Is there a way to produce a burn-down chart for entire backlog?

[Tammy Robinson]

My manager has started paying attention to our Jira reports (we were previously just using it amongst our team members for collaboration and planning).  He is looking for some data that is not currently available in the reporting section of our board.  Specifically, he is looking for a graph that shows the total amount of work (measured in story points) in a backlog, and use the team velocity to estimate the time required to complete the work.  Essentially it is like a burn-down chart for the entire backlog for a project, and not just for a sprint, epic, or version. Are there any tools available to do this?

[Thomas Deiler · Accepted solution]

Dear @Tammy Robinson,

... when managers start paying attention ...

I understand your manger; he wants to know when the whole backlog is done. Tammy, you now need to be strong. Because you have to tell your manager, that this is nonsense (of cause, don't use this words ;).

Because:

1. Often most stories of the backlog have no estimation. So forecast wouldn't work. [If you have 100 stories and all are estimated - you did something wrong.]
2. The velocity can hardly vary, if the team is new. Prediction for 2-3 sprints can be fine but not for 20.
3. Its the nature of a backlog, that it permanent changes - most probably half of the stories are kicked out or will be postponed. New stories are added.

Be careful. Try to convince your manager with other goodies that the agile methods provide, like that after one sprint the team created value (if the PO did the right), that you see continuous progress, that you can change the plan (backlog) easily if required and that teams perform better over the time.

And by the way, I don't know any too that can display what you are looking for. Eventually the Epic Burndown (Agile Reports) can help in your situation.

So long

Thomas

[Tammy Robinson]

Hi Thomas,

Thanks for the reply.  Yes, I told him this too.  I will re-iterate it!

[Lisa Zentz]

Fair enough, but how do I get a burn down of a release plan in Portfolio?