How to use Jira data in PowerBI

Business analytics enables organizations to make data-driven decisions by consolidating insights from multiple sources – ensuring leadership acts on facts rather than assumptions. Yet, as data volume grows, so does the challenge of managing and interpreting it effectively.

The key lies in using the right tools. Platforms like Tableau and Microsoft Power BI provide intuitive visualization and analysis capabilities, helping teams transform raw data into actionable insights.

However, these tools are only as powerful as the data that fuels them. That’s where Atlassian Jira comes in – a rich, structured data source for organizations that want to link operational data with strategic reporting.

In this article, we’ll explore how to connect Jira data to Power BI using the Power BI Connector for Jira, and how this integration can elevate your business analytics strategy.

Why Use Jira as a Data Source for Power BI

Atlassian Jira is a powerful workflow and project management tool that supports agile collaboration and transparent progress tracking. Every workflow, sprint, and issue logged in Jira generates valuable operational data — from velocity and throughput to time-to-market metrics.

Integrating Jira with Power BI turns these operational data points into strategic insights. Teams can analyze productivity trends, identify bottlenecks, and make evidence-based decisions across development, service, and project portfolios.

Exporting Jira Data to Power BI

To transfer Jira data into Power BI, a third-party app like the Power BI Connector for Jira (developed by Alpha Serve) is required.
This secure integration allows seamless, configurable, and automated data exchange between Jira and Power BI.

The connector supports:

• Standard and custom fields from Jira Software, Jira Service Management, and Jira Work Management
  
  
• Custom filters to define which projects, issues, or fields are exported
  
  
• Permission controls to ensure only authorized users can access or modify data sources
  
  

Installing the Power BI Connector for Jira

1. Open the Admin menu in Jira and select Manage apps / Add-ons.
   
   
2. Under Find new apps, search for Power BI Connector for Jira.
   
   
3. Install the application directly or download it from the Atlassian Marketplace.
   
   
4. Once installed, a new Power BI tab appears in Jira’s interface.
   
   

Managing Permissions

Within the connector settings, administrators can configure user access, adjust permissions, and manage global settings. This ensures compliance and data security while maintaining flexibility for analysts and developers.

Creating a Data Source

1. Go to the Power BI tab in Jira.
   
   
2. Click Create Data Source and name your source.
   
   
3. Add an optional description and configure filters to select which data sets to export.
   
   
4. Click Create, then Save your data source.
   
   
5. Copy the generated OData Feed URL.
   
   

Importing Jira Data into Power BI

1. Open Power BI Desktop.
   
   
2. Select Get Data → OData Feed.
   
3. Paste the Jira data source URL and sign in with your Jira credentials.
   
   
4. Choose the desired tables, then click Load to complete the import.
   

Your Jira data will now be available in Power BI for visualization, dashboard creation, and performance tracking.

Example Use Cases

1. Analyzing Workflow Bottlenecks

Power BI can visualize how long issues remain in each Jira status.
If items linger too long in “In Progress,” it might indicate resource constraints or process inefficiencies. These insights help leaders address root causes and improve throughput.

2. Comparing Estimated vs. Actual Time

Power BI allows businesses to compare planned timelines with actual effort recorded in Jira.
By identifying discrepancies, managers can refine estimations, optimize workloads, and improve forecasting accuracy.

Conclusion

Integrating Jira with Power BI bridges the gap between daily operations and strategic decision-making. With the Power BI Connector for Jira, organizations gain a unified view of project data, enabling deeper analysis, better reporting, and continuous improvement.

As an Atlassian Platinum Solution Partner, demicon helps enterprises unlock the full potential of Jira and Power BI — from technical setup to data governance and advanced analytics strategies.

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