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Docs: Add use cases for linked epics

Merged Marcin Sedlak-Jakubowski requested to merge msj-linked-epics-use-cases into master
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@@ -18,6 +18,86 @@ When you try to close an epic that has open blockers, a warning is displayed.
To manage linked epics through our API, see [Linked epics API](../../../api/linked_epics.md).
## Ways to use linked epics
You can use linked epics to solve several planning and coordination challenges.
The following examples show how linked epics help teams work together more effectively.
### Cross-functional initiatives
Use linked epics to coordinate work between multiple teams and track interdependent deliverables.
When teams work together on a large initiative, each team can manage their own epic while maintaining
visibility into related work.
For example, when launching a new feature, development and marketing teams often work in parallel.
The development team tracks technical implementation in their epic, while the marketing team plans
promotional activities in a separate epic.
By linking these epics:
- Teams can track dependencies between technical and promotional work.
- Each team maintains autonomy while staying aligned on the broader initiative.
- Stakeholders get visibility into the full scope of the launch.
- Teams can identify and resolve blockers across organizational boundaries.
This coordination helps break down silos and ensures all aspects of the initiative stay in sync.
When you link epics across groups:
- Each team keeps their work in their own group.
- Teams can see related work without switching between groups.
- Status updates automatically flow between linked epics.
### Dependency management
Use linked epics to manage and track work dependencies.
When development can't begin until infrastructure changes are complete, linked epics help teams
manage these dependencies.
For example, when building a new feature, teams often need infrastructure updates
before development can start. The infrastructure team tracks their database migration work
in one epic, while the development team plans feature implementation in another epic.
By linking these epics:
- Teams can track when infrastructure work is ready for development.
- Development teams can better plan their sprint capacity.
- Product managers can identify potential workflow delays.
- Teams stay informed of progress without constant meetings.
This visibility helps teams complete work in the right sequence and avoid blocked tasks.
When you link epics to show dependencies:
- Infrastructure and development work stays connected.
- Teams know when they can start their work.
- Status updates flow automatically between epics.
### Higher-level planning
Use linked epics to connect short-term execution with long-term planning.
When managing a series of releases, you can organize high-level goals and track individual feature
deliverables.
For example, when planning multiple releases over several quarters, you can create separate epics
for each release.
Then link these release epics to a central roadmap epic that tracks the overall project.
By linking these epics:
- Teams can understand how their work fits into the larger strategy.
- Product managers can track progress across multiple releases.
- Teams stay focused on current work while seeing future plans.
- Stakeholders can monitor both granular and high-level progress.
This structure helps teams progress on current work while maintaining broader goals.
When you link epics for planning:
- Each release's progress is visible in the roadmap.
- Teams can see upcoming work early.
- Status updates roll up to the higher-level view.
## Add a linked epic
> - Minimum required role for the group [changed](https://gitlab.com/gitlab-org/gitlab/-/issues/381308) from Reporter to Guest in GitLab 15.8.
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