This extension will create new artifacts from tables (only in the module). All you have to do is create or import a table into your module, build a mapping between artifact and spreadsheet columns in the extension, and then run it.
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
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.
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.
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 info@softacus.com.
Related and Referenced Topics
Blog Articles:
Basics of Links and Link Types in IBM DOORS Next Generation - learn the basics about the linking and link types in IBM DOORS Next.
Linking Techniques in IBM DOORS Next - article explaining basic concepts and showing multiple ways of creation of links between artifacts.
Link By Attribute Feature in IBM DOORS Next - the article explains how to use the "Link by attribute" function to automatically create, update, or delete one or more links between artifacts based on values in the attributes of the artifact.
Softacus Widgets:
Link Switcher - widget developed by Softacus, that converts the context of artifacts links in a very short time.
Module Link Statistics - extension that provides users with a quick overview of the amount of the links in specific link types in a module.
Link Type Change- extension developed by Softacus designed to enhance the functionality of DOORS Next Generation by allowing users to manipulate the direction of a link or convert it to another type of link.
Links Builder- extension that allows the users to create a link between two artifacts in DOORS Next Generation according to the certain rules.
Link by Foreign Attribute - this extension allows users to create links between artifacts in the selected module(s), based on the attributes values.
Show Attributes of Linked Artifacts - this extension shows the attributes and links of the artifact that is currently selected.
