GitLab Integration

Overview

The GitLab integration connects SimplyManage with your GitLab instance, enabling time tracking on issues, merge requests, and development tasks.

Features

• Track time on issues - Link time entries to GitLab issues
• MR time tracking - Track time spent on merge requests
• Time sync - Sync with GitLab's built-in time tracking
• Project import - Import GitLab projects
• Browser extension - Track from GitLab pages

Requirements

Before connecting GitLab:

• GitLab.com account or self-hosted GitLab instance
• A Personal Access Token with appropriate scopes
• Your GitLab instance URL (for self-hosted)

Creating a Personal Access Token

1. Go to GitLab → Preferences → Access Tokens
2. Enter a token name (e.g., "SimplyManage")
3. Select an expiration date (optional)
4. Select scopes:
   • api - Full API access
   • read_user - Read user information
5. Click Create personal access token
6. Copy the token immediately

Connecting GitLab

1. Go to Settings → Integrations
2. Click Connect GitLab
3. Enter your Personal Access Token
4. For self-hosted, enter your GitLab URL
5. Click Save Connection

SimplyManage will verify the connection and list accessible projects.

Tracking Time on GitLab Issues

From SimplyManage

1. Start the timer
2. In the Ticket ID field, enter the GitLab issue reference
3. Use format: namespace/project#123 or issue URL
4. Issue details load automatically
5. Stop when done

From Browser Extension

1. Navigate to a GitLab issue or MR page
2. Click the SimplyManage extension icon
3. Issue/MR is pre-filled
4. Click Start Timer

Tracking Merge Requests

Track time on merge requests the same way as issues:

• Use MR URL or reference in the Ticket ID field
• Format: namespace/project!456 (note the !)
• MR details are fetched including title and status

Time Synchronization

Sync time entries with GitLab's time tracking system:

GitLab Time Tracking

GitLab has built-in time tracking with commands:

• /spend 2h - Add time spent
• /estimate 4h - Set time estimate

SimplyManage can sync with these:

• Auto-add /spend - Add comment when timer stops
• Import estimates - Use GitLab estimates in SimplyManage

Importing GitLab Projects

1. Go to Projects → Import
2. Select Import from GitLab
3. Choose GitLab projects/groups
4. Configure project settings
5. Click Import

Troubleshooting

Authentication Failed

• Verify your token hasn't expired
• Check that required scopes are granted
• For self-hosted, verify the URL is correct

Issue Not Found

• Check the issue reference format
• Verify you have access to the project
• Ensure the issue exists and isn't deleted

Sync Not Working

• Verify the api scope is included in your token
• Check project permissions in GitLab
• Ensure time tracking is enabled for the project

Disconnecting GitLab

1. Go to Settings → Integrations
2. Find GitLab in connected integrations
3. Click Disconnect
4. Confirm the action

Related Topics

• Browser Extension
• Jira Integration
• Using the Timer