Mapping Tri-State Boolean Flags from Integrity to Jama Connect

Overview

This article explains how to map tri-state boolean flag fields (✔️Checked = True, ❌Unchecked = False, ❓TBD = Blank) from Integrity into Jama Connect, where Jama only supports binary boolean values (True/False).

1. Problem Statement

✔ In Integrity:

• Boolean fields can have three states:

  1. ✅ Checked (True) → Mapped as "true"

  2. ❌ Unchecked (False) → Mapped as "false"

  3. ❓ TBD (Blank/Unknown) → Not included in the ReqIF

✔ In Jama Connect:

• Boolean fields only support two states:

  • True

  • False

• If the Integrity field is blank/TBD, it does not import into Jama at all.

2. Why Doesn't the TBD Value Appear in Jama?

✔ The ReqIF file only includes values for True/False—if a flag is blank in Integrity, there is no corresponding entry in the ReqIF.
✔ DX can only map values that are explicitly present in the ReqIF.
✔ Mapping to a text field also fails because only "true" imports, and all other values are blank.

3. Potential Solutions for Mapping a Tri-State Boolean to Jama

A. Convert the Boolean to a Picklist (If Supported by DX)

✔ If DX allows mapping boolean fields to a picklist, create a 3-option picklist in Jama:

• Yes (True)

• No (False)

• TBD (Blank/Unknown)

✔ This ensures that all three states are retained.
✔ Note: Some DX versions may not support boolean-to-picklist mapping.

B. Modify the ReqIF File to Explicitly Define "TBD" Values

✔ Manually edit the ReqIF file before import to replace blank values with a defined placeholder.
✔ Example XML Update:

Before (TBD flag missing from ReqIF):

xml

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<ATTRIBUTE-VALUE> <BOOLEAN-VALUE>True</BOOLEAN-VALUE> </ATTRIBUTE-VALUE>

After (Explicitly defining TBD state as "unknown"):

xml

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<ATTRIBUTE-VALUE> <BOOLEAN-VALUE>Unknown</BOOLEAN-VALUE> </ATTRIBUTE-VALUE>

✔ This method ensures the field is included in Jama with a default "Unknown" value.

C. Create a Post-Processing Script to Add Missing Values

✔ If modifying the ReqIF file is not feasible, a script can be created to:

• Scan imported records in Jama.

• Identify boolean fields that are missing a value.

• Set them to "TBD" or another placeholder.

4. Best Practices to Avoid Missing Boolean Values in Imports

✅ Confirm whether DX allows boolean-to-picklist mapping.
✅ If using a text field, ensure that all values (True, False, TBD) are explicitly mapped.
✅ Modify the ReqIF to ensure TBD values are included before importing into Jama.
✅ Consider a post-import script if mapping issues persist.

5. Conclusion

• Integrity supports a tri-state boolean (True/False/TBD), but Jama only supports binary values.

• If the flag is blank in Integrity, it does not appear in the ReqIF import.

• Solutions include boolean-to-picklist mapping, modifying the ReqIF, or using a post-import script.