Tables To Artifacts Converter


 

Introduction

This extension is designed to streamline and simplify the process of generating new artifacts within the DOORS Next Generation (DNG) environment. More specifically, it allows users to create these artifacts directly from tables located within a module. The workflow is straightforward: users need to either create a new table or import an existing one into their module. Next, they establish a mapping between the artifact structure and the columns within the spreadsheet using the extension's intuitive interface. Once this mapping is set up, they can execute the extension, and it will automatically generate new artifacts based on the content of the table. This functionality adds a layer of automation and efficiency to the artifact creation process, making it faster and more error-free.

 

Use Cases and Features

Based on the functionalities and use cases that this extension is helping you with, we kept the user interface as simple as possible. In the current version of the widget you can find: 

  • Widget information section - section with version, short description and other informationss about the extension
  • Mapping selection – section provides users with the means to define how the data from the table should be mapped to the attributes of the newly created artifacts.
  • Main button – button that starts the widget after it is clicked
Extension UI  = Widget Information, Mapping section. Main button

1.) User Interface

This widget is designed to address a prevalent issue faced by DOORS Next Generation users when dealing with tables within their modules. The challenge lies in the labor-intensive process of manually transposing table data into new artifacts. Prior to the introduction of this extension, users were compelled to manually create these artifacts, which not only consumed valuable time but also introduced the possibility of errors. The extension provides a streamlined solution by offering an automated method for the creation of new artifacts from tables present in modules. Users are tasked only with selecting the module artifact housing the relevant table, establishing a mapping that links the artifact types used in the project with the artifact types represented by the columns in the table, and finally, executing the widget. As a result, the extension alleviates the burden of manual artifact creation and offers users a more efficient and error-free alternative.

 

The Tables To Artifacts Converter widget has the following features:

  • Create New Artifacts from Tables - The primary feature of this widget is its ability to generate new artifacts based on the data stored within tables. Users simply need to select the module in which they want to create or import the table, define a mapping between the columns of the module's artifact and the table's structure using the extension's interface, and then initiate the process. The extension will then automatically create new artifacts, populating them with the relevant data from the table.
  • Map Table Columns with Attributes - Another valuable feature is the capability to map the columns of the imported table with the attributes of the artifacts in the module. This mapping is crucial for ensuring that the newly created artifacts are structured and populated correctly. By allowing users to define these mappings, the widget ensures that the data from the table is translated accurately into the artifact attributes, maintaining data integrity and consistency.
After the process, the created or imported table in the module is overwritten to separate artifacts

2.) Short Functionality Description

Softacus has developed the Tables To Artifacts Converter (TAC) widget to address a prevalent issue faced by DOORS Next Generation (DNG) users when dealing with tables within their modules. This extension streamlines and simplifies the process of generating new artifacts within the DNG environment by allowing users to create these artifacts directly from tables located within a module.

 

Preconditions and Restrictions

This script is designed to work exclusively within the module. If the user does not meet these prerequisites, the widget displays an informative message.

 

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