Handling ReqIF Relationship Imports and Updates in DX

Overview

This article provides guidance on how DX handles relationships in ReqIF imports, common challenges users face, and best practices for maintaining traceability across imports.

1. How DX Handles Relationships in ReqIF Imports

✔ DX detects and builds relationships between imported items when processing ReqIF files.
✔ If an item references another item not yet imported, DX will report missing relationships.
✔ Once the related file is imported, DX should establish the missing relationships in subsequent imports.
✔ This process assumes consistent identifiers across ReqIF imports.

2. Common Issues & Troubleshooting

🚨 Issue: Relationships are missing after import.
✔ Solution: Ensure that all related ReqIF files are imported before checking for relationships.

🚨 Issue: User is deleting and reimporting data instead of updating existing records.
✔ Solution: Use conversation mode to update existing data instead of reimporting, which prevents unnecessary relationship errors.

🚨 Issue: Relationships still not being established after reimport.
✔ Solution: Verify that the ReqIF IDs and item types are consistent across imports.

3. JCI vs. DX for ReqIF Integrations

✔ JCI is developing ReqIF integrations, but certain functionalities (such as Polarian support) are still in progress.
✔ Users may need to rely on manual adjustments or scripts to ensure ReqIF consistency.

4. Alternative Solutions & Consulting Support

✔ DX can support guided consulting for the exchange process to improve customer success.
✔ Customers building their own tool can use the same API endpoints as DX and JCI to achieve the same functionality.

5. Best Practices for Handling ReqIF Relationship Imports

✅ Always import all related ReqIF files before validating relationships.
✅ Use conversation mode to update existing data rather than deleting and reimporting.
✅ Ensure consistent ReqIF IDs across files to maintain traceability.
✅ Consider consulting support for complex ReqIF integrations.

6. Conclusion

✔ DX supports relationship creation between ReqIF imports, but files must be imported in the correct order.
✔ Users should avoid deleting and reimporting data—instead, they should update existing records using conversation mode.
✔ Customers with specialized needs can use APIs or consulting support to streamline their integration.

If persistent issues remain, customers should review ReqIF mappings, import order, and conversation settings to ensure a smooth integration.