Handling ReqIF Imports from Capella in DX

Overview

This article explains whether Data Exchange (DX) can handle ReqIF imports from Capella, the open-source MBSE (Model-Based Systems Engineering) tool, and how to ensure compatibility.

1. Can DX Handle ReqIF Imports from Capella?

✔ DX is designed to handle ReqIF files, provided they adhere to the ReqIF standard.
✔ There is no widely reported experience of importing Capella ReqIF files into Jama using DX.
✔ If the Capella ReqIF format conforms to standard ReqIF rules, it should work without issues.

✔ Possible Challenges:

• Some tools export non-standard ReqIF variations, which DX may not fully support.

• Differences in attribute handling may cause mapping issues in DX.

• Complex data structures (e.g., diagrams, model links) may not transfer correctly.

2. How to Verify Capella ReqIF Compatibility with DX

A. Validate the ReqIF File Format

✔ Open the ReqIF file in a text editor (Notepad++, VS Code).
✔ Look for the XML structure and key fields, such as:

xml

CopyEdit

<SPEC-OBJECT> <ATTRIBUTE-VALUE-STRING> <DEFINITION-REF>Requirement</DEFINITION-REF> <VALUE>System shall support modular design</VALUE> </ATTRIBUTE-VALUE-STRING> </SPEC-OBJECT>

✔ Ensure that all elements follow standard ReqIF structure.

B. Test Import in a DX Sandbox

✔ Run a test import in a non-production environment.
✔ Check if all fields map correctly to Jama.
✔ Verify whether relationships, traceability, and diagrams import properly.

C. Use ReqIF Studio to Check Formatting

✔ Open the Capella ReqIF file in ReqIF Studio (a free tool for ReqIF validation).
✔ Identify any format inconsistencies that might cause issues in DX.

3. Workarounds for Capella ReqIF Import Issues

✔ If DX does not import Capella ReqIF correctly:

• Use a ReqIF conversion tool to adjust formatting before import.

• Manually adjust XML attributes to align with DX expectations.

• Split complex objects (e.g., diagrams) into separate files before import.

✔ If Capella ReqIF does not work with DX, consider Jama Connect Interchange (JCI) as a potential future solution.

4. Best Practices for Importing Capella ReqIF into DX

✅ Verify ReqIF compliance using ReqIF Studio before import.
✅ Test-import a sample ReqIF file before full-scale migration.
✅ Check attribute mappings and adjust if necessary.
✅ Use a conversion script if Capella exports non-standard ReqIF files.

5. Conclusion

• DX should handle Capella ReqIF imports if they conform to standard ReqIF formatting.

• No extensive customer testing exists, so verifying in a sandbox is recommended.

• ReqIF Studio can help validate and adjust formatting issues before import.