Azure DevOps Delivery Plans is an extension that provides a visual roadmap for teams to plan and track work across multiple Azure Boards or Team Foundation Server (TFS) projects. It’s a valuable tool for organizations working on complex projects with multiple teams and dependencies. Here are the key features and how to use Azure DevOps Delivery Plans:

Key Features:

1. Aggregated Views: Delivery Plans allow you to aggregate work items from multiple Azure Boards or TFS projects into a single view. This is especially useful for large organizations with multiple teams working on interconnected projects.

2. Timeline Visualization: It provides a timeline view where you can see when work items are scheduled to be completed. This helps in identifying dependencies, potential bottlenecks, and overlapping work.

3. Dependency Tracking: You can define dependencies between work items and visualize them on the timeline. This helps in managing cross-team dependencies and ensures that work is coordinated effectively.

4. Customization: Delivery Plans can be customized to display the information that is most relevant to your team. You can choose which teams, iterations, and work items to include in the plan.

5. Filters and Queries: You can use filters and queries to narrow down the work items displayed in the plan. This allows you to focus on specific aspects of your project.

6. Drag-and-Drop Editing: It supports drag-and-drop editing, so you can easily adjust the schedule of work items as priorities change.

How to Use Azure DevOps Delivery Plans:

1. Install the Extension: If you haven’t already, you need to install the “Delivery Plans” extension from the Azure DevOps Marketplace.

2. Create a Plan:

   • After installation, go to your Azure DevOps project.
   • In the navigation menu, find and click on “Delivery Plans.”
   • Create a new plan by clicking the “New Plan” button.
   • Give your plan a name and select the teams or projects you want to include.

3. Add Work Items:

   • In your plan, you can add work items from different teams or projects.
   • Use filters and queries to refine the list of work items displayed.

4. Define Dependencies:

   • To manage dependencies, you can define links between work items. This is done by specifying predecessor-successor relationships.

5. Customize Views:

   • Customize your delivery plan by selecting the view options that suit your needs. You can adjust the timeline, iteration dates, and other settings.

6. Collaborate and Share:

   • Delivery Plans can be shared with team members, stakeholders, and other relevant parties to ensure everyone is aligned on the project’s timeline.

7. Monitor and Update:

   • Continuously monitor your delivery plan to track progress and make updates as needed. You can use drag-and-drop editing to adjust work item schedules.

Best Practices:

1. Regular Updates: Keep your delivery plan up to date with the latest information to ensure accurate tracking.

2. Collaborate: Encourage collaboration among teams and stakeholders to resolve dependencies and address issues proactively.

3. Use Filters: Use filters and queries to focus on specific aspects of your project, making the plan more manageable.

4. Training: Train team members on how to use Delivery Plans effectively to get the most value from it.

Azure DevOps Delivery Plans is a valuable tool for organizations that need to coordinate work across multiple teams and projects. It provides visibility, helps manage dependencies, and allows for better planning and tracking of complex projects.