Different ways to log time with Tempo and Jira

Cloud

Once Tempo Timesheets is installed and selected a Time Tracking provider on Cloud, the Jira Log Work form is no longer available, except through the Jira workflow transition. This means that all users can either log their time with Tempo Timesheets or are not required to log time at all. They cannot use Jira’s native time tracking in addition to Tempo Timesheets to log their time.

However, it is possible to log time using both time-tracking apps by using the Jira REST API and the Tempo REST API. If a worklog is created through Jira’s REST API, it will sync over to Tempo’s database overnight, and vice versa.

It’s also possible to log time through UI of other Time Tracking apps, such as Prime Timesheets, but it depends on the design of the apps.

Data Center

In contrast, when Tempo Timesheets is installed on Data Center, users can log time using either the Jira Log Work form or the Tempo Log Time form. This lets users choose which time-tracking option is more suitable for their business needs.

For example, development teams may want to log time with Tempo because of its features, such as Tempo accounts and billable hours. HR teams, however, may want to log time with Jira for its simplicity. In this case, the Jira administrator would grant the Tempo Timesheets Access permission for the development team, but not for the HR team.

When Tempo is uninstalled, all the worklogs remain in Jira except for the Tempo-specific data, such as Tempo accounts, billable hours, etc. This is because Tempo uses the same worklog table as Jira.