Backlog and sprints

Nota

The Backlogs module is getting a reset with OpenProject 17.3 release and will undergo further changes in the upcoming versions. We will keep updating the documentation over time to reflect these changes.

Working in agile project teams is becoming increasingly important, and with OpenProject, it is easier than ever.

OpenProject supports your work with the Agile and Scrum methodology by providing a variety of improved functionalities. You can now create and manage sprints, record and prioritize user stories in sprints and the backlog, use sprint boards or burndown-charts, print story cards, and much more. Para más información, consulte la página de características Agile y scrum de OpenProject.

A Backlog is defined as a plugin that allows you to use the backlogs feature in OpenProject. In order to use backlogs in a project, the Backlogs module has to be activated in the project settings.

Please note that this user guide does not represent an introduction to Scrum methodology, but merely explains the Scrum-related functionalities and user instructions in OpenProject.

Backlogs module in OpenProject showing backlog items and multiple sprints with work packages

Manage the backlog

The Backlog is automatically populated based on the work packages in a project that are not yet in sprints. When you add a work package to a sprint, or close it, the work package will no longer be visible in the backlog.

When there are too many items in the Backlog, a Show more items link appears in the middle. This compacts the middle section so that you always see the top and the bottom of the backlog.

Backlog view with many items collapsed behind a “Show more items” link in the middle

Next to every work package listed in the backlog or sprint, you can access the More (three dots) menu, including the following options:

  • Open details view or fullscreen view of a work package. These options allow you to choose how much information (about the backlog item) you’d like to be displayed.
  • Copy the work package URL or ID to the clipboard.
  • Move a work package.

Backlog work package menu with options like details view, copy link, and move

Details view opens the work package information on the right side, the same way as in the notifications center.

Backlog item opened in details view on the right side panel

Opening the fullscreen view opens the work package in fullscreen.

Work package opened in fullscreen in OpenProject

With the Move option, you can order items according to your preference within the backlog or move them to a sprint. You can also drag and drop the work packages.

Move options menu for a backlog item showing reorder and sprint assignment options

Create and manage sprints

Importante

Starting with the OpenProject 17.3 release, Sprints are new objects no longer linked to versions (as was the case with previous OpenProject versions).

A Sprint is a planned and time-boxed period in which a Scrum team completes a defined set of tasks. They are containers or buckets where work packages can be manually added or removed from the Backlog via a drag-and-drop icon.

Create a sprint

To create a sprint, click the + Sprint button in the top right corner of the Backlogs module. This opens up a form for you to fill in details about the sprint name, start date, and completion date. The duration is automatically calculated. Click the Create button to proceed.

The naming of sprints is number-based by default (e.g. Sprint 1, Sprint 2). These names can be edited according to your team’s work rhythm.

Sprint creation form with fields for name, start date, and end date

Start or complete a sprint

Your sprint is set in motion by clicking the Start sprint button. Clicking it will open the sprint board.

Nota

A sprint cannot be started if another sprint is already in progress. In this case the button will be disabled.

Start sprint button in the Backlogs module interface

Once a sprint has started, it is considered active and can be managed through the Sprint menu options, which include:

  • Complete sprint
  • Edit sprint
  • Add work package
  • Open a Sprint board
  • Diagrama Burndown

Sprint menu with options like edit sprint, add work package, board, and burndown chart

Add a work package

In order to create a new work package in the Backlogs module, click on the More (three dots) icon in the top right corner of a Sprint and choose + Add work package from the drop-down menu.

Aparecerá un diálogo de formulario para crear un nuevo paquete de trabajo. Here, you directly specify the work package type, subject, and description. Pulse Crear para continuar.

A new work package added to a sprint directly in OpenProject Backlogs module

Se añadirá un nuevo elemento al backlog para mostrar la historia recién creada.

Prioritize stories

You can prioritize different work packages within a backlog or sprint by either using the Move option or by dragging & dropping them. This allows you to assign work packages to a specific sprint, return to a backlog or re-order them within a sprint.

Puntos de historia

En un sprint, puede documentar directamente el esfuerzo necesario como puntos de historia. The overall effort for a sprint is automatically calculated, and the sum of story points is displayed in the top row.

Story points are defined as numbers assigned to a work package used to estimate (relatively) the size of the work.

Story points assigned to work packages in a sprint in OpenProject backlogs module

You can edit story points directly from the backlogs view. In order to do so, simply click the work package you want to edit and make the desired changes in the detailed view of the work package that will open on the right.

Edit story points for a work package in the Backlogs module in OpenProject

Sprint boards

Sprint boards are especially helpful for teams to track and visualize progress from the start. When you click the Start sprint within the Backlog, a dedicated sprint board is automatically created and you are forwarded to the active sprint board.

Boards are named using this pattern: [Project name: Sprint name]. As an example: Scrum project: Sprint 1.

The sprint board inherits project permissions automatically, which means it is accessible to all project members by default.

Sprint board showing work packages organized in columns to track progress

Nota

The sprint board and burndown chart are only visible on the menu when a sprint is active.

Burndown charts

Los diagramas Burndown son una herramienta útil para visualizar el progreso de un sprint. Con OpenProject, puede generar automáticamente diagramas burndown de sprints y tareas.

Consejo

As a precondition, the sprint’s start and end date must be defined and the information on story points should be well maintained.

El burndown del sprint se calcula a partir de la suma de los puntos de historia estimados. Si una historia de usuario se establece como «cerrada» (u otro estado que se defina como cerrado (véase la configuración del administrador)), cuenta para el burndown.

La reducción de tareas se calcula a partir del número estimado de horas necesarias para completar una tarea. Si una tarea se establece como «cerrada», se ajusta el burndown.

Los puntos de historia restantes por sprint se muestran en el gráfico. Opcionalmente, se puede mostrar el burndown ideal como referencia. El burndown ideal supone una finalización lineal de los puntos de la historia desde el principio hasta el final de un sprint.

An example of a burndown chart in OpenProject