DX Behavior for Updating ReqIF Imports – Items Always Appended

Overview

This article explains why Data Exchange (DX) does not recognize structural changes in updated ReqIF imports and instead appends new items to the existing set, rather than reorganizing content.

1. Problem: DX Does Not Recognize Structural Updates

✔ Observed Behavior:

• When importing an updated ReqIF file, DX does not reflect changes in structure.

• Instead of moving or updating existing items, new folders and items are appended to the end of the set.

• This happens even when the item hierarchy is changed in the source system.

✔ Why This Happens:

• DX does not support item movement due to API limitations.

• Historically, moving an item required multiple API calls, making it inefficient.

• New endpoints exist for better movement handling, but DX does not support them.

✔ Example Scenario:

• A set contains 100 items.

• You update the structure and try to move Item 100 to the first position.

• DX does not move the item—instead, it stays at the end.

✔ Current Status:

• This is expected behavior in DX.

• Jama Connect Interchange (JCI) will take over ReqIF-related improvements in the future.

2. Workarounds for Maintaining Structure in ReqIF Imports

A. Manually Adjust Item Order After Import

✔ Since DX does not move items, you must manually reorder items inside Jama Connect.

B. Re-import the Entire Set with the Correct Order

✔ Instead of updating, delete the old set and reimport the new structure.
✔ This ensures that items appear in the correct order.

C. Consider Using JCI (Jama Connect Interchange) in the Future

✔ JCI may support better ReqIF handling, including item movement.
✔ If restructuring is critical, monitor JCI developments for a possible solution.

3. Best Practices for Handling Updated ReqIF Imports

✅ Understand that DX will always append new items—it will not move existing ones.
✅ Plan for manual reordering if the item structure must be maintained.
✅ If structure changes are significant, delete and reimport instead of updating.
✅ Track JCI updates for future improvements in ReqIF handling.

4. Conclusion

• DX does not support item movement in updated ReqIF imports.

• Instead, it appends new items at the end of the set.

• Manual reordering or full re-import is required to maintain structure.

• Future ReqIF improvements will likely be handled via JCI instead of DX.