ReqIF Export Warnings in DOORS

Overview

This article explains the warnings observed when exporting multiple sets from Jama to DOORS as ReqIF, their impact, and best practices for handling these warnings in Data Exchange (DX).

1. Why Do These Warnings Appear?

✔ Warnings occur when exporting multiple sets that share the same item type.
✔ DOORS treats every module as unique, even if a user defines them with the same module type (e.g., "SRS Module").
✔ The issue is caused by multiple Spec-Types using attribute definitions with the same identifier, which is not allowed in DOORS.

✔ Impact on ReqIF Exchange:

• DX exports any given item type only once per exchange.

• In DOORS, even if a user sets all module attributes to be identical, they remain unique at the system level.

• These warnings do not impact the success of roundtrip imports/exports, but they may appear frequently when exporting large sets.

2. How Does DX Handle Multiple Sets in a ReqIF Export?

✔ DX follows the ReqIF specification, which defines item types uniquely.
✔ DOORS enforces strict uniqueness for modules, even when attributes are identical.
✔ If exporting multiple sets with the same item type, these warnings may be expected but do not affect functionality.

✔ When exporting multiple sets in ReqIF:

• DOORS may flag duplicate attribute definitions even when they are valid in Jama.

• DX ensures that all items of a given type remain the same regardless of project/set, maintaining structure.

• Users should not be concerned unless the warnings prevent import or cause missing data.

3. Best Practices for Handling DOORS Export Warnings

✅ Verify that all exported sets contain unique attribute definitions if warnings persist.
✅ Understand that these warnings do not typically impact ReqIF exchange functionality.
✅ Monitor if exported sets display correctly in DOORS despite warnings.
✅ If warnings cause issues, adjust module attribute settings to avoid redundant identifiers.

4. Conclusion

• These warnings appear due to DOORS' strict handling of unique module definitions, even when attributes are identical.

• DX correctly exports multiple sets but does not control how DOORS interprets Spec-Types.

• Warnings do not prevent ReqIF exchange, but users should validate exports if issues arise.

• Future JCI updates may provide better handling for repeated attribute definitions in multi-set exports.