Last Updated: January 2000 January Business Meeting, Mesa AZ
Please identify which version number (1.0, 3.5 etc.) of the tool this survey refers to. Please respond to each question with a Full, Partial or No Compliance answer. Additional text may be included for further explanation.
New or revised questions for 2001 are highlighted.
Previous responses and summaries can be located at the INCOSE Web site at URL www.incose.org/tools
Using existing document information (such as glossary, index, etc.) aids the user in requirement analysis, identification of requirements, etc.
A mechanism for automatic identification of requirements by key words, structure, unique identifiers, etc. to create requirements from the text.
PARTIAL
Team-TRACE recognizes Word style headings which can be imported as separate requirements.
The ability to identify requirements from a text file via interactive means such as mouse highlighting of the requirement text or prompting by the system “is this a requirement?”.
FULL
Users can manually identify requirements within MS Word then import them directly into Team-TRACE.
A manual means of identifying or creating requirements.
FULL
A mechanism for inputing/identifying requirements from outside of the tool.
FULL
Team-TRACE identifies Word style headings and imports them as separate requirements, and breaks them down into their parent child relationships accordingly.
Does the tool have the ability to update existing linked documents from new/changed versions of the source documents without having to re-establish traceability links
Not supported in this version.
Does the tool have the ability to classify/categorize requirements during identification?
FULL.
Team-TRACE allows users to define requirement types.
Once the requirements have been captured, the allocation of requirements to sub-system elements takes place. The tool must capture these elements so links/allocations can be made to those sub-systems elements.
Can the tool graphically capture system implementation (such as architecture, functional decomposition, WBS, etc.) and display them graphically such that requirements can be linked to them.
FULL
Team-TRACE gives a graphical view of the project phases as well as the links between them.
Can the tool textually capture system implementation (such as architecture, functional decomposition, WBS, etc.) and display them textually such that requirements can be linked to them.
FULL
Team-TRACE can import them directly from Word or they can be
entered manually.
Once the requirements have been captured and system architecture captured, requirements are allocated to the various system elements.
The ability to derive/create additional requirements and link between them such as requirement to requirement, or requirement to text (representing trade studies) to derived requirements.
FULL
New requirements and the links between them can be easily created.
The ability to link performance requirements to system elements such as weight, cost, throughput, etc. This also includes the ability to allocate portions of that performance requirement to system elements.
PARTIAL
Requirements can be grouped by type defined by the user. Additionally, users may define their own fields.
The linking of requirements to system elements can be accomplished from either end of the link--from the implementation back to the requirement or from the requirement down to the system element.
FULL
The linking of requirements up or down or at the same level is very simple.
Also critical, is the ability to attach rationale, assignments, criticality, test/validation and many other issues to the requirement, allocation, and the system element to which a requirement is linked.
FULL
Unlimited user defined fields can be added. The user has the ability to link a requirement to document references. Also, any comments, or objects such as graphs, tables, pictures etc can be stored with the requirement.
Once the allocations are complete, the user will want the ability to see the links where they come from, where they go, and why they apply.
The tool should allow the user to identify inconsistencies such as unlinked requirements or system elements (orphans).
FULL
Team-TRACE has built in reports to allow the user to instantly identify inconsistencies, such as unlinked requirements.
With the requirement links in place, the user needs the ability to follow the links to see where they come from and where they go to
FULL
By clicking on the ‘Traces’ tab a user can instantly view a requirements’ links to other requirements, be it forward, backward or at the same level.
Throughout the life of the project, the requirement management tool will be used to verify that the requirements have been met. The tool should provide the ability to document that the requirement was fulfilled, how it was done, and who was responsible.
FULL
The project manager has flexible levels of control. If he/she so desires Team-TRACE will record a full change history and will not allow the project to be baselined unless all requirements have been flagged ok.
Once performance requirements have been allocated to system elements, the requirements management tool should support the verification of those requirements by rolling up actuals and reporting on variances (this is the allocated weight versus the actual weight).
FULL
Users can create their own reports and queries in access based on the data.
Once requirements have been captured, the requirement management tool should maintain a history of requirement changes, who changed it, when it was done, why it was done, etc. Some of this tracking could be automatic, others could be procedural such as a rationale for the change and how the change is to be accomplished.
FULL
Team-TRACE can automatically keep a full change history of every requirement (who, when, what and how). Team-TRACE also has a fully recorded comments field.
At various times the requirements will need to be baselined (saved and locked away). The requirements management tool should support this along with the ability to compare and contrast between various baselines.
FULL
A project can be baselined and at any time. It then needs to be manually saved and locked away to allow comparing and contrasting at a later date.
The requirements should be able to be protected from modification, viewing, etc. by individuals or groups.
FULL
Team-TRACE has 5 levels of user privilege. Each subsequent level allowing a higher level of access and control.
The requirements management tool should output documentation in various military/commercial standard formats (MIL-STD-490, DoD-2167A, etc.).
FULL
Team-TRACE outputs into Word, HTML and Windows style HTML Help. Word templates can be designed within Team-TRACE and stored for later use.
The tool should also support document quality and consistency checking through spell checking, data dictionaries, acronym tables, etc.
PARTIAL
Could be done in Word once a document has been exported.
Once the information is loaded, the requirements management tool should support the generation of presentation quality charts and graphs.
FULL
Team-TRACE has built in ability to create its own reports and queries.
The tool should support the output of documents in finished form including page security markings, graphics/figures, user definable tables, indexes, etc.
FULL
Fully customizable integration with MS Word.
The tool should allow the user to view the document on-screen in finished format.
FULL
Tool users need to status information in the requirements management tool.
Status current technical performance of various allocated performance requirements and monitor progress towards goals.
FULL
By using user defined fields and reporting on those.
Status reporting on current compliance/non-compliance to various requirements.
See 6.6.1
The requirements management tool should support ad hoc query’s and searches per the user’s discretion.
FULL
Users can build up their own queries and reports in Access.
FULL
Importing objects (OLE etc)
Since Systems Engineers rarely work as individuals, the ability for a team of engineers to look/work on the same information at the same time is critical.
The tool should support a team of engineers reviewing, marking up, and commenting on requirements or implementation alternatives.
FULL
Users can independently add comments to requirements and Team-TRACE supports reports about those comments.
Access by the team to the database must be tempered by multi-level access control (i.e. the ability to protect things from being modified). This also includes the ability to submit changes into an approval cycle (for acceptance/voting) before committing the changes to the tool for everyone to see.
Team-TRACE supports simultaneous users working on the same or multiple projects, with 5 levels of access control.
Requirements management must have the ability to communicate requirements to other domain-specific design tools (CASE, EE, PDM, etc.).
What tools will your requirements management tool interface with or talk to?
FULL
Team-TRACE has powerful ability to import and export from Word. It can also interface with Artisan.
To support the wide variety of tools in use by engineers, the requirements management tool should have programmable access to the information contained in the tool’s database (to get access to and deposit information).
FULL
Team-TRACE is built on Access.
Does the tool support Open Database standards such as standard query languages or exchange formats?
FULL
MS Access supports SQL.
Does the tool have the ability to import existing data (such as a ASCII text file containing link information) to create structures within the tool without having to re-enter the information?
FULL
In a Word document the data can be formatted and then imported directly into Team-TRACE, keeping the structure of the document.
Since the tool will be used at different sites and different projects, how does the tool exchange information between different tool installations or databases?
FULL
For multi-site users Team-TRACE has the ability to syncronize data.
Does the tool support comparing/contrasting of different same-tool datasets to allow consistency and verification checking?
FULL
Fully implemented through Team-TRACE syncronization method.
Is the tool support a single user or multiple concurrent users?
FULL
Multiple concurrent or single.
Which platforms and operating systems does the tool run on?
Windows 98/2000/NT4(service pack 6)
Does the tool use a proprietary or commercially available database?
Commercial. MS Access database.
Please identify hardware/software configuration requirements:
128 MB RAM on Microsoft Windows 98/2000/NT4
250MHz processor
100 MB disk space for installation
Server for multiple user configuration
Does the user have the ability run a report and look at a requirement at the same time?
NONE
Report generation is very quick.
If the tool allows for multiple windows/views into the tool--does a change in one view automatically reflect in all other views?
N/A
Does the tool support graphical input and manipulation of data?
Not supported in this release.
If your tool supports a window’s standard, which one(s)?
Microsoft Windows standard.
Does the tool allow the user to create and playback commands or macros that allow the user to automate various tedious tasks?
FULL
Team-TRACE allows user defined styles for consistent report generation and data export.
Does the tool allow a user to access the tool or database with a web browser?
FULL
Exports to HTML
Does
the tool incorporate an Undo feature?
Is it multi-level?
PARTIAL
Single level
Which military/commercial standards does your tool comply with--including database standards, output document standards, exchange standards, display/graphics standards, etc.
MS Access, Word HTML.
Does your tool have a warrantee, if so what is it?
Does the tool support network licensing (floating, node locked, etc.), if so which license manager?
Tool sold on number of concurrent seats that will be in use at one time.
How often are software updates released; are updates separately priced items, etc.?
Updates available every 6 months. Updates included in annual maintenance cost.
Are the users manuals online, is there online help with the tool?
FULL
Full context sensitive help & help demo.
Does the tool vendor have an Internet e-mail address and/or World Wide Web home page? If so, what is the address and Uniform Resource Locator (URL)?
www.team-trace.com
What type of phone support is available from the tool supplier?
Full telephone support is available during normal working hours UK time.
Does a User's Group exist? If so, who is the primary contact?
Not currently.
Yes UK
Yes
Formal
training should not be required. Using
the demo tutorial and the help guide a user can become proficient in less than
a day.
Training
can however be made available.
Taining not required for installation.
Name: Ben Sutton
Address: Emblem House, Pynes Hill, Exeter EX2 5BA, UK
Phone: +44 (0) 1392 667788
Fax: +44 (0) 1392 667778
E-mail: info@team-trace.com
Website URL: www.team-trace.com