Require child option on cascading select field in Jira Cloud

Summary

Currently, a required dropdown menu with multiple levels doesn't require a selection in the sub-options when a main option is chosen. After choosing a main option, the sub-option can still be left unselected.

Solution

Use Automation and smart values to validate the child select list value

Create an Automation rule that, on create/transition, checks the cascading field's child value with a smart value; if empty, transition the item back to Open/In Progress and comment @the initiator to fix it.

To create the automation rule

1. Open the project, and select Project settings > Automation.

2. Select Create rule.

3. Select your desired trigger > Next.

4. Select IF: Add a condition > {{smart value}} condition.

5. In the First value, enter the following:

   • {{issue.customfield_•••.child.value}}

   • Replace ••• with the field ID.

   • Find the custom field's ID using this document.

6. In Condition, select equals.

7. In Second value, leave it empty.

8. Select Next.

From here, choose your desired Action for the automation rule.

If you want to transition the ticket to an Open or In Progress status

1. Select THEN: Add an Action > Transition issue.

   1. Note: To transition a ticket between statuses using automation, the transition between those statuses has to exist in the workflow.

If you want to add an internal comment mentioning the user who transitioned the ticket

1. Select THEN: Add an Action > Comment on issue.

2. In Comment visibility, make sure it is set as Internal only.

3. In Comment, you can mention them using the following:

   • [~accountId:{{initiator.accountId}}]

If you want to send an email to the user who transitioned the ticket

1. Select THEN: Add an Action > Send email.

2. In To, select Initiator.

   1. You can use the {{issue.url}} smart value under the content to provide them with the issue URL.

Finally, give your rule a name, then click Turn it on.

To test, submit an item, leaving the child blank — the rule bounces it back with a comment.

• Smart values in Jira automation