How to: Improve Your Pulse Score
A structured walkthrough for raising your Pulse Score. Work through each pillar in order - start with the lowest-scoring pillar for the fastest impact.
Before You Start
Make sure:
- The app is installed and OAuth is complete (Installation & Setup)
- At least one scan has completed (First Launch & OAuth)
- You have Jira Administrator access to action findings
Step 1: Read the Dashboard
- Open Dashboard Overview
- Note your overall Pulse Score and grade (A–F)
- Identify the lowest-scoring pillar card - that pillar drives the most improvement
- Review the Top Findings Table for the highest-severity issues across all pillars
The five pillars each contribute 20%. Fixing the lowest pillar moves the overall score the most.
Step 2: Fix Governance Issues
Navigate to Governance - even one overpermissioned account or empty permission scheme is a High finding.
| Finding | Where to Fix | Docs |
|---|---|---|
| Dormant / Inactive Admin users | Atlassian Admin Console (admin.atlassian.com) | Users → |
| Empty groups | Jira Settings → User Management → Groups | Groups → |
| Orphaned permission schemes | Jira Settings → Issues → Permission Schemes | Permissions → |
Step 3: Fix Workflow & Scheme Issues
Navigate to Workflows & Schemes - orphaned workflows and dead-end statuses are common High findings.
| Finding | Action |
|---|---|
| Orphaned workflow | Assign to a project or delete via Jira Settings → Workflows |
| Dead-End Status | Add an outgoing transition in the workflow editor |
| Orphaned Screen | Assign to a screen scheme or delete |
| No Security Levels | Add at least one level in the Work Item Security scheme |
See Workflows → and All Schemes →.
Step 4: Fix Configuration Issues
Navigate to Configurations - unused custom fields are common High findings.
| Finding | Action | Docs |
|---|---|---|
| Unused custom field | Remove from all screens, then delete in Jira Settings → Custom Fields | Custom Fields → |
| Risky Deletion field | Remove from screens first before deleting | Custom Fields → |
| Orphaned work type scheme | Assign to a project or delete | Work Types & Schemes → |
| Filter with dead owner | Transfer ownership before deleting the user account | Global Config → |
Step 5: Fix Project & Data Integrity Issues
Navigate to Project & Data Integrity.
| Finding | Action | Docs |
|---|---|---|
| Project with no lead | Assign a lead in the project settings | Projects → |
| Done issues with no resolution | Bulk update resolutions via Jira Admin | Issue Integrity → |
| Missing mandatory fields | Update field configuration schemes | Data Accuracy → |
Step 6: Fix Sprint & Delivery Issues
Navigate to Sprints & Delivery.
| Finding | Action | Docs |
|---|---|---|
| Overcommitted sprint (≥150%) | Defer lower-priority items to the next sprint | Sprint Risk Thresholds → |
| High carryover rate (>20%) | Reduce sprint commitment; review estimation practices | Sprints & Delivery → |
| Active blockers | Resolve or de-link blocker issues | Sprints & Delivery → |
Step 7: Re-run the Scan
After fixing issues:
- Go to Settings → Scan Schedule
- Click Run Now
- Wait for the scan to complete
- Return to the Dashboard - your Pulse Score will update
Score updates only after a new scan. Manual fixes in Jira are not reflected until the next sync.