Resolving "AttributeValueEnumeration" Errors in ReqIF Imports

Overview

This article explains how to troubleshoot "AttributeValueEnumeration" errors in ReqIF imports, which typically indicate missing AttributeDefinition references.

1. Understanding the "AttributeValueEnumeration" Error

✔ Error Cause:

• The ReqIF file contains AttributeValueEnumeration elements that reference missing AttributeDefinition elements.

• This makes the ReqIF non-compliant with the ReqIF Standard, leading to import failures.

• Most likely caused by defects in the pre-processing tool that generated the ReqIF.

✔ Common Symptoms:

• Import fails with syntax validation errors.

• Issues appear in picklist processing or enumeration mapping.

2. How to Identify the Issue in the ReqIF File

A. Manually Inspect the ReqIF File

✔ Open the ReqIF in a text editor and search for:

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<AttributeValueEnumeration>

✔ Check if each instance has a corresponding AttributeDefinition in the file.

B. Does the ReqIF Log Indicate a Line Number?

✔ Some tools may indicate which line in the ReqIF file is causing the issue.
✔ If the log does not help, search for incomplete or orphaned AttributeValueEnumeration elements.

3. How to Fix the Issue in the ReqIF File

A. Add Missing Attribute Definitions

✔ If AttributeDefinition elements are missing, manually add them using another valid ReqIF file as a reference.

B. Comment Out or Remove Invalid Enumerations

✔ If enumeration definitions are unnecessary for the import, they can be commented out or removed.

C. Check the ReqIF Generation Tool

✔ If this error originates from a specific tool (e.g., custom ReqIF exporters), check for a bug or regenerate the ReqIF correctly.

4. Best Practices for Avoiding ReqIF Syntax Errors

✅ Validate ReqIF files with ReqIF Studio or a similar validation tool.
✅ Ensure that all enumerations have a corresponding AttributeDefinition before import.
✅ Test ReqIF files with a small dataset before full-scale import.
✅ Work with the ReqIF source tool vendor if malformed files are consistently generated.

5. Conclusion

• "AttributeValueEnumeration" errors indicate missing AttributeDefinitions, making the ReqIF invalid.

• Manually fixing the file or removing unnecessary enumerations can resolve the issue.

• Validating ReqIF files before import helps prevent processing failures.