# Agile Increment Manager (AIM) - Documentation
## Overview
Agile Increment Manager (AIM) is a Jira app that transforms how teams plan and execute work by providing a visual, intuitive approach to epic management. Built specifically for Jira using the Forge platform, AIM introduces a proven Later-Now-Next methodology that helps teams prioritize effectively and maintain focus on current sprint goals.
## Key Features
### 🎯 Visual Epic Management
- **Drag-and-drop kanban board** for organizing epics across Later, Now, and Next buckets
- **Real-time updates** that sync across all team members
- **Clean, intuitive interface** built with Atlaskit design system
### 📊 Custom Epic Status Field
- **Later**: Epics planned for future increments
- **Now**: Epics currently being worked on
- **Next**: Epics ready for the upcoming increment
### 🚀 Dual View Options
- **Project Page**: Epic management within specific Jira projects
- **Global Dashboard**: Cross-project epic visibility for portfolio management
### ⚡ Increment Management
- Track and close increments efficiently
- Monitor epic progression across increments
- Maintain historical increment data
## Getting Started
### Installation
1. Install the app from the Atlassian Marketplace
2. The app will automatically add the custom "Epic Status" field to your Jira instance
3. No additional configuration required - start using immediately
### Accessing AIM
#### Project View
1. Navigate to any Jira project
2. Look for the **"AIM"** tab in the project navigation
3. Start organizing your project's epics
#### Global View
1. Go to Jira's main navigation
2. Click **Apps** → **"Agile Increment Manager"**
3. Access the global dashboard at `/aim-manager`
## How to Use
### Managing Epics
1. **View Epics**: All epics in your project are automatically displayed on the board
2. **Organize by Status**: Drag epics between Later, Now, and Next columns
3. **Update Status**: Epic status updates are saved automatically
4. **Track Progress**: Monitor epic movement through your workflow
### Working with Increments
1. **Plan Increments**: Use the "Now" column for current increment work
2. **Prepare Next**: Move ready epics to "Next" for upcoming increments
3. **Archive Completed**: Use increment closure to maintain clean boards
4. **Review History**: Access historical increment data for retrospectives
### Best Practices
#### Team Workflow
- **Daily Standups**: Use the board to discuss epic progress
- **Sprint Planning**: Reference "Next" column for upcoming work
- **Retrospectives**: Review increment closures and epic flow
#### Epic Organization
- **Limit WIP**: Keep "Now" column focused (recommended: 3-5 epics max)
- **Regular Grooming**: Move epics from "Later" to "Next" as they become ready
- **Clear Criteria**: Define what qualifies an epic for each status
## Permissions and Security
### Required Permissions
- **read:jira-work**: View Jira issues and projects
- **write:jira-work**: Update epic status and manage increments
- **manage:jira-configuration**: Add custom fields
- **read:jira-user**: Access user information for assignments
- **storage:app**: Store app configuration data
### Data Security
- All data remains within your Jira instance
- No external data storage or transmission
- Built on Forge platform with enterprise-grade security
- Complies with Atlassian security standards
## Technical Specifications
### System Requirements
- **Jira Cloud** (any plan)
- **Modern web browser** (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge)
- **JavaScript enabled**
### Technology Stack
- **Platform**: Atlassian Forge
- **Runtime**: Node.js 20.x
- **Frontend**: React 18.x with Atlaskit components
- **Build Tool**: Webpack 5
### Performance
- **Fast loading**: Optimized React components
- **Real-time updates**: Efficient data synchronization
- **Scalable**: Handles large numbers of epics efficiently
## Troubleshooting
### Common Issues
#### Epic Status Field Not Visible
**Solution**: Ensure the field is added to your epic screen scheme:
1. Go to Jira Administration → Issues → Screens
2. Edit your epic screen
3. Add "Epic Status" field if missing
#### Drag and Drop Not Working
**Solution**:
- Refresh the browser page
- Check browser JavaScript is enabled
- Verify you have edit permissions on the epics
#### Global Dashboard Access Issues
**Solution**:
- Ensure you have project access permissions
- Check that the app is properly installed
- Contact your Jira administrator if issues persist
### Getting Help
#### Support Channels
- **Documentation**: This guide and inline help
- **Community**: Atlassian Community forums
- **Direct Support**: Contact Horizon Digital support team
#### Reporting Issues
When reporting issues, please include:
- Jira Cloud site URL
- Browser type and version
- Steps to reproduce the issue
- Screenshots if applicable
## Frequently Asked Questions
### Q: Can I customize the epic status options?
**A**: Currently, the app uses the proven Later-Now-Next methodology. Custom status options may be available in future releases.
### Q: Does this work with Jira Server/Data Center?
**A**: This app is built for Jira Cloud only using the Forge platform.
### Q: Can I export epic data?
**A**: Epic data can be exported using Jira's standard export functionality, including the Epic Status field.
### Q: How many epics can the board handle?
**A**: The board is optimized to handle hundreds of epics efficiently with pagination and filtering options.
### Q: Is there an API available?
**A**: The app uses Jira's standard REST API. Custom integrations can be built using Jira's epic and custom field APIs.
## Changelog
### Version 1.1.6 (Current)
- Initial release
- Visual kanban board for epic management
- Custom Epic Status field (Later/Now/Next)
- Project and global dashboard views
- Increment tracking and closure
- Drag-and-drop functionality
- Atlaskit design system integration
## Roadmap
### Upcoming Features
- Custom status options
- Epic filtering and search
- Reporting and analytics
- Team assignment views
- Integration with other Atlassian tools
## Support and Contact
### Horizon Digital
- **Website**: [horizondigital.au](https://horizondigital.au)
- **Email**: hello@horizondigital.au
- **Phone**: 1300 737 699
### Office Locations
- **Perth**: Level 7, 125 Murray Street, Perth, WA 6000
- **Sydney**: 1 Sussex Street, Barangaroo, Sydney, NSW 2000
- **Brisbane**: 123 Eagle Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000
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*Last updated: December 2024*
*App Version: 1.1.6*
*Documentation Version: 1.0*This comprehensive documentation file covers:
- Overview and features - What the app does
- Getting started guide - How to install and access
- Usage instructions - How to use the features
- Best practices - Recommended workflows
- Technical details - Requirements and specifications
- Troubleshooting - Common issues and solutions
- FAQ - Frequently asked questions
- Support information - How to get help