Identifying and Excluding "Null Artifact" References in ReqIF Exports from DNG

Overview

This article explains how to identify and remove null artifact references in a ReqIF file exported from DOORS Next Generation (DNG) before importing into Jama Connect via DX.

1. What Is a "Null Artifact" in ReqIF?

✔ A null artifact reference occurs when a SpecObject is referenced in the hierarchy but has no metadata or attributes in the ReqIF file.
✔ This typically happens when an object was deleted in DNG but not purged, leaving an orphaned reference.
✔ These artifacts can cause import errors or unexpected empty objects in Jama Connect.

2. How to Identify a Null Artifact in a ReqIF File

A. Manually Search the ReqIF File

✔ Open the ReqIF XML file in a text editor (Notepad++, VS Code).
✔ Search for the orphaned SpecObject reference, e.g.:

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<SPEC-OBJECT-REF>_0d9fdbf2-5c1d-48bc-a743-0fd90aadb19d</SPEC-OBJECT-REF>

✔ Look for the corresponding <SPEC-OBJECT> definition in the file.

B. Check If the Referenced Object Exists

✔ If the SpecObject reference exists in the hierarchy but has no corresponding <SPEC-OBJECT> definition, it is a null artifact.
✔ Example:

Invalid Null Artifact (Missing SpecObject Definition)

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<SPEC-HIERARCHY> <SPEC-OBJECT-REF>_0d9fdbf2-5c1d-48bc-a743-0fd90aadb19d</SPEC-OBJECT-REF> </SPEC-HIERARCHY>

Expected Valid Structure (With a Defined SpecObject)

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<SPEC-OBJECT> <IDENTIFIER>_0d9fdbf2-5c1d-48bc-a743-0fd90aadb19d</IDENTIFIER> <ATTRIBUTE-VALUE> <DEFINITION-REF>Title</DEFINITION-REF> <VALUE>System Requirement</VALUE> </ATTRIBUTE-VALUE> </SPEC-OBJECT>

✔ If the SpecObject does not have metadata or attributes, it is a null artifact and should be removed.

3. How to Exclude Null Artifacts from a ReqIF Export in DNG

A. Verify and Purge Deleted Items in DNG

1. Check if the missing SpecObject is a deleted item that was not purged.

2. If the object was deleted but still appears in the ReqIF, permanently purge deleted items in DNG before export.

3. Re-export the ReqIF file and check if the orphaned references are removed.

B. Manually Remove Null Artifact References in the ReqIF File

✔ If purging is not possible, manually delete the invalid <SPEC-OBJECT-REF> entries from the ReqIF file before importing into Jama.
✔ Example Fix (Removing Null Artifact Reference):
Before:

xml

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<SPEC-HIERARCHY> <SPEC-OBJECT-REF>_0d9fdbf2-5c1d-48bc-a743-0fd90aadb19d</SPEC-OBJECT-REF> </SPEC-HIERARCHY>

After (Reference Removed):

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<SPEC-HIERARCHY> <!-- Null artifact reference removed --> </SPEC-HIERARCHY>

4. Best Practices to Avoid Null Artifacts in ReqIF Exports

✅ Ensure deleted items are purged in DNG before exporting ReqIF files.
✅ Use ReqIF Studio or a text editor to validate exported ReqIF data before importing into Jama.
✅ Manually review orphaned SpecObject references and remove them if necessary.
✅ Test small sample imports first to detect issues before a full migration.

5. Conclusion

• Null artifacts occur when deleted objects in DNG are not purged before ReqIF export.

• These artifacts create orphaned references that can cause import issues in Jama.

• Fixing the issue requires either purging deleted objects in DNG or manually removing invalid references from the ReqIF file.