Reliability stands for keeping quality and performance standards high, which translates into the ability to be trusted.

Assume your release manager is collaborating with a subcontractor on some big product launch. They are both using their own issue trackers to follow up on the project.  Both trackers are synchronizing issues to exchange status information on the different topics that need to be achieved. Your users are trusting the system to copy all information in a timely manner, whatever happens.

Just imagine the backlash against the solution and how the project schedules can be affected, in case a critical piece of information is missing.

The fact is that synchronization is especially sensitive to any type of error such as network downtimes, badly configured firewalls, mapping mismatches, permissions settings configuration changes – the list could go on and on. The synchronization will be halted while your network administrator is investigating why the connection between the two sites is down. The perceived reliability of the solution will seriously be affected during these times and the user has no clue what’s going on.

How to fix it?

First, you need to make sure that your system administrators are aware there is a synchronization problem that needs to be resolved. Also, your users have to know that the problem is getting fixed, and their data is in good hands. Otherwise, they might be afraid that all information has been affected.

Do you want your users to call their counterparts and find out that some issue information is missing? You certainly don’t, right? If this happens, your issue synchronization solution will be perceived as unreliable and untrustworthy. For this reason, alone, any synchronization should be equipped with a method that informs the user about all issues’ being up-to-date.

Questions to ask:

• Is the synchronization status shown in a clear and straightforward way?
• Is the remote issue easily accessible?
• What happens when the remote issue gets deleted?

Solution provided by Exalate

Exalate provides a visual clue to the user in the context of an issue. If you’re in need, book an appointment with us. We’b be happy to support you.

Conclusion

When it comes to optimizing your project’s reliability, it is crucial to ensure that all quality and performance standards are kept high. This will translate into the ability to be trusted by your users, which is paramount for any successful launch. The example of using issue trackers to follow up on a project highlights the importance of reliable synchronization and the potential consequences of any errors or disruptions.