A few weeks ago, I was talking to a client about automation tools that can help non-tech users to build automation and configure workflows. Two names (naturally) came up: Jira Automation and Zapier. While Jira Automation is built on and revolves around Jira elements such as project, issue and field, Zapier connects multiple apps within one automation. The client asked me which tool I use more in my work, and my answer was kind of similar to this girl’s response:

Jira Automation and Zapier's collaborative power

I was completely serious. To me, it is not a competition between Jira Automation and Zapier. Both have their own strengths and shortcomings, but most importantly, they complement each other extremely well. Zapier addresses all the limitations of Jira Automation, including:

• Connecting to other platforms using OAuth 2.0: Platforms have already started shifting from API Keys to OAuth 2.0 for authentication protocols due to various reasons, including enhanced security, better-defined scope, and shorter access token lifespans. This shift is evident in Zapier, where approximately 99% of built-in Zaps require OAuth 2.0, demonstrating the industry's preference for this more secure and granular authorization method.

• Complex branching or multiple if-else workflow: Jira Automation can handle straightforward branching scenarios, but its limited nesting capability hinders its ability to handle complex branching logic. On the other hand, Zapier offers a more robust branching structure, enabling users to create intricate workflows with multiple branching paths and nested conditions.

Creating a workflow with complex branching or multiple if-else conditions

• Extracting & processing data from Jira ProForma Forms: Manually extracting and processing data from Jira Forms is already a daunting task due to its intricate structure, and attempting this with Jira Automation is nearly impossible even with the help of the Forms REST API. Zapier, however, seamlessly handles this process, allowing you to unlock the full potential of Jira Forms data. With Zapier, you can effortlessly automate data extraction and integration, streamlining workflows and transforming Jira Forms into a powerful data source.

• Writing custom code: While Jira Automation lacks the ability to write custom code, Zapier is built with this feature. Custom code is akin to a dash of hot sauce in a bland meal – it adds a powerful kick that elevates the automation's capabilities and saves numerous task usage counts.

Writing custom code

Although Zapier offers extensive automation capabilities, Jira Automation excels in handling Jira-specific triggers. It provides a comprehensive set of rule triggers that respond to events such as issue creation, field value changes, and user assignments. This specialized functionality makes Jira Automation an indispensable tool for managing Jira-centric workflows.

Using Zapier and Jira Automation together enhances workflow efficiency and power

In the world of automation, Jira Automation and Zapier are like two sides of the same coin. They both have their own strengths and weaknesses, but when used together, they can make your workflows more efficient and powerful. Jira Automation is great for managing tasks and projects within Jira. It can automatically create issues, assign them to users, and change field values based on certain events. Zapier is better at connecting Jira with other apps and services. It can automatically send data from Jira to other apps, or create new issues in Jira based on events in other apps.

Maximizing automation workflow with Jira Automation and Zapier experts

By using both Jira Automation and Zapier, you can get the best of both worlds. You can automate your Jira workflows with Jira Automation, and you can connect Jira to other apps and services with Zapier. This will give you a more powerful and flexible automation solution. Don't limit yourself to just one automation tool. Try using both Jira Automation and Zapier together to see how they can improve your workflows. You'll be amazed at what you can achieve!

If you are interested in implementing workflow automation for your business, you can rely on the expertise and experience of AgileOps. We are a team of certified Zapier and Jira experts who can help you design, develop, and deploy customized workflow automation solutions that suit your specific needs and goals.