Assigning release requests

Release coordinators create the release request assignments, which can be assigned manually or automatically. If an assignment definition has not been created for the Release Management application, you must assign the release manually. The release assignee is then notified of release request assignments by email. Assigned release requests can also be listed in the Release Information table in the console. Release requests are assigned automatically on creation by the Release Management application. The assignment is based on the release request's categorization.

The Assignment tab displays information about users assigned to a release as the release coordinator. The time spent in resolving activities or change requests is automatically rolled up into the release. Time Information fields display the total time spent (in minutes) for the activities and the change requests related to the release.

During configuration, the application administrator determines to whom the release requests are assigned. This decision is based on criteria such as the release request's categorization. For example, all the release requests that are categorized as hardware issues might be assigned to the Support-Hardware group. All the release requests that are categorized as software upgrades and originate from California might be assigned to Sonya Software in Santa Clara. The criteria of the release request together with the application administrator's configuration determines to whom each release is assigned. The release coordinator must make sure that the assignment is correct and accept the release request. If the assignment is not correct, the release coordinator can reassign the request.

To assign release requests

The release coordinator is typically responsible for the overall release process.

1. Open the release request.
   Certain fields are automatically filled based on the default configuration and requester information in the release request. For example, the Release Coordinator field already has an assignment.
2. To assign a release coordinator, select the appropriate option:
   • Coordinator Group—Provides a list of coordinator groups. Select the group of the release coordinator that you want to assign the release to.
     Groups that have at least one user with the Release Coordinator functional role are listed for selection.
   • Release Coordinator—Provides a list of users with the functional role of a Release Coordinator in the selected coordinator group. Select the appropriate release coordinator from this list.
3. Click Save.
   The release coordinator is automatically notified of the assignment.

You can automatically assign the release request use the Auto Assign option from the Set Assignment by using menus. Assigning the release coordinator by using Auto Assign uses the requester's information, the Release Location information, and the Operational and Product Categorization information about the form to determine an assignment match. These assignments are based on routing information stored in CFG:Assignment form. The CFG:Assignment form assigns the groups and then Auto Assign assigns the individual. For more information, see Automatic request assignment.

To reassign or respond to release reassignment requests

If you cannot work on an assigned release request, you can reassign it to another release coordinator. You can also reassign the release request if it was categorized incorrectly.

Release coordinators are responsible for responding to reassignment requests. When a release coordinator reassigns a release request to another coordinator, the user is notified. Upon reviewing the release, the coordinator can reassign the release to another qualified release coordinator.

1. Open the Overview Console or the Release Management console.
   All reassignment requests are displayed in the table along with other release requests.

   Recommendation

   Regularly monitor your assigned work to track any release requests reassigned to you.

2. Select the appropriate release request.
3. Click View.
   After reviewing the release request, you can manually reassign the release coordinator.
4. Perform one of the following actions:
   • To reassign the release request, select the release coordinator on the Release form.
   • To deny the reassignment request, you must reassign it to another release coordinator.
5. Click Save.
   If you reassign the release request, the new assignee is automatically notified of the changed assignment.

To update your assignment availability status

Your assignment availability status indicates whether you are available to accept work assignments (Yes) or not (No).

You can quickly update your status by using the My Profile function.

1. To open your profile, from the navigation pane in the Release Management console, select Functions > My Profile.
2. From the Assignment Availability menu, select the required status.
3. Click Save.