Attribute Processor
Introduction
The Attribute Processor extension was developed by Softacus to enhance the functionality of IBM DOORS Next. It addresses a key limitation in DOORS Next by allowing users to merge values from multiple attributes into one, using a single operation — CONCAT.
This extension simplifies data handling by automatically converting various attribute types (such as numbers, dates, booleans, or enumerations) into strings and saving the combined result into a chosen attribute.
By reducing manual effort and ensuring consistent formatting, the Attribute Processor helps users streamline repetitive tasks and gain more control over how attribute data is displayed, reused, or shared across the project.
Use Cases and Features
Based on the functionalities and use cases that this extension is helping you with, the current version of the extension contains:
Widget information section - section with version, short description and other information about the extension.
Operation profile selection - a dropdown selection where the user can select a previously created and saved operation profile.
Add Profile button - a button for creating new operation profiles. Once clicked, the UI for creating and saving a profile will appear.
Operation profile creation dialog - in this section, the user can specify the operation profile name, select the resulting attribute, and specify the operation profile type.
Operation profile overview - a preview section that will display the output of the operation before the widget is run.
As mentioned in the introduction, the Attribute Processor is an extension that allows users to combine values from multiple attributes into one. It was created to address the missing feature in DOORS Next where users cannot dynamically merge or calculate attribute content.
The extension currently supports CONCAT operation, which joins values from selected attributes — regardless of their data type — and writes the result into a chosen resulting attribute. All input values are automatically converted into strings, so even numbers, dates, booleans, or enumerations can be combined. For example, a user can merge a priority, date, and status field into a single text output simplifying the work of DOORS Next users by providing a user-friendly and intuitive tool working with:
Various data types – the widget supports all common attribute types such as strings, integers, floats, booleans, dates, durations, enumerations (single and multiple), user types, and more. All are automatically converted to strings during concatenation.
Concatenation functionality (CONCAT) – allows users to merge multiple attribute values and constants into a single string, which is then saved into a specified resulting attribute.
Constant value insertion – users can manually insert fixed text or numbers between attribute values, allowing better formatting (e.g., separators or labels).
Operation profiles – reusable configurations where users define which attributes to process and where to store the result. Profiles can be saved as personal or shared.
View-Based execution – when used within a module view, the widget processes only the artifacts visible in that view, making large-scale updates efficient and targeted.
Artifact-Based execution - when artifact(s) is/are selected, the widget processes only those selected artifacts.
Module/Folder-Based execution - when used within a module or folder (without selected artifact or view), the widget processes all the artifacts in the module or folder, again making large-scale updates efficient.
Preconditions and Restrictions
Before using this extension, the following preconditions must be met:
This extension is designed to work only in DOORS Next projects or components; if the user tries to run the widget outside the DOORS Next application, the extension will display an informative message.
The user must have the appropriate permissions in DOORS Next to access and modify the target attributes. Users without edit rights to the resulting attribute will not be able to run the operation.
The attributes on which the operations will be performed must already exist in the type system of the current project or component. Attributes not defined in the system cannot be selected or used in operation profiles.
When working with time-based attributes (such as "Created On", "Modified On", etc.), the widget automatically converts their values into strings for concatenation. However, due to technical limitations, the time zone is always taken from the server, not from the local user interface. This means that the displayed timestamp in the resulting attribute may differ from what individual users see in the UI.
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