When it comes to managing projects, it’s important to have good tools to help you. One of the best tools out there is Jira. Jira helps a lot of companies plan their projects. It’s really good at organizing resources – that’s things like time, people, and equipment.
Even though Jira is already a great planning tool, you can make it even better with plugins. Plugins are like extra bits you can add to Jira to do more things. They fit right into your Jira tool and can help you in different ways depending on what you need.
In this blog, we’re going to talk about Jira and these plugins. We’ll look at the top 5 plugins for Jira in 2023 that make planning resources even easier. We’ll talk about what’s good about these plugins, what’s not so good, and how they can make your work easier. It doesn’t matter if you’ve been using Jira for years or if you’re just starting – this guide will help you pick the right plugin and get more from your Jira tool.
So, let’s start exploring how to get the best out of your Jira planning tool in 2023!
Table of Contents
I. The role of Jira planning tool in resource management
Managing resources is a big part of any project. You need to know who is doing what, when they’re doing it, and what they need to do it. That’s where the Jira planning tool comes in. It helps you keep track of all these details in one place.
Imagine you’re in charge of a big project. You’ve got a team of people to manage and a deadline to meet. You need to make sure everyone knows what they’re doing and that they have what they need to do it. If you don’t, things can get confusing really quickly.
With Jira, you can keep everything organized. You can set up tasks, assign them to people, and track their progress. You can also see what resources are being used and when they’re being used. This means you always know what’s going on with your project.
But the really cool thing about Jira is that you can customize it to suit your needs. Maybe you need to track extra information about your tasks. Or maybe you want to see your project timeline in a certain way. With Jira, you can do all this and more.
Even better, you can add plugins to Jira to make it even more useful. These plugins let you add extra features to Jira that can help you manage your resources even better. And the great news is, there are lots of plugins to choose from. In this blog, we’ll be looking at the top 5 Jira plugins for 2023 to help you with resource planning.
So whether you’re planning a small project or managing a big team, the Jira planning tool can help. And with the right plugin, you can make Jira even better and manage your resources like a pro.
II. Resource Planning Jira Plugins: Top 5 Apps on the Marketplace for 2023
1. TeamBoard ProScheduler
TeamBoard ProScheduler is a top-notch capacity planning app for project, program, and portfolio management. It offers a comprehensive toolkit for workload management, tempo structuring, timeline visualization, and risk management. The plugin also features a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) Gantt chart for a visual representation of your project’s timeline. It’s essentially a powerful aid for resource planning, project management, and creating Gantt charts within Jira.
Hosting Options: The plugin is available for Cloud, Server, and Data Center hosting options. This means that no matter your hosting preference, you can take advantage of the ProScheduler plugin.
Pricing: Pricing for TeamBoard ProScheduler varies depending on your hosting preference and team size:
- Cloud: Starting at 0$ per 10 users/month
- Server: Starting at 500$ per 50 users/year (Free for 30 days for teams of all sizes)
- Data Center: Starting at 10$ per 10 users/year (Free for 30 days for teams of all sizes)
Review: 4.7/5* (121 reviews)
For more information about TeamBoard ProScheduler, please visit the Atlassian Marketplace. It provides detailed information and purchasing options for: Cloud / Server / Data Center
2. TeamBoard TimePlanner
TeamBoard TimePlanner is a robust app designed for team management and capacity planning in Jira. The plugin encompasses a variety of features like a calendar, timeline, timer, report generation, tempo management, and tools for budgeting, cost analysis, invoice management, gathering feedback, and tracking OKRs (Objectives and Key Results). Essentially, it serves as a comprehensive suite for Time Tracking, Timesheets, Resource Planning, and Cost management within Jira.
Hosting Options: TeamBoard TimePlanner is available for both Cloud and Data Center hosting options.
Pricing:
- Cloud: Starting at 0$ per 10 users/month
- Data Center: Starting at 500$ per 50 users/year (Free for 30 days for teams of all sizes)
Review: 5/5* (71 reviews)
For more information about TeamBoard TimePlanner, please visit the Atlassian Marketplace. It provides detailed information and purchasing options for: Cloud / Data Center
3. Planner by Tempo
Planner by Tempo is a potent resource allocation planning tool that is specifically designed to optimize capacity planning and enhance project management within Jira. This plugin provides a dynamic platform that enables easy tracking and management of your team’s capacity, thereby helping you balance workload effectively.
Hosting Options: Cloud, Server and Data Center.
Pricing:
- Cloud: Starting at 10$ per 10 users/month
- Server: Starting at 100$ per 10 users/year (Free for 30 days for teams of all sizes)
- Data Center: Starting at 1,100$ per 50 users/year (Free for 30 days for teams of all sizes)
Review: 4/5* (148 reviews)
For more information about Planner by Tempo please visit the Atlassian Marketplace. It provides detailed information and purchasing options for: Cloud / Server/ Data Center
4. Activity Timeline
Activity Timeline is a versatile Jira plugin that combines Resource Management, Timesheet Reports, Resource Planning, and Timelines into a comprehensive package. Additionally, it integrates smoothly with Capacity Planner, Tracker, and Advanced Roadmaps, enhancing your overall planning and tracking process.
Hosting Options: Cloud, Server and Data Center.
Pricing:
- Cloud: Starting at 10$ per 10 users/month
- Server: Starting at 100$ per 10 users/year (Free for 30 days for teams of all sizes)
- Data Center: Starting at 1,900$ per 50 users/year (Free for 30 days for teams of all sizes)
Review: 4.9/5* (80 reviews)
For more information about Activity Timeline, please visit the Atlassian Marketplace. It provides detailed information and purchasing options for: Cloud / Server/ Data Center
5. Structure by Tempo
Structure by Tempo is one of the most advanced portfolio management tools available for Jira. This plugin is designed for cross-team portfolio project management and is suitable for scaled Agile, Hybrid, and time in status methods. Its flexible and advanced features make it an excellent choice for teams that need to manage complex, large-scale projects.
Hosting Options: Cloud, Server and Data Center.
Pricing:
- Cloud: Starting at 10$ per 10 users/month
- Server: Starting at 10$ per 10 users/year (Free for 30 days for teams of all sizes)
- Data Center: Starting at 1,455$ per 50 users/year (Free for 30 days for teams of all sizes)
Review: 4/5* (300 reviews)
For more information about Structure by Tempo, please visit the Atlassian Marketplace. It provides detailed information and purchasing options for: Cloud/ Server/ Data Center
III. Installing Plugins in Your Jira Planning Tool
Step-by-step guide on plugin installation
- Logging in: Start by logging into your Jira instance.
- Accessing ‘Find new apps: Click the ‘Apps’ dropdown on your Jira dashboard, then select ‘Find new apps’.
- Searching for Plugin: In the search bar, type the name of the plugin you want to install (e.g., “TeamBoard ProScheduler”). Press ‘Enter’ to start the search.
- Installing Plugin: Find your desired plugin in the search results, then click on the app tile. Click ‘Try it free’ to start installing your plugin.
- Confirmation: Once the installation is complete, you’ll receive a confirmation. At this point, the plugin is ready to be used in your Jira instance.
Tips to troubleshoot common installation issues
- Check Jira Version: Some plugins require specific versions of Jira. If a plugin isn’t installing, check to see if your Jira version is compatible with the plugin.
- Refresh Jira: If the installation appears stuck, try refreshing your browser, or clear the cache and cookies before attempting again.
- Review User Permissions: Ensure you have administrative privileges. Some plugins require admin permissions to install.
- Internet Connection: Ensure you have a stable internet connection. A weak or intermittent connection might cause issues during the installation process.
- Contact Support: If you’re still experiencing issues, it’s best to contact Atlassian support or the support service of the specific plugin. They can guide you through the installation process or help troubleshoot any problems.
In this blog, we’ve introduced the top 5 Jira resource planning plugins for 2023. Each one, including TeamBoard ProScheduler, TeamBoard TimePlanner, Planner by Tempo, Activity Timeline, and Structure by Tempo, offers unique benefits to amplify your project management capabilities within Jira.
We also took you through the installation process and provided troubleshooting advice for any potential installation issues you might encounter.
Remember, the optimal plugin for your team aligns with your specific operational needs. Don’t hesitate to thoroughly explore each option on the Atlassian Marketplace to identify the best fit.
If you’re new to using Jira, it’s highly recommended to check out the Jira Guru series from DevSamurai. It’s a comprehensive resource offering free Jira tutorials, training, and coaching to help you master the platform and fully leverage its capabilities.
Incorporating these plugins into your Jira planning tool can significantly enhance resource management, leading to improved efficiency and project success. Happy planning!
