Model-Based vs. Document-Centric Project Structures in Jama Connect®

Published Date: July 25, 2024
Audience: Everyone
Products and Versions Covered:

• Jama Connect®

Use Case

Model-based vs Document-centric Project Structures

Best Practice

When implementing Jama Connect®, one of the first critical decisions teams must make is how to structure projects. Regardless of industry or company size, two primary approaches are considered:

• Model-Based Product Structure
  Projects are organized to reflect the logical breakdown of the product, such as systems and subsystems, or aligned with teams and disciplines.

• Document-Centric Structure
  Projects are structured to mirror document-export needs, with the Explorer tree organized in a manner similar to a Table of Contents.

Example Structures

• Model-Based Product Structure:
  Organized by levels of requirement abstraction and/or engineering disciplines.

• Document-Centric Structure:
  Explorer tree hierarchy represent sections of a document.

Model-based Product Structure	Document-centric Structure

Choosing the Right Structure

Teams that do not require document export often benefit most from a Model‑Based Product Structure. This structure organizes information by requirement type, abstraction level, and team or discipline. This makes navigation, collaboration, and permissions management easier and more efficient.

Teams migrating from tools like Microsoft Word may start with a Document‑Centric Structure to reduce adoption friction. Replicating familiar document layouts can help ease the transition. Over time, many teams naturally shift toward a model‑based approach.

For regulated teams or those required to produce formal documents (e.g., for QMS or compliance audits), a document-centric approach may seem like the only choice. However, hybrid approaches can provide the structure needed for compliance while still delivering the flexibility and efficiency of a model‑based system.

Supporting Documents Within a Model-Based Structure

The Role of Advanced Filters

Jama Connect’s Advanced Filters allow you to query across your project, regardless of how items are organized, enabling teams to:

• Structure projects logically (by team, requirement type, abstraction level, etc.)

• Generate documents using filters that pull together the relevant content

Example: Medical Device Framework

For example, the Medical Device framework includes two project structure options:

1. Model-Based Product Structure

   • Organized by abstraction level, following a Systems Engineering V-Model

   • Functional and discipline-based item grouping

   • Documentation is handled through Advanced Filters

   • Filters include shared elements (e.g., Project Overview) for consistency

2. Document-Centric Structure

   • Simulates a Design History File (DHF)

   • Includes contextual elements like Introduction, Scope & Objective, and References

   • Designed to support document creation, review, and export for submission to a QMS

   • Works seamlessly with configured report templates to meet organizational documentation requirements

Flexibility for Evolving Needs

Different teams within a single Jama Connect instance may require different project structures. Jama Connect supports different template needs.

Initial project decisions don’t have to be permanent. Over time, teams can:

• Restructure projects to reflect updated practices

• Shift from document-centric to model-based (or vice versa)

• Improve how content is grouped, reviewed, and exported

• Adjust project templates to implement new and improved procedures for new projects

Additional Resources

Need help determining the best structure for your Jama Connect projects or looking to optimize your configuration?

Explore our Solutions Offerings*:

• Data Model & Configuration Consultation
• Optimization Session

*Note: Requires enrollment in the Solutions Success Program. Please contact your Jama Software Customer Success Manager for details.

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