Handling Tags in Data Exchange (DX) and ReqIF

Overview

This article clarifies whether Tags can be imported or exported via Data Exchange (DX) and ReqIF, as well as possible workarounds for maintaining tag information.

1. Does DX Support Tags?

✔ DX does NOT support Tags.
✔ Tags cannot be imported into Jama via ReqIF.
✔ Tags do not exist in the ReqIF standard as a native attribute.

🚨 Implication:

• Any tags associated with items in Jama will not be transferred via DX or ReqIF export/import.

• If tags exist in the source system (e.g., Jama, DOORS), they must be manually recreated after import.

2. Workarounds for Preserving Tags in ReqIF Exchange

🔹 Option 1: Convert Tags to a Custom Field Before Export

• If retaining tags is important, map tags to a custom text field in Jama or DOORS.

• Before exporting, manually copy tag values into this field so they persist in the ReqIF file.

🔹 Option 2: Use API-Based Automation for Tag Restoration

• Tags can be handled using Jama's REST API.

• If tags are stored in a separate system, an API-based script could reapply them post-import.

• ⚠ Limitation: The API has built-in validation that may block certain tag lengths.

🔹 Option 3: Generate a Pre-Export Report of Tagged Items

• Run a report listing tagged items before exporting via DX.

• This allows users to manually reapply tags after import.

3. Best Practices for Handling Tags in DX & ReqIF Exchange

✅ If tags are important, store them in a dedicated field before exporting.
✅ Be aware that DX and ReqIF do not support tags natively.
✅ Use Jama’s API to programmatically restore tags post-import.
✅ Verify any tag length restrictions in the target system’s UI/API before attempting bulk imports.

4. Conclusion

✔ DX does NOT support Tags.
✔ Tags must be manually transferred using a field, API, or report.
✔ If tags exceed UI length limits, API restrictions may block them.