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Add Portfolio Items to Roadmap

Create new portfolio items directly on roadmaps using either quick-add for speed or detailed entry for complete information capture.

Permission requirement: Creating portfolio items on roadmaps requires modify permissions on the project and planning level where the item will be created.

Who Adds Portfolio Items to Roadmaps​

Roadmap-based portfolio item creation supports different planning scenarios:

  • Portfolio Managers add portfolio items during strategic planning sessions to visualize initiative timing and dependencies on the roadmap timeline.
  • Product Owners use quick-add during roadmap reviews to rapidly capture new features while discussing delivery plans with stakeholders.
  • Program Managers create portfolio items on roadmaps during PI planning to organize work within program increment boundaries.
  • Business Stakeholders may participate in roadmap planning sessions where portfolio items are created collaboratively.

Quick Add Portfolio Item​

Use quick-add to rapidly create portfolio items with minimal information. This method is ideal when you're brainstorming or capturing high-level ideas during planning sessions.

  1. Click the hamburger icon Hamburger icon > Portfolio > Roadmaps.
  2. If not already selected, choose a project from the Project Navigator.
  3. Click Layout Timeline icon (Timeline) or Board icon (Board).
  4. Click the Add Green icon icon at the top-right corner of a cell.
  5. Enter a title and press Enter.

The portfolio item is saved to the view. When using a Group By option to create rows, the grouping designation is automatically applied to the new item.

After creating the item, click on it to view details and add additional information, or use the Portfolio Tree page to edit multiple items at once.

Add Portfolio Item with Details​

Create a portfolio item with complete information from the start. Use this method when you have all the necessary details and want to fully define the portfolio item immediately.

  1. Click the hamburger icon Hamburger icon > Portfolio > Roadmaps.
  2. If not already selected, choose a project from the Project Navigator.
  3. Click Layout Timeline icon (Timeline) or Board icon (Board).
  4. Click Publish > Add Portfolio Item.
  5. In the Portfolio Item dialog box, provide the required details:
    • Title: Name of the portfolio item
    • Type: Portfolio item type (Epic, Feature, Capability, etc.)
    • Description: Details about the portfolio item
    • Owner: Assign an owner
    • Planned Begin/End: Set planned delivery dates
    • Strategic Theme: Link to strategic objectives
    • Other relevant fields
  6. Click Save.

The portfolio item appears on the roadmap with the specified dates and attributes.

Best Practices​

Use quick-add for brainstorming: During planning sessions, use quick-add to rapidly capture ideas without breaking flow. Add details later.

Set dates on creation: When adding items with details, set planned begin and end dates to position them correctly on the roadmap timeline.

Group strategically: Use the Group By feature to organize rows by strategic theme, owner, or type before adding items to automatically categorize new portfolio items.

Edit in bulk: After creating multiple items with quick-add, use the Portfolio Tree to edit multiple items at once for efficiency.

Troubleshooting​

Why don't I see the quick-add icon on roadmap cells?​

The quick-add icon appears only for users with modify permissions on the project and planning level. Verify your role has portfolio item creation permissions. If you have permissions but don't see the icon, try switching to a different saved view or clearing filters—some filter combinations may hide the add functionality. Refresh your browser if the icon still doesn't appear.

Why doesn't my new portfolio item appear where I created it?​

Quick-add creates portfolio items but initial positioning depends on planned dates. If you didn't set planned begin/end dates, the item may appear in an unexpected location or default to the project start date. Click on the newly created item and set explicit planned dates to position it correctly on the roadmap timeline.

Why does the quick-add automatically assign certain attributes?​

When using Group By to create roadmap rows (by Strategic Theme, Owner, Type, etc.), quick-add automatically applies the grouping attribute to new items. For example, if you create an item in a row grouped by "Customer Experience" theme, that theme is automatically assigned. This ensures items appear in the correct row. To change the attribute, edit the portfolio item details after creation.

Why can't I add portfolio items using the detailed form?​

The "Add Portfolio Item" option in the Publish menu requires appropriate permissions and may be unavailable in certain roadmap configurations. Verify you're not viewing a published (read-only) roadmap. If you're on an editable roadmap but can't access the detailed form, use the quick-add method or create portfolio items from the Portfolio Tree instead.