Scrum Workflow: Roles, Stages, and Automation Options

You can stick to manual Scrum workflow, or you can automate with free Jira software. We know which method we prefer.

Whichever you choose, implementing the Scrum framework creates a streamlined workflow. Each person has a specific role throughout the framework's steps.

The Scrum workflow provides team members with a simple process to help teams meet stakeholder needs.

While agile methodology aligns with Scrum, Kanban, and Lean, here, we’ll focus on what a Scrum workflow is and how this methodology can support organizational teamwork.

What is Scrum?

Teams use the Scrum framework to guide their workflow. Having a structure to follow means they can easily share, track and improve their deliverables.

Scrum divides work into smaller work parcels known as sprints, which typically last 2-4 weeks. Once the sprint is over, team members do a sprint retrospective meeting (also known as a sprint review) to chat about what worked well and what can be improved.

Scrum roles

Let’s look at the different roles that make up a Scrum team.

1. Product owner

The product owner has a core role in the Scrum workflow. They guide agile team discussions about product backlog items and features. In addition, product owners guide quality assurance to make sure deliverables are up to par.

2. Scrum Master

The Scrum Master will closely follow the principles in the agile manifesto to support sprint planning. Scrum masters guide development teams through agile methods to add value for stakeholders.

3. Software development team

Development teams are skillful and cross-functional. Teams that work in agile software development environments will typically include designers, developers, testers, and others to prevent the need for external assistance.

With the basics in place, we can take a closer look at the agile workflow stages.

Components of the Scrum workflow

The Jira workflow involves an iterative feedback cycle that focuses on creating value throughout the product development process. You can use the basic Scrum workflow steps or customize these.

The parts of an agile workflow are as follows.

1. Backlog development

A product roadmap guides team members in creating user stories and product requirements, which make up the sprint backlog. In the backlog, teams propose a list of features or user stories that the team must deliver. Product owners decide which features will make up the backlog.

2. Backlog release

Produce owner and team collaboration now decide which user stories will make it into each backlog release. Each backlog release is the completion of a smaller set of activities which eventually make up a sprint release. After completing this planning and setting timeframes for each action item, team members choose specific features for each sprint.

3. Sprint work

In a sprint, team members complete a set of backlog tasks within predetermined timeframes (usually 14-28 days). During this time, the agile team builds the product features from a specific sprint backlog.

Scrum or sprint meeting

Teams also hold Scrum or sprint meetings. During sprint meetings, the team sets a sprint goal (usually work on a specific feature). They agree on which product backlog items to complete in order to complete this product iteration. The team will prioritize, plan, and estimate the time needed to complete each task within the sprint.

Daily stand-ups

Agile teams use these daily standup meetings to track their agile workflow towards meeting sprint goals. Daily standup meetings are typically held — naturally — standing up, as they should last no more than 15 minutes. Standup meetings help teams discuss solutions to daily work issues.

4. The burndown chart

Team members can use Jira software to create their burndown charts. Burndown charts show original time estimates compared to real-time activities, which shows where expectations or team resources need to be adjusted.

5. Testing

During testing, the team demonstrates product functionalities for stakeholders. Feedback from product testing guides any needed changes.

6. Sprint retrospective and follow-up planning

The final phase of the Jira workflow is to hold a sprint retrospective. Sprint retrospectives are post-mortems on the previous workflow. At this stage, agile teams question what they did well, what didn't go as they hoped, and what changes they should make in the next sprint. Groups hold these sprint retrospectives to concentrate on better value deliverables through continuous improvement.

Jira software offers a visual display of the team's velocity, task progress, and project status. All these elements link back to the user story, and the group begins a new lifecycle to complete their project.

Create your Jira Scrum workflow in a few simple steps

You can either carry on using a manual Scrum process or transition to an automated Jira workflow for Scrum.

To create an automated, custom workflow, go to the Jira workflow designer. From there, you can manage the workflow scheme for your Jira project. You can also organize backlogs, complex workflows, workflow statuses, or view an issue status using custom fields.

In your workflow, you can:

• Use statuses like "In progress" or "Under review."
• View status items on lines for transitions.
• See issue resolutions.
• Check conditions that restrict assignee roles in bumping up issues to the following stage.
• Use validators to limit who can make transitions.
• Link further changes with transitions.
• Use triggers for automating transitions within specific parameters.
• Set workflow properties for transitions.
• Establish a link between the simple or complex workflow and issue types using workflow schemes.

As the agile team goes through the product lifecycle in a series of sprints, they need a tool to guide their journey.

With the free Easy Agile Scrum Workflow for Jira plugin, you can move Jira issues between the "To do," "In progress," and "Done" sections. You can also use the top right button to drag and drop specific issue types in the "Backlog" and "Selected for development" areas on the board.

More features from the Jira workflow plugin

In terms of automation, plenty of tools are available. You can use Easy Agile’s free Jira workflow plugin as valuable support for agile project management. This can help you create complex workflows and save all the details in the Jira cloud, ensuring nothing is ever lost. The free Jira workflow plugin also includes your burndown chart and sprint report.

Add the Confluence wiki tool to your Jira software for greater team collaboration. Also, use the Team Calendars add-on for better team collaboration.

Automate your Jira workflow now

Don’t wait for providence to come knocking on your door. Automate your Scrum workflow today with software that works.

We design agile apps for Jira with simple, collaborative, and flexible functionality. From team agility with Easy Agile TeamRhythm, to scaled agility with Easy Agile Programs, our apps can help your agile teams work better together, and deliver for your customers.