From bdd43f73afc7228e0e4ccd3558702ac66228841a Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Marcin Sedlak-Jakubowski <msedlakjakubowski@gitlab.com> Date: Wed, 18 Dec 2024 12:09:14 +0000 Subject: [PATCH] Apply 1 suggestion(s) to 1 file(s) Co-authored-by: Marcin Sedlak-Jakubowski <msedlakjakubowski@gitlab.com> --- doc/user/group/epics/linked_epics.md | 80 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 1 file changed, 80 insertions(+) diff --git a/doc/user/group/epics/linked_epics.md b/doc/user/group/epics/linked_epics.md index beffcea85fb1e..5ee329f3e99eb 100644 --- a/doc/user/group/epics/linked_epics.md +++ b/doc/user/group/epics/linked_epics.md @@ -18,6 +18,86 @@ When you try to close an epic that has open blockers, a warning is displayed. To manage linked epics through our API, see [Linked epics API](../../../api/linked_epics.md). +## Ways to use linked epics + +You can use linked epics to solve several planning and coordination challenges. +The following examples show how linked epics help teams work together more effectively. + +### Cross-functional initiatives + +Use linked epics to coordinate work between multiple teams and track interdependent deliverables. +When teams work together on a large initiative, each team can manage their own epic while maintaining +visibility into related work. + +For example, when launching a new feature, development and marketing teams often work in parallel. +The development team tracks technical implementation in their epic, while the marketing team plans +promotional activities in a separate epic. + +By linking these epics: + +- Teams can track dependencies between technical and promotional work. +- Each team maintains autonomy while staying aligned on the broader initiative. +- Stakeholders get visibility into the full scope of the launch. +- Teams can identify and resolve blockers across organizational boundaries. + +This coordination helps break down silos and ensures all aspects of the initiative stay in sync. + +When you link epics across groups: + +- Each team keeps their work in their own group. +- Teams can see related work without switching between groups. +- Status updates automatically flow between linked epics. + +### Dependency management + +Use linked epics to manage and track work dependencies. +When development can't begin until infrastructure changes are complete, linked epics help teams +manage these dependencies. + +For example, when building a new feature, teams often need infrastructure updates +before development can start. The infrastructure team tracks their database migration work +in one epic, while the development team plans feature implementation in another epic. + +By linking these epics: + +- Teams can track when infrastructure work is ready for development. +- Development teams can better plan their sprint capacity. +- Product managers can identify potential workflow delays. +- Teams stay informed of progress without constant meetings. + +This visibility helps teams complete work in the right sequence and avoid blocked tasks. + +When you link epics to show dependencies: + +- Infrastructure and development work stays connected. +- Teams know when they can start their work. +- Status updates flow automatically between epics. + +### Higher-level planning + +Use linked epics to connect short-term execution with long-term planning. +When managing a series of releases, you can organize high-level goals and track individual feature +deliverables. + +For example, when planning multiple releases over several quarters, you can create separate epics +for each release. +Then link these release epics to a central roadmap epic that tracks the overall project. + +By linking these epics: + +- Teams can understand how their work fits into the larger strategy. +- Product managers can track progress across multiple releases. +- Teams stay focused on current work while seeing future plans. +- Stakeholders can monitor both granular and high-level progress. + +This structure helps teams progress on current work while maintaining broader goals. + +When you link epics for planning: + +- Each release's progress is visible in the roadmap. +- Teams can see upcoming work early. +- Status updates roll up to the higher-level view. + ## Add a linked epic > - Minimum required role for the group [changed](https://gitlab.com/gitlab-org/gitlab/-/issues/381308) from Reporter to Guest in GitLab 15.8. -- GitLab