Setting up a Jira to Jira integration can become a hassle, especially when your use case requirements are complex or advanced.
An integration tool that’s equipped to handle any scenario will ensure nothing falls through the cracks.
However, not all integration solutions offer the same level of flexibility. Some restrict you with use cases implemented via a drag-and-drop interface while others are more automation than integration.
The most ideal solution would be the one that gives your teams full control – allowing them to define what syncs, when, and under what conditions.
We will learn how to set up an advanced bidirectional Jira to Jira integration using a tool called Exalate.
What is Exalate?
Exalate is a decentralized integration solution designed to connect a variety of platforms like Jira, Azure DevOps, ServiceNow, GitHub, Salesforce, and Zendesk.
What makes Exalate unique is its fully customizable synchronization capabilities to implement advanced Jira to Jira integration scenarios. You can sync all basic and custom fields, plus third-party plugin data, etc.
Users can define custom Groovy-based sync rules along with granular-level triggers to filter what information needs to be exchanged.
How to Set up a Jira to Jira Integration (the Step-by-Step Process)
Let’s get down to setting up the Jira to Jira integration step by step.
Step 1: Install Exalate on Jira
The installation process depends on the version. I’m focusing on Jira Cloud here.
You can start via the Exalate integrations page or head over to the Atlassian marketplace.
Follow the simple step-by-step wizard.
Next, you need to repeat the same process on your other Jira instance.
Step 2: Connect your Jira Instances
Start creating a connection between the Jira instances. Click “Connections” under the Exalate admin panel. Then click the “Initiate connection” button.
On the next screen, enter the URL of the other instance.
Choose between the Basic, Visual (Beta), or AI-assisted Script Mode.
We will discuss the Script mode in this article.
Continue with the Advanced Script Mode
If you want to set up an advanced Jira to Jira integration, the Script mode is the way to go.
It uses the Groovy scripting engine, which allows you to have the utmost control over your data exchange. You can also use AI with this mode.
After selecting “Script Mode”, enter the details of the connection.
Copy and save the invitation code that’s generated.
Log in to your other Jira instance. Look for the Exalate connections screen. This time, click the “Accept invitation” button and paste the code you just copied. Then click “Next”. Choose a Jira project.
You have successfully connected your Jira instances.
Let’s look at some of the things you can do with the connection.
Step 3: Configure Your Connection to Determine What Information Gets Shared
Exalate will use standard defaults when creating your connection. You can edit these at any time.
To do that, click the “Configure sync” button in the image shown above. Click on the “Rules” tab.
The rules use the Groovy language, so if you already have some experience, all the better. New to Groovy? Then check out chapter 4 of the Exalate Academy or refer to our Groovy scripting guide.
Each rule shows how fields are mapped onto each other. As this is a Jira-to-Jira integration, the field names are identical, such as replica.labels = issue.labels.
Read more about the sync rules here. Click the “Publish” button to save your changes.
Use the AI-powered Script Mode
Exalate’s Sript mode includes AI Assist, which appears as a chat window in the Incoming and Outgoing sync rules tabs.
You can tell AI Assist what you need, and it will generate the scripts based on your input, current configurations, and Exalate’s scripting API.
Keep in mind that AI Assist isn’t perfect, so your instructions must be clear and specific.
Here’s an example of how it works:
Your scripts will be ready in no time. If necessary, tweak your prompt to your requirements and expectations. Once it’s all set, don’t forget to publish your changes.
Step 4: Set Up Automated Synchronization Triggers
Triggers define the synchronization conditions to determine which specific items are synchronized.
Click the “Triggers” tab to start creating triggers.
Triggers are written in a different language, depending on the platform. For Jira, you use the Jira Query Language. Read more about it in the documentation.
Select the entities to which the triggers apply, specify the query, and click “Activate trigger”.
Then “Add” it as a trigger for the Jira to Jira connection. You also have the option to use “Bulk Exalate” and “Unbulk Exalate” with triggers.
Step 5: Start Synchronizing Tasks
Now your connection is ready, you can start creating tasks, and if they match the criteria, they will be shared between platforms. Exalate checks for new tasks every few minutes, so please wait for a little while if you don’t see them transferred immediately.
Conclusion
An effective Jira to Jira integration boosts your team’s productivity and enables them to benefit from the information captured and processed by different departments.
Use tools like Exalate to integrate Jira instances and fine-tune the connection to match your needs so that each system gets exactly the information it requires.
Want to find out how Exalate can handle your advanced use case? Book a demo with our experts: no commitments, no charge.
