How-To Consolidate Lookup Matrices in Jama Connect®

Date: October 3, 2025
Audience: Everyone
Environmental Details:

• Jama Connect® Cloud

• Customer-Validated Cloud

• Supported Self-hosted Versions

Summary

In Jama Connect®, lookup matrices can be “daisy-chained,” where the output of one matrix feeds as an input into another. However:

• Only two consecutive lookup matrices are supported natively.

• Attempting to chain a third lookup matrix is not supported without:

  • Using the Medical Risk Management Package (JCI XLS functions), or

  • Creating a custom API script.

Example Workflow:

1. First Lookup Matrix: Input pick lists Probability 1 and Probability 2.

2. Second Lookup Matrix: Input pick list Severity plus the result of the first matrix.

3. Third Lookup Matrix: Input pick list Diagnostic Coverage plus the result of the second matrix.

This three-level “daisy chain” cannot be executed natively in Jama Connect®.

Resolution 

We can assess the structures and contents of the three lookup matrices to determine whether they can be consolidated into two matrices, allowing the native functionality of Jama Connect® to achieve the original goal.

Example:

First Lookup Matrix: Input pick lists Probability 1 and Probability 2.

Second Lookup Matrix: Input pick list Severity plus the result of the first matrix.

Third Lookup Matrix: Input pick list Diagnostic Coverage plus the result of the second matrix, producing the Final Risk value.

Three “daisy-chained” lookup matrices are not supported natively.

The workflow above cannot be achieved as-is without the JCI XLS package or a custom API.

Consolidation Approach

With analysis, we can create a consolidated version of the matrices to reduce them to two lookup matrices:

Two “daisy-chained” lookup matrices replace the original three.

Compromise: Severity and Diagnostic Coverage cannot remain separate pick lists; they are merged into a single consolidated pick list containing all variations.

Limitation: This approach works best when the consolidated pick list contains up to 10 values.

This approach enables native Jama Connect® functionality to achieve the desired risk-calculation outcomes without external packages or scripts.

Implementation

1. Analyze Existing Matrices: Determine whether consolidation is feasible based on structure and input values.

2. Confirm End-User Requirements: Ensure the single pick list approach is acceptable for workflows.

3. Consolidate Lookup Matrices: Use standard Jama Connect® configuration practices to merge matrices.

4. Validate Results: Confirm that the consolidated matrix produces correct outputs and behaves as intended.

Tip: Human logic is key in mapping combined pick lists to maintain accurate risk calculations.

References

• Success Programs
• Success Catalog
• Datasheets
• Request a Solution Offering or Training from the Success Catalog

Feedback:
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