Tailoring Addon


 

Introduction

In many cases, customers do have a template document from which they want to generate other versions of specifications with a specific set of artifacts from the template document. Due to the fact that generating specifications based on a set of filters is not available in DOORS Next, Softacus decided to develop an extension that can be very helpful for many DOORS Next users.

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 with information about the extension, such as version, description, copyright, contact…

  • Q/A section – section with dropdown selection of answers on questions, provided in the label of dropdown.

  • Filter artifacts button – after this button is clicked, the extension shall compare answers in the Q/A section with the formula attribute based on the question identifier and change the “Relevant” attribute to “False” value, if the condition is not matching the selection.

  • Reset relevant button – after this button is clicked, the extension shall reset the “Relevant” attribute to “True” value in every artifact in the module.

  • Main button – after the main button is clicked, the modal window which provides the possibility to select existing modules or create a new one is opened. The Main button is not available until the selection in Duplicate/Reuse selection is made.

  • Duplicate/Reuse selection – provides a list of artifact types in a module together with switchers, to allow users to choose if the corresponding artifact type shall be reused or duplicated

The primary problem this extension aims to solve is the ability to generate specifications by filtering and selecting artifacts from a template document within DOORS Next. Users often require the ability to filter artifacts based on conditions in specific attributes. Additionally, they need the capability to copy or duplicate selected artifacts into another module. Lastly, the extension provides a solution for resetting a relevant attribute to its default "True" value. By addressing these challenges, the extension streamlines the process of creating customized specifications, ultimately enhancing user efficiency and productivity by providing the following features:

Filtering artifacts - the extension enables users to filter artifacts based on conditions specified in the "Formula" attribute. The "Formula" attribute adopts a format similar to Excel functions (such as: IF(Q1=”A”) where Q1 is the identifier of the question in the extension and “A” is the value that is also available in dropdown selection), making it easy for users to define filtering criteria. Users can select conditions from a dropdown in the Q/A section of the extension. Format of the question shall be Q1: Question, where – Q1 is the “identifier” of the question and is used in the “Formula” attribute for defining the condition. Q/A section is saved in the configuration file of the extension, providing adjusting options for the administrators. After applying filters and clicking the "Filter the Artifacts" button, the extension automatically sets the "Relevant" attribute of corresponding artifacts to "False" and artifacts with “FALSE” value are filtered out when a view with the relevant filter condition is created.

Copy or duplicate artifacts - users can select an Artifact Type from the template module for either duplication or reuse, but not both for the same type. The extension provides a clear interface for selecting the desired operation. After selecting the main button, a modal window opens for choosing the target module. The extension duplicates or reuses artifacts, including Headings artifacts, which are considered for duplication/reuse even if they lack a relevant attribute setting. Users are informed of the progress through a progress bar and a notification upon completion of the operation.

Reset “Relevant” attribute - the extension offers a function to reset the "Relevant" attribute value back to its default "True." Users can initiate this operation by clicking the "Reset Relevant" button. The extension performs the operation on all artifacts within the module, not just those in the current view. Progress is displayed through a progress bar, and users are notified when the reset operation is finished.

Customizable questionnaire - as mentioned the Q/A section is saved in the configuration file of the extension. That empowers the users to define any number of questions and their wording according to their specific needs, ensuring the generated specifications align precisely with their desired criteria.

Preconditions and Restrictions

Regarding preconditions, it is important to mention:

  • “Formula” attribute – string attribute with name "Formula" must be created in project/component properties, in which the condition is stored for each artifact.

  • “Relevant” attribute – boolean attribute with name "Relevant" must be created in project/component properties, which is used for filtering purposes. The default value shall be "True".

  • View – view with filter for “Relevant attribute = True” condition, must be created in a template module. In this view the artifacts selection is made and the artifacts from this view shall be considered for duplication or reuse.

  • Module – target module for duplicated or reused artifacts must be created before the extension is run.

Regarding restrictions, this extension is designed to work exclusively within the module. If the user does not meet these prerequisites, the extension displays an informative message.

Softacus Services

We, in Softacus, are experts when it comes to consulting and service delivery of IBM software products and solutions in your business. We help our clients to improve visibility and transparency when licensing and managing commercial software, providing measurable value while increasing efficiency and accountability and we are providing services in different areas (see Softacus Services).

IBM ELM extensions developed by Softacus are free of charge for the customers who ordered IBM ELM licenses via Softacus or for the customers who ordered any of our services. If you are interested in any of our IBM ELM extensions, you found a bug or you have any enhancement request, please let us know at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..