How to integrate Workfront and Jira to align project teams

In this guide, we’ll break down how you can set up a Workfront-Jira integration of your own, as well as share common Workfront-Jira integration challenges. Workfront already offers a limited functionality native integration with Jira, but you might also be looking for a more flexible, robust solution that meets your team’s exact needs.

If you are, then jump ahead to our section on using intelligent automation to build custom automated processes that level up your project management. Otherwise, let’s get started.

As mentioned earlier, the native Workfront-to-Jira integration comes with some limitations. Once you’ve set up your sync, you might encounter data flowing in only one direction, failed syncs, delays, and overwritten data, especially when working with a large database. Often, these issues can require frustrating workarounds. 

Here are a few issues you may encounter when using the native Workfront-to-Jira integration.

Unidirectional integration

Unidirectional Jira-Workfront integration allows data to flow in only one direction. In other words, data is being transferred from Workfront to Jira, but not the other way around. 

In practical terms, this means that any updates or changes made in Workfront will automatically be reflected in Jira, but any updates or changes made in Jira will not be reflected in Workfront. 

This could result in a lack of communication between teams, leading to potential errors or incomplete reporting, slowing down workflow efficiency and creating process disruptions. 

Failed record syncs

Certain records can fail to be correctly synced due to various issues such as incomplete information, required values, validation issues, and incorrect integration setup. It is possible to resolve these issues manually, however, the amount of maintenance needed can quickly become overwhelming, limiting the amount of time available to dedicate to more important tasks.

Disabled triggers

When Workfront disables triggers due to an error with native Workfront and Jira integration, data may not be synced between Jira and Workfront, resulting in incomplete or inaccurate information in both systems.

You would need manually correct these records to update data in both systems, which can increase the workload. Same time if users manually update data in both systems, errors, and inconsistencies may occur. 

Slow synchronization

For Workfront and Jira users, delays in syncing data may occur, especially when the organization holds a large amount of information. This synchronization process usually takes a few minutes, yet in situations with large updates, it can be too much for the system to handle, stopping the user from gaining access to current data and triggering other events.

For example, if a team handles multiple projects in Workfront at the same time, the updates may pile up and consequently slow the sync. This delay can inhibit Jira from starting further tasks based on the issue condition.

Overwritten data

In some instances, including when adding issues manually in Jira, the native Workfront-Jira integration can overwrite data. Imagine you have a project that is already actively syncing data with Jira. If the integration is unidirectional, records can be overwritten with data flowing from Workfront.

Missing data means that your team is missing updates on resources, the scope of work, statuses, and deadlines, reducing productivity and directly affecting your project management cycle.

Duplicates

While Workfront offers functionality to prevent users' duplicates, it doesn’t check for duplicates when integrating data with Jira - it assumes that all incoming data is valid.

Common issues with incoming duplicate data can require you to manually reconcile records or invest in the help of a third party.

The native Workfront for Jira integration offers a convenient and easy way to flow data from Workfront to Jira. But what if you need to handle more-sophisticated processes that go beyond unidirectional integration? What if you need to perform more mature operations, such as:

• Automating project creation process steps
• Linking stories with epics and projects and then to tasks
• Roll-up reporting to see all info together
• Tracking percent completions and cost
• Unifying project views across systems
• Scheduling integration intervals from real-time to defined times
• Including data within custom fields
• Syncing multiple instances of Jira or Workfront, and more?

Here’s an example of an IAP in action that aligns your project management teams by keeping activities, tasks, comments, and documents in sync bi-directionally and in real-time.

How to do what’s in the video:

1. Define the integration requirements: We have the best practices, templates, and support to help.
2. Configure PIF to connect to Workfront and Jira.
3. Map the fields: The next step is to map the fields between Jira and Workfront.
4. Test the integration: After mapping the fields, you need to test the integration.
5. Roll out the integration: Once the integration has been tested successfully.
6. Monitor and maintain the integration with integrated reporting and alerts.