Migration

Migrate from IBM DOORS: ReqIF staging that works

How to migrate from IBM DOORS or DOORS Next into traceunified — ReqIF export, Import Center mapping, DXL realities, and module-by-module cutover.

By traceunified ·

Whether you are leaving DOORS Classic under end-of-support pressure or reconsidering a DOORS Next move, the data exit path is similar: ReqIF for requirements and relationships, staged by project or module into traceunified.

Export strategy from DOORS

  1. Inventory modules and link types you must preserve for certification evidence.
  2. Export ReqIF from Classic or DOORS Next for a pilot module first — not the entire enterprise on day one.
  3. Document DXL behaviors that encode process (attributes, views, checks). traceunified will not run DXL; you replace the intent with item types, workflows, and views.
  4. Separate modeling and test — if those live in Rhapsody or other ELM tools, decide whether they become native records (XMI / CSV) or remain specialist tools beside the system of record.

Import into traceunified

Use the Import Center for the ReqIF (or CSV/Excel/Word fallback). Full steps: Import requirements and ReqIF & field mapping.

  1. Upload the ReqIF file and set the Import Destination.
  2. Map DOORS attributes → destination fields; for ReqIF, complete ReqIF Type Mapping.
  3. Enable Import Traceability Links so module relationships come across with the items.
  4. Preview, then commit. Expand module by module with the same mapping.
  5. Bring architecture via XMI if Rhapsody models move with you (Migrate from Cameo or Rhapsody); bring tests via CSV/Excel when they leave a separate tool.

IBM’s own guidance for Classic → Next is often project-by-project. Use the same discipline here.

Cutover pattern

  1. Re-establish coverage views and suspect-on-change on a known subsystem before expanding.
  2. Keep DOORS available read-only until your QMS signs off.
  3. Confirm supplier ReqIF interchange and outbound export from traceunified (Export).

What “done” looks like

  • Critical requirements and baselines accounted for
  • Supplier ReqIF interchange re-tested
  • Trace evidence for a sample DAL/ASIL/Class path regenerable from traceunified
  • Training plan for engineers who “think in DOORS”
  • Exit path confirmed (you can export again)

See traceability work as one connected system.

Requirements, architecture, tests, risk, and SBOM on a single thread — audit-ready when you need it.

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