Major Innovations of ZenTao 2025 Q1: From Cross-platform Integration to AI Empowerment

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In the first quarter of 2025, ZenTao project management software introduced a series of significant updates. These updates cover key areas such as document management, testing processes, workflow optimization, AI integration, and DevOps solutions. ZenTao also launched three new solutions: Enterprise Decision Analysis, ZenTao DevOps, and Enterprise Multi-Team Collaboration (SAFe), fully empowering enterprises in their digital transformation.

This update applies to all versions (Open Source, Enterprise, Ultimate, IPD). ZenTao released 16 versions, completed 322 user stories, delivered 517 story points, fixed 588 bugs, and ensured functionality stability through 46 testing rounds. This article fully analyzes ZenTao’s Q1 updates from perspectives such as feature highlights, optimization details, and application scenarios.

1. Cross-platform Data Integration Upgrade: Seamless Integration with Confluence and Jira

1.1 Confluence Data Import

To break data barriers between tools, ZenTao introduced a new Confluence data import feature. Users can migrate spaces, folders, pages, and attachments from Confluence to ZenTao with one click. 

• Precise permission synchronization: User permissions from original spaces are fully retained, ensuring smooth access control.
• Structure integrity protection: Preserves page hierarchy and content macros (like tables and charts), preventing information loss or formatting errors.
• Efficient batch processing: Supports multi-selection import, reducing repetitive tasks and improving migration efficiency by over 50%.

1.2 Improved Jira Import Function

ZenTao deeply expanded and optimized the existing import functions based on Jira user needs:

• Comprehensive data types: Newly supports issue types, custom fields, and workflows, meeting complex project management requirements.
• Smart field mapping: Automatically recognizes field mapping between Jira and ZenTao, allowing manual adjustments to ensure data consistency.
• Enterprise compatibility: Optimized features support Enterprise, Ultimate, and IPD versions, suitable for large-scale data migration and high-concurrency operations.

By seamlessly integrating Confluence and Jira, ZenTao significantly reduces enterprise migration costs. Users no longer need to rebuild historical data manually, smoothly transitioning from Confluence/Jira to ZenTao. This upgrade accelerates enterprise ecosystem integration, breaking tool silos and building a standardized, integrated project management ecosystem.

2.  Document Management: Structured & Intelligent Upgrade

ZenTao updated the document management module with clear structure and linked data. Through hierarchical design and deep integration, ZenTao redefines how teams build and collaborate in knowledge bases.

2.1 Unlimited Chapter & Subdocument Levels

ZenTao’s new chapter and subdocument management completely solves the single-layer and disorganized issues of traditional document tools. Users can freely create multi-level document systems in the "default space" or "library." For example, users can build tree structures like "Product Requirement Library-Core Modules-Interface Documents" or archive documents by "Project Stage-Deliverables-Review Records." With features like "add sibling chapter" and "move document," teams can adjust the directory structure flexibly, batch delete, export, or assign permissions, improving knowledge base management efficiency by over 60%.

Typical Scenario 1:

Default

└── Library  

    └── Document A  

        ├── Subchapter 1  

        │   └── Subdocument 1-1  

        └── Subdocument A-1  

Typical Scenario 2 :

Default

└── Product V2.0  

    ├── Requirements (with subchapters: Feature List/User Stories)  

    ├── Design Files (linked to UI prototypes)  

└── Test Reports (sync with test case results)  

2.2 Deep Integration with Project Data

To remove data gaps between documents and project management, ZenTao introduced dynamic data embedding and version tracking. When editing documents, users can insert requirements, tasks, or bug lists from ZenTao, which update in real-time. Any change to the priority of a requirement, for instance, will automatically update linked document data. ZenTao records each change to document titles, preconditions, and attachments as separate versions, enabling quick historical tracing and precise change identification via differences comparison, greatly simplifying audits and reviews.

3.  Feature and Experience Optimization: Enhancing Efficiency in Details

3.1 Comprehensive Testing Management Enhancements

• Batch maintenance of test cases: Edit multiple test cases simultaneously, reducing repetitive tasks.
• Xmind import/export: Pre-conditions in test cases now interact directly with Xmind files, improving test design efficiency.
• Filtering and grouping views: New custom filtering conditions added to test execution lists, supporting multidimensional grouping like status or priority. 

3.2 Optimized Comments and Attachment 

• Upload attachments when commenting: Supports uploading files up to 100MB, providing more comprehensive information.
• Visualized history records: Comments displayed on a timeline, attachments previewable or downloadable for easy tracking.

3.3 Humanized Navigation and Interaction Improvements

• Redesigned secondary navigation menus: Reorganized "more" dropdown menu, prioritizing frequently used functions.
• Advanced table support: Log lists in "My Dashboard" now support sorting, filtering, and column resizing for easier analysis.

4.  AI Integration: DeepSeek Model Empowers Intelligent Collaboration

4.1 Model Configuration and Permissions

Users can connect self-hosted DeepSeek models via backend AI settings:

• Deployment method: Ollama framework required for local setup.
• API address: Supports custom interfaces for data privacy.
• Permissions control: AI assistant roles assigned based on user roles to limit sensitive operations.

4.2 Example Application Scenarios

Integrating DeepSeek AI enables intelligent features in real scenarios. Users can ask questions in natural language (like "How to optimize project management processes?"). The model provides structured recommendations based on historical data and industry practices, optimizing processes and resource allocation. AI can also generate standard document frameworks (e.g., requirement templates or test outlines) or contextually fill example content, greatly reducing repetitive document-writing tasks.

5.  Testing Management: Full-Process Efficiency

ZenTao optimized its testing module by focusing on efficiency and scenario adaptation. Through feature upgrades and interaction redesign, ZenTao provides integrated solutions matching real-world testing workflows.

5.1 Batch Operations and Visual Design for Efficiency

ZenTao addressed repetitive tasks in test case management by allowing batch editing of test steps and expected outcomes. Testers can edit multiple test cases simultaneously, such as adjusting browser compatibility test parameters. This reduces operation time by 70%. The introduction of Xmind import/export functionality allows visual design of test conditions, converting mind maps directly into test preconditions, improving clarity and readability.

5.2 Intelligent Layered Management for Execution Views

ZenTao redesigned the interaction logic for test case lists during testing execution:

• Quickly identify high-risk test cases using multi-dimensional filters (priority, related requirements, historical failure rates).
• Custom grouping views, such as by status (not started, in progress, blocked) or modules (frontend, backend, compatibility), allow managers to track progress dynamically.
• One-click generation of detailed reports: Export test reports with screenshots and logs directly linked to related requirements or defect tickets.

These optimizations reduce time spent on repetitive tasks, allowing testers to focus on test strategies and innovation. Enhanced layered views and intelligent reports provide multi-dimensional insights, helping managers identify weak areas quickly and manage resources effectively.

6.   Workflow & Business Needs: Flexible Customization

ZenTao’s workflow module emphasizes business-driven, dynamic adaptation. It supports customized fields and improved interaction logic, enabling enterprises to build highly relevant workflows.

6.1 Refined Expansion of Business Requirement List Actions

ZenTao added custom actions for business and user requirements, allowing customized field rules based on actual business processes. Examples include adding fields like "component verification status" for hardware projects or "compliance review" for financial systems. These actions integrate with external systems (ERP, CRM), ensuring real-time data synchronization and full lifecycle tracking.

6.2 Drag-and-Drop Sorting

ZenTao upgraded dropdown menus, allowing drag-and-drop sorting based on business priorities.

• Prioritize fields logically, such as "Strategic → Core → Routine," matching corporate investment decisions.
• Configure hierarchical impact ranges, like "Global → Module → Local," enabling rapid identification of critical issues.

This feature supports dynamic data sources, ensuring easy synchronization when business rules change, reducing manual adjustments. Non-technical users can easily adapt workflows by visual interactions, significantly shortening system update cycles.

7.  ZenTao Enterprise Decision Analysis Solutions

7.1 Boston Consulting Group Matrix (BCG Matrix)

Introduced by Bruce Henderson in 1970, the BCG Matrix analyzes corporate product strategies. Products are divided into four types based on market growth (vertical axis) and relative market share (horizontal axis):

• Stars (high growth, high share): continuous investment required.
• Cash cows (low growth, high share): provide funds for other business units.
• Question marks (high growth, low share): assess if further investment is needed.
• Dogs (low growth, low share): consider reducing or exiting.

ZenTao integrates BCG Matrix analysis, generating dynamic bubble charts for clear strategic product insights, assisting resource allocation decisions.

7.2 Market Attractiveness Evaluation Model

ZenTao transforms market attractiveness analysis into quantifiable metrics, covering five core dimensions:

• Market size
• Market growth rate (CAGR)
• Industry profitability (gross and net margins)
• Competitive intensity (market concentration and barriers)
• Strategic value (company's long-term strategic synergy)

Users assign weights and scores for each dimension. ZenTao calculates weighted totals, producing heatmaps for easy comparison of market priorities. Companies can adjust their strategies based on detailed analyses, such as choosing between emerging or mature markets.

8.  DevOps Solutions: End-to-End Pipeline

8.1 Macro Dashboard and Application List

• DevOps Dashboard: Real-time metrics for code submission frequency, build success rates, and deployment durations help quickly identify bottlenecks.
• Application details: View application version histories, deployment statuses, and related tasks.

8.2 Standardized and Automated Deployment

• Integration with Jenkins and GitLab allows one-click deployments.
• Predefined templates streamline routine processes, reducing manual form submissions.

Summary and Future Prospects

In Q1 2025, ZenTao’s upgrades in cross-platform data integration, smart document management, testing efficiency, AI empowerment, and customized workflow solutions have established a comprehensive digital foundation for full lifecycle project management. These updates resolve key pain points such as data isolation, inefficient collaboration, and delayed decisions, linking execution to strategic insights via DevOps management and enterprise decision analysis.

Future development will focus on three areas:

• Low-code extensions: Customizable forms and workflows enable business teams to quickly create tailored solutions.
• Enhanced multi-team collaboration: Visual resource scheduling under SAFe frameworks improves real-time tracking of progress, risks, and costs.
• AI generalization: Integration of industry-specific AI models for intelligent scheduling, risk prediction, and automated testing, creating an AI-enhanced "decision-execution-review" loop.

These updates mark ZenTao's strategic shift from "tool provider" to "ecosystem enabler," offering scalable, adaptable digital solutions that deeply integrate technology with business needs, continuously leading intelligent innovation in project management.