In a move that promises to redefine the landscape of collaborative project management, Microsoft Loop has announced its integration with popular project management tools Trello and JIRA. This development comes as a part of Microsoft’s ongoing efforts to make Loop a one-stop solution for team collaboration and project management.

What’s New?

The integration allows users to import and update JIRA issues as table rows and Trello boards as cards directly within Loop. The feature also supports automatic syncing, enabling real-time updates across platforms. To access this new integration, users can simply open the / menu in Loop and select either JIRA or Trello from the apps section.

Why This Matters

Seamless Workflow

The integration aims to streamline workflows by reducing the need to switch between different platforms. Teams can now manage their JIRA and Trello boards without ever leaving the Loop interface. This is particularly beneficial for organizations that rely on multiple tools for project management, as it brings everything under one roof.

Step-by-Step Guide: Using Trello and JIRA in Microsoft Loop

Setting Up Trello in Microsoft Loop

Step 1: Sign In to Microsoft Loop

  • Open the Loop browser app on your desktop.
  • Sign in using your Microsoft 365 work or school account. (Personal accounts are not supported at this stage.)

Step 2: Enable Connected Experiences

  • Go to Settings > Privacy.
  • Turn on the switch for “Optional Connected Experiences.”

Step 3: Open Your Workspace

  • Navigate to the workspace where you want to add Trello components.

Step 4: Access the Components List

  • In a Loop page, type a forward slash /.
  • Scroll down to the “Apps” section in the components list.

Step 5: Add Trello Board

  • Choose “Trello” from the list.
  • Sign in to your Trello account if prompted.
  • Select the board you want to import.

Step 6: Interact with the Board

  • The imported Trello board will display up to 100 items.
  • You can change card assignments, statuses, and move them to different swim lanes.
  • Changes will sync in near real-time with the Trello website.

Step 7: Access Full Trello Board

  • To view the full board on the Trello website, open the context menu for the board link.

Step 8: Session Duration

  • You will remain signed in for up to 24 hours, during which you can edit content.
  • After 24 hours, you’ll need to sign in again to edit. The board will be read-only otherwise.

Step 9: Removing the Board

  • To remove the Trello board from the Loop page, simply delete it. This will not delete the content from Trello.

Setting Up JIRA in Microsoft Loop

Step 1: Access the Components List

  • In a Loop page, type a forward slash /.
  • Scroll down to the “Apps” section in the components list.

Step 2: Add JIRA Component

  • Choose “JIRA” from the list.
  • Sign in to your JIRA account if prompted.
  • Import the content you want to interact with.

Step 3: Interact with JIRA Content

  • You can change assignments, dates, and statuses of the cards.
  • Clicking the ID on JIRA cards will take you to the full card on the JIRA website.

Step 4: Sharing JIRA Content

  • To share JIRA content, select the component on the Loop page.
  • Copy the link to the Loop component and paste it in apps that support Loop components, like in a Teams chat.

Step 5: Mobile and Read-Only Access

  • JIRA content will be read-only when accessed from the Loop mobile app.

Additional Notes

  • Trello and JIRA components can also be added to Teams chats and other places where Loop components are supported.
  • If you have feedback or suggestions, use the feedback button within the Loop app to let the development team know.

See the tutorial on using the new Trello and JIRA integration by Modern Work Mentor below:

By following these steps, you can seamlessly integrate Trello and JIRA into your Microsoft Loop workspace, enhancing your project management and team collaboration capabilities.

Loop’s Core Features

For those unfamiliar with Microsoft Loop, it’s a collaboration platform consisting of three main components:

  • Workspaces: Shared spaces for storing and organizing work.
  • Pages: Areas where teams can create and share content.
  • Components: Reusable pieces of content that can be shared across workspaces and pages.

Loop is designed to be flexible and adaptable, making it suitable for a variety of tasks. It also integrates with other Microsoft 365 apps, further enhancing its utility.

Benefits of Using Microsoft Loop

  • Increased Productivity: Centralized storage and organization of work.
  • Improved Collaboration: Easy sharing and real-time editing of content.
  • Enhanced Creativity: A space for brainstorming and sharing ideas.

What’s Next for Loop?

Microsoft is continually working on adding new features and improvements to Loop. Recent updates include integration with Microsoft Teams, new components like tables, checklists, and polls, and a public preview for Microsoft 365 subscribers.

The Road Ahead

As Microsoft Loop continues to evolve, its potential applications are boundless. From collaborative brainstorming and project management to knowledge sharing and remote work facilitation, Loop is poised to become an indispensable tool in the modern workspace.

For those interested in exploring what Microsoft Loop has to offer, you can visit the Microsoft Loop website or sign up for the public preview to experience it firsthand.

So, whether you’re a project manager, a creative professional, or someone looking to enhance team collaboration, the integration of JIRA and Trello into Microsoft Loop is a game-changer you won’t want to miss.

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