Handling ReqIFz Files Containing Multiple ReqIF Files in Data Exchange (DX)

Overview

This article provides guidance on importing ReqIFz files that contain multiple ReqIF files inside them when using Data Exchange (DX). It covers DX limitations, solutions for maintaining relationships across files, and best practices for batch processing.

1. DX Limitations with ReqIFz Imports

✔ DX works with a single ReqIF file at a time.
✔ DX does not support importing a ReqIFz file that contains multiple ReqIF files simultaneously.
✔ If multiple ReqIF files need to be imported, they must be processed individually, which may lead to loss of relationships between files.

🚨 Common Issues:

NullPointerException occurs when trying to import a ReqIFz containing multiple ReqIFs at once.
Relationships between ReqIF files may be lost if they reference different ReqIF IDs across files.
DX does not natively provide batch processing or merging for ReqIF files.

2. Solutions for Handling Multiple ReqIFs in a ReqIFz File

🔹 Option 1: Automate Importing Each ReqIF File Separately

Since DX can only import one ReqIF at a time, a command-line script can automate the process.
The script should sequentially import each ReqIF file from the ReqIFz archive.

🔹 Option 2: Merge ReqIF Files into a Single ReqIF Before Import

Use a custom script to combine all ReqIF files into one before importing into DX.
Ensure that ReqIF IDs and relationships are preserved during merging.
Tools such as PTC Integrity or custom Python scripts can help combine ReqIF files.

🔹 Option 3: Import Files in Exchange Mode to Maintain Relationships

Import each file separately in exchange mode to track relationships.
After importing all files, re-run the import with the relationship mappings to restore cross-file links.

3. Best Practices for Importing Multiple ReqIF Files with DX

✅ Confirm whether the ReqIF files share consistent ReqIF IDs.
✅ If relationships span multiple ReqIFs, ensure they remain stable across files.
✅ Use scripting to automate sequential imports or merge files before processing.
✅ Import in "Exchange Mode" first, then re-run with relationship mappings enabled.
✅ Test imports with a small subset of files before attempting a full-scale import.

4. Conclusion

✔ DX does NOT support importing multiple ReqIF files inside a ReqIFz archive at once.
✔ Each ReqIF must be processed individually unless a script merges them beforehand.
✔ Maintaining relationships across ReqIFs requires careful planning and multiple import steps.
✔ For large-scale imports, automating the process via scripting is recommended.

Handling ReqIFz Files Containing Multiple ReqIF Files in Data Exchange (DX)