Workflow change and data loss

[Gui Ávila]

Hi,

I need to customize my workflow for Jira Software. So I created a new workflow and now I intend to link my project to this new workflow, instead of the old one.

But I am concerned about data loss. Is there any chance to loose data? Should I pay attention on a particular thing to avoid problem that can't be reverted?

Thanks,

Gui.

[John Funk · Accepted solution]

Hi Gui,

The biggest trap is whether there are statuses in the current workflow that are not in the new workflow. If there are, Jira will want to migrate each status to a new status. But it often defaults to the Done status. And if you are not paying attention, you will inadvertently mark those issues as Done. 

But you shouldn't lose any data. 

[Gui Ávila]

Thanks for the tip @John Funk . Awesome.

But what you said about "it often defaults to the Done status", this is not done automatically. Jira opens a "wizard" with a sequence of steps to set this up so I can see and change myself, right?

[John Funk]

Correct - but as it walks you through the process you will see that it defaults to a particular status. You can certainly change it (and probably should - but it depends on each status). 

[Gui Ávila]

Thanks, guys!

[Arthur Mack]

@Gui Ávila  Just follow what John says and all will be fine, I have done this many many times with no issues but be careful to map your statuses.