Filtering Modes
Understanding data filtering modes in Jira Metrics Plugin - how to select which tasks are included in your analysis.
What are Filtering Modes?
Important: Filtering modes control which tasks are included in your analysis, not how metrics are calculated. The calculation formulas for lead time, cycle time, and other metrics remain the same regardless of the filtering mode chosen.
JMP provides two data filtering modes: "Activity" and "Completion". The mode is selected through the "Filtering Mode" parameter in the report settings.
"Activity" Mode
In "Activity" mode, tasks are included if they were active in any of the selected columns during the specified time period.
How "Activity" mode works:
- Inclusion criteria: A task is included if it had any movement or presence in the selected columns during the timeframe
- Use case: Analyzing overall workflow activity and identifying bottlenecks across all stages
- Data scope: Broader dataset including tasks that were "in progress" during the period
When to use "Activity" mode:
- General process analysis and workflow overview
- Identifying bottlenecks at all stages of work
- Understanding overall team activity and workload
- Analyzing work in progress (WIP) patterns
"Completion" Mode
In "Completion" mode, tasks are included only if they completed (moved through) specified completion columns within the given time period.
How "Completion" mode works:
- Inclusion criteria: A task is included only if it passed through at least one of the specified "Completion Columns" during the timeframe
- Additional setting: When this mode is selected, the "Completion Columns" field becomes active, where you specify which columns represent completion
- Completion logic:
- Task must have entered at least one Completion Column within the time period
- Uses the latest date of entering any Completion Column
- Tasks that returned to earlier columns after completion are excluded
When to use "Completion" mode:
- Analyzing specific process stages (e.g., development time, testing duration)
- Measuring delivery performance and throughput
- Focusing on completed work rather than work in progress
- Creating delivery forecasts based on historical completion data
Key Differences Summary
| Aspect | Activity Mode | Completion Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Data inclusion | Tasks active in selected columns | Tasks completed through specified columns |
| Time reference | Any activity during period | Completion events during period |
| Dataset size | Typically larger (includes WIP) | Typically smaller (completed work only) |
| Best for | Process analysis, bottleneck identification | Delivery analysis, throughput measurement |
| Additional settings | None | Requires "Completion Columns" selection |
Impact on Reports
All reports use the same filtering mode you select, ensuring consistent analysis across:
- Lead Time: Affects which tasks' lead times are measured
- Aging Chart: Affects the data sample used for aging statistics calculations
- Predictability: Influences the task sample for predictability calculations
- Table View: Controls which tasks are displayed in the detailed view
When to Use Each Mode
Use "Activity" Mode:
- To analyze tasks that were active in selected columns during the time period
- To see all work that was in progress, regardless of completion status
- For process analysis and identifying bottlenecks
Use "Completion" Mode:
- To analyze only tasks that completed through specified columns during the time period
- To focus on delivered work and measure completion rates
- Requires selecting which columns represent "completion" for your workflow
Important Notes
- Metrics formulas don't change: Lead time is always calculated the same way regardless of filtering mode
- Only data selection changes: Different tasks are included in the analysis, but calculations remain consistent
- Experiment with both modes: Try both to understand which gives you more actionable insights for your specific needs