---
title: "Advantages of Jira Work Items Types in Test Management"
canonical: "https://docs.getxray.app/space/XRAYCLOUD/44573826/Advantages%20of%20Jira%20Work%20Items%20Types%20in%20Test%20Management"
format: markdown
---
Table of Contents
> Macro (toc)
# Introduction
Xray's [Test](https://getxraydocs.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/XRAYCLOUD/pages/44565156), [Precondition](https://getxraydocs.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/XRAYCLOUD/pages/44565159), [Test Set](https://getxraydocs.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/XRAYCLOUD/pages/44565163), [Test Execution](https://getxraydocs.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/XRAYCLOUD/pages/44565117) and [Sub-Test Execution](https://getxraydocs.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/XRAYCLOUD/pages/44565114), and [Test Plan](https://getxraydocs.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/XRAYCLOUD/pages/44565153) are all Jira Work item Types. That means that Testing artifacts are also managed in the same way as any other Work item Type you may have (e.g., Bug, Story). This is a core and unique characteristic of Xray that leverages the native features and brings them to your Testing artifacts.
# Leveraging Jira Work Item Features for Xray Work Items
## Organization
[Spaces can be organized](https://getxraydocs.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/XRAYCLOUD/pages/44566397) in different ways, giving you the flexibility to manage all artifacts within the scope of one project or to split them between different Spaces.
**Who benefits? **Jira and Space admins.
## Custom Fields
You may add [custom fields](https://getxraydocs.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/XRAYCLOUD/pages/44567872) to any Xray Work items and include them in the screens.
Custom fields, whenever used properly, give you the flexibility to provide additional information in a structured way to Work items, so they can easily be accessed, searched, and included in [reports](https://getxraydocs.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/XRAYCLOUD/pages/338526916) or even in Agile cards, for example.
**Who benefits? **Jira and Space admins.
## Workflows
You can also implement workflows for Testing-related artifacts (e.g., Tests, Test Executions) to have full control over the lifecycle of the Test specification or execution, or for planning phases.
With workflows, you can even restrict that [Requirements](https://getxraydocs.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/XRAYCLOUD/pages/44565860) are closed if they aren't properly tested.
**Who benefits? **Jira and Space admins.
## Permissions
Deal with permissions as you deal with permissions in general for any Work item in Jira. This simplifies and centralizes user and permission management.
Make your Testing-related Work items read-only as you do for any other Work item Type.
**Who benefits?** Jira admins.
## Agile / Scrum Boards
Xray Work items can be included in [SCRUM boards](https://getxraydocs.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/XRAYCLOUD/pages/44565049). Thus, everyone involved in the Space can have a clear view of the real status of the Work items being handled in the scope of some sprint, not just from a development perspective but also from a quality perspective.
**Who benefits?** Jira users.
## Changes
You may track history and changes on any Xray Work items.
Be aware of the changes made to test cases, or in other Xray entities, and who made them.
**Who benefits?** Everyone.
## Assignment & Accountability
Xray Work items can be assigned, and watchers can be added to them.
Ensure Work items get resolved by assigning them to users, no matter if you're dealing with the specification of a Test case or the execution of a bunch of Tests within a given Test Execution.
**Who benefits?** Everyone.
## Work Logs
Ability to add work logs, namely in Test Execution Work items to [log the time taken to run the related Tests](https://getxraydocs.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/XRAYCLOUD/pages/44565086).
Work logs can also be added to other Xray Work items Types, as a way to report time spent on them.
**Who benefits?** Everyone.
## Integration with Other Apps
Since [Jira Work items](https://www.atlassian.com/software/jira/guides/issues/overview#:~:text=In%20Jira%2C%20issues%20typically%20represent,%2Ddepth%20description%2C%20or%20attachments.) are a core Jira concept/artifact, and they're used as the basis for many add-ons. Since Xray also uses Jira Work items, then the [integration with many existing add-ons is available out-of-the-box](https://getxraydocs.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/XRAYCLOUD/pages/44566611), without the need to have a special integration for that to happen.
**Who benefits?** Jira users.
## Search + JQL
Easily search and interact with Xray Work items using [JQL](https://getxraydocs.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/XRAYCLOUD/pages/44565225). This allows you to leverage your existing Jira knowledge to search for what you need, based on the fields relevant to you.
**Who benefits?** Everyone.
## Linking
Associate Xray Work items with other Work items in your Jira instance (e.g. Story, Bug, Task, etc.), the Jira way.
This facilitates clear navigation between related information, so you can easily access it whenever you need it.
**Who benefits?** Jira users.
## Comments
Collaborate by leaving comments for other users on Xray Work items.
Reference and involve people in the design of Test cases or the definition of a test plan. Make contributions easier, no matter which Testing phase you're currently working on.
**Who benefits?** Jira users.
## REST API
Use Jira's REST API, out of the box, to query, create, or update Xray Work items. [Xray's specific REST API](https://getxraydocs.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/XRAYCLOUD/pages/44565892) extends it further to provide the necessary semantics related to Test management.
**Who benefits?** Everyone.
## Reports / Listings
Xray Work items can easily be included in listings.
The Filter Results gadget can also list Xray Work items to make listings of Tests, Test Sets, Tests Plans, or Requirements.
**Who benefits?** Everyone.
Support/Troubleshooting
If you have questions or technical issues, please [contact the Support team via the Customer Portal (Jira service management)](https://jira.getxray.app/servicedesk/customer/portal/2/user/login?destination=portal%2F2%2Fcreate%2F28) or [send us a message using the in-app chat](https://getxraydocs.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/XRAYCLOUD/pages/44577312).