Issue Status Management
Manage the different states that issues can have throughout their lifecycle with flexible status configuration and workflow control.
Before You Start
Issue Status Management allows you to create custom statuses with specific requirements for notes, media attachments, and workflow control. Understanding the difference between open and closed statuses is crucial for effective issue management.
Overview
The Issue Status module manages the different states that issues can have throughout their lifecycle. It provides a flexible system for defining issue statuses with specific requirements for notes, media attachments, and workflow control.
Getting Started
Accessing Issue Status Management
- Navigate to Issues → Issue Settings from the main menu
- Click on the "Issue Statuses" tab
- You'll see a list of all issue statuses organized by Open and Closed categories
Issue Status Structure
Status Categories
Open Statuses:
- Issues that are active and can be worked on
- Examples: "Open", "In Progress"
- Issues in open statuses appear in active issue lists
Closed Statuses:
- Issues that have been completed or terminated
- Examples: "Resolved", "Can't Do"
- Issues in closed statuses are considered finished
Default Statuses
System Defaults:
- Open (Open Status)
- New issues start in this status
- Issues ready to be assigned and worked on
- In Progress (Open Status)
- Issues currently being worked on
- Active work in progress
- Resolved (Closed Status)
- Issues that have been resolved successfully
- Final status for completed issues
- Can't Do (Closed Status)
- Issues that cannot be resolved
- Used when issues are impossible or blocked
Creating Issue Statuses
Creating a New Status
Step 1: Open Create Form
- Click the "New" button in the Issue Statuses page
- A modal form will appear with status configuration options
Step 2: Basic Information
- Name: Enter a descriptive status name (required)
- Example: "Under Review", "On Hold", "Cancelled"
Step 3: Evidence Requirements
- Note Required: Check if notes are mandatory for this status
- Media Required: Check if file attachments are required
- Is Open Status: Determine if this is an open or closed status
Step 4: Save Status
- Click "Save" to create the new issue status
- The status will be added to the appropriate category
Status Configuration Options
Evidence Requirements:
- No Evidence Required: Status can be set without additional information
- Note Required: Users must provide comments when setting this status
- Media Required: Users must attach files when setting this status
- Both Required: Both notes and media are mandatory
Status Type:
- Open Status: Issues in this status are considered active
- Closed Status: Issues in this status are considered finished
Managing Issue Statuses
Status Operations
Editing Status:
- Click the edit icon (pencil) next to the status
- Modify the status name or requirements
- Click "Save" to update the status
Activating/Deactivating:
- Use the toggle switch to enable/disable statuses
- Green: Status is active and available for use
- Gray: Status is inactive and cannot be used
Deleting Status:
- Click the delete icon (trash) next to the status
- Confirm deletion in the popup dialog
- Note: Default system statuses cannot be deleted
Status Restrictions
Protected Statuses:
- Default system statuses cannot be deleted
- These include: "Open", "In Progress", "Resolved", "Can't Do"
- Protected statuses can be edited but not removed
Status Dependencies:
- Statuses with active issues cannot be deleted
- Must reassign or resolve all issues before deletion
- System prevents deletion of statuses in use
Status Requirements
Note Requirements
When Notes Are Required:
- Users must provide comments when changing to this status
- Comments help track why the status was changed
- Useful for audit trails and communication
Note Examples:
- "Under Review": "Issue submitted for manager approval"
- "On Hold": "Waiting for external vendor response"
- "Cancelled": "Issue scope changed, no longer needed"
Media Requirements
When Media Is Required:
- Users must attach files when setting this status
- Files provide evidence of issue resolution or status change
- Supports various file types (images, documents, videos)
Media Examples:
- "Resolved": Photos of resolved issue
- "Under Review": Screenshots or documents for review
- "On Hold": Supporting documentation for delay
Combined Requirements
Both Notes and Media:
- Users must provide both comments and attachments
- Ensures comprehensive documentation of status changes
- Provides complete audit trail
Status Workflow
Status Transitions
Open to Open:
- Issues can move between open statuses
- Example: "Open" → "In Progress" → "Under Review"
Open to Closed:
- Issues can be resolved or terminated
- Example: "In Progress" → "Resolved" or "Can't Do"
Closed to Open:
- Issues can be reopened if needed
- Example: "Resolved" → "In Progress" (for revisions)
Workflow Rules
Automatic Validation:
- System checks required evidence before status change
- Prevents status changes without required information
- Ensures compliance with status requirements
Status History:
- All status changes are logged with timestamps
- Complete audit trail of issue progression
- User accountability for status changes
Status Organization
Visual Organization
Category Display:
- Open Statuses: Listed in the "Open Status" section
- Closed Statuses: Listed in the "Closed Status" section
- Clear Separation: Visual distinction between active and finished issues
Evidence Indicators:
- Tags: Visual indicators for evidence requirements
- Note Tag: Blue tag for note requirements
- Media Tag: Green tag for media requirements
- No Evidence: Gray tag when no evidence is required
Best Practices
Status Naming
Clear and Descriptive:
- Use clear, descriptive status names
- Avoid ambiguous terms
- Be consistent with naming conventions
Examples of Good Names:
- "Under Review" (clear action)
- "On Hold" (clear state)
- "Pending Approval" (clear requirement)
Examples to Avoid:
- "Status 1" (unclear meaning)
- "Maybe" (ambiguous)
- "Done-ish" (unprofessional)
Status Requirements
Appropriate Requirements:
- Only require evidence when necessary
- Balance documentation needs with user convenience
- Consider workflow impact of requirements
Requirement Guidelines:
- Note Required: For status changes that need explanation
- Media Required: For status changes that need evidence
- Both Required: For critical status changes
Status Management
Regular Review:
- Periodically review status usage
- Remove unused statuses
- Update status requirements as needed
User Training:
- Train users on status meanings
- Explain evidence requirements
- Provide examples of appropriate usage
Troubleshooting
Common Issues
Status Not Saving:
- Check if status name is provided
- Verify user permissions
- Check for duplicate status names
Cannot Delete Status:
- Verify status is not in use
- Check if it's a protected system status
- Ensure all issues are reassigned
Evidence Not Saving:
- Check file size limits
- Verify file type is supported
- Ensure required fields are completed
Getting Help
Support Resources:
- Check this help documentation
- Review status examples
- Contact system administrator
Administrator Contact:
- For permission issues
- Status configuration problems
- Workflow integration questions
Quick Reference
Status Categories
- 🟢 Open Status: Active issues that can be worked on
- 🔴 Closed Status: Finished issues that are complete
Evidence Requirements
- 📝 Note Required: Comments mandatory for status change
- 📎 Media Required: File attachments mandatory for status change
- 📋 No Evidence: No additional information required
Action Icons
- ✏️ Edit: Modify status configuration
- 🗑️ Delete: Remove status (if allowed)
- 🔄 Toggle: Activate/deactivate status
Default Statuses
- 📋 Open: New issues ready to start
- 🔄 In Progress: Issues currently being worked on
- ✅ Resolved: Issues resolved successfully
- ❌ Can't Do: Issues that cannot be resolved