a way that it looks row-by-row, it will first import Story Spike with ID = 3 and it might try to set relation with item ID = 4 (which is not yet imported) and this might fail or drop an warning
   So, the recommended course of action would be to remove/delete the value from E4 cell and leave just the one in E5 > Story with ID = 4 relates to item with ID = 3 👈

[rfrazier1]

Great, thank you for your help @Tomislav Tobijas 

[Trudy Claspill]

Hello @rfrazier1 

Welcome to the Atlassian community.

For clarity can you tell use exactly how you are accessing the Bulk CSV Import feature? There are multiple ways to access the feature depending on your level of access. Knowing which method you are using will enable us to advise you more effectively.

[rfrazier1]

I am accessing it through the Project page - the three dots.  I believe I have minimal access in Jira.  I'm trying to link a story spike and story as relating to each other upon creation using the bulk csv function.

[Trudy Claspill]

The External System Import mentioned by @Piyush Annadate _ACE Pune_ is available only to Jira Administrators. If you click the gear icon near your avatar in the upper right corner and see an option for "System", then you are a Jira Administrator.

Can you provide a screen image showing the Project Page where you are finding the option?

[rfrazier1]

• I do not have Administrator access.

[Trudy Claspill]

Thank you.

Without Jira Administrator access I don't believe that you can link items together within the Bulk Create process. I base that on the statement in this document that creating parent/child links is not supported during Bulk Create. Creating generic links would leverage the same capabilities as creating parent/child links.

[Piyush Annadate _ACE Pune_]

Hello @rfrazier1 ,
Welcome to the Community!
You may link via the External system - CSV import !!

I would suggest you may use API call using postman or script 

[rfrazier1]

Do you have a link for this documentation?