Valid since:
XL Release 8.0

Using release groups

In XL Release 8.0 and later, the release group feature is available. By grouping releases together, you can manage a collection of releases as one group. Releases can be added to multiple release groups, and into multiple folders. The release group feature also provides estimates on when the release group will start and finish, based on the schedule and other tasks that are being executing at the same time.

Release group overview screen

This screen shows all release groups based on status. From this screen, you can view start and end dates, completion status, duration, and the number of releases per group. You can also edit group details and delete groups.

Release group overview

Release group flow screen

This screen shows detailed information on the releases that are in a release group. From this screen, you can add and remove releases, view the release group schedule, view planned and estimated completion dates. Selecting a release item in this screen will open the release flow screen for an individual release.

Release group flow screen

Release group actions

Group actions are role based and permissions must be granted to a user or team before they can view, edit, or create release groups.

Grant release group permissions

  1. On the navigation bar, click Design.
  2. Click Folders.
  3. Select a folder.
  4. From the tab, click Teams & Permissions.
  5. Under the Folder permissions section, add a team name to the right of View release group and Edit release group.

Note: The edit release group permission is required to create release groups.

release-group-permissions

Create a new group

  1. On the navigation bar, click Design.
  2. Click Folders.
  3. Select a folder.
  4. From the tab, click Groups.
  5. Click New release group.
  6. Enter a group name.
  7. Select a start date.
  8. Select an end date.
  9. Click Create.

Note: To view groups that are not active, click Status and select the Planned checkbox from the drop-down.

Edit group details

You can edit group details from two locations:

  • From the Releases screen:
    1. On the navigation bar, click Releases.
    2. Click Groups.
    3. On the right of a group, click Edit.
    4. Edit group details.
    5. Click Save.

  • From the Folders screen
    1. On the navigation bar, click Design.
    2. Click Folders.
    3. Select a folder.
    4. From the tab, click Groups.
    5. From the tab, click Groups.
    6. On the right of a group, click Edit.
    7. Edit group details.
    8. Click Save.

Note: To view groups that are not active, click Status and select the Planned checkbox from the drop-down.

Add a release to a group

  1. On the navigation bar, click Releases.
  2. On the right of the release, click menu button.
  3. Click Add to group.
  4. In the Group name field, enter a group name, or select a group by clicking the drop-down arrow.
  5. Click Add.

Add multiple releases to a group

  1. On the navigation bar, click Design.
  2. Click Folders.
  3. Select a folder.
  4. From the tab, click Groups.
  5. Select a group.
  6. Click Add a release.
  7. Click Select all or select the releases you want to add.
  8. Click Add.

Add multiple releases to a group

Remove a release from a group

  1. On the navigation bar, click Releases.
  2. Click Groups.
  3. Click the group name.
  4. Beside the release name, click menu button
  5. Click Remove from group.

Delete a group

You can delete a group from two locations:

  • From the Release screen:
    1. On the navigation bar, click Releases.
    2. Click Groups.
    3. On the right side of the group, click Delete.

  • From the Design screen:
    1. On the navigation bar, click Design.
    2. Click Folders.
    3. Select a folder.
    4. From the tab, click Groups.
    5. On the right side of the group, click Delete.

Ordering and displaying groups

Groups are displayed and ordered based on two attributes: Status and Order by. Both attributes are displayed at the top of all release and group pages.

  • To order and display groups based on status: From the Status drop-down, select a checkbox, or checkboxes, based on activity or completion status.

  • To order groups based on risk or date: Select an option from the Order by drop-down.

Status types

All release groups display a current status. The status types are as follows:

  • Planned: No release in a release group has started.
  • In process: One or more releases in a release group is being executed.
  • Paused: All releases in a release group have been paused.
  • Failing: One or more releases in a release group is failing.
  • Failed: All releases in a release group have failed.
  • Aborted: All releases in a release group were aborted.
  • Completed: All releases in a release group were completed.