INCOSE Tools Database Working Group - Requirements Mgmt. Tool Survey

Last Updated: January 2000, International Workshop, Scottsdale, AZ

Using existing document information (such as glossary, index, etc.) aids the user in requirement analysis, identification of requirements, etc.

Full

Envision VIP provides a fully extensible database for housing each piece of a document. This includes phrases or words that a user uses in a document. Envision automatically keeps track of all key terms [requirements and system elements] and all references to them. Envision VIP provides a completely customizable reporting facility that provides unlimited ways of viewing and building information such as indexes or glossaries. In addition, it provides a custom query facility that produces Excel type spreadsheet reports, a data repository browser facility, and a repository tool box.

1.1.1 Input document change/comparison analysis

Does the tool have the ability to compare/contrast two different versions of a source document?

Full

Envision VIP can generate identical documents from two versions of a project. Envision VIP can generate documents directly into Word, WordPerfect, or any other word processor. The user then can use the word processor’s compare facility to compare the two documents. Most users prefer to use highlighting to identify substantive changes. For example, they may use strikethrough for deleted text and double underlining to identify additions.

A mechanism for automatic identification of requirements by key words, structure, unique identifiers, etc. to create requirements from the text.

Full

Because Envision VIP uses an object oriented data base approach, it can quickly identify words, structures and unique identifiers. Requirements themselves can be defined as objects, simple or compound. Key words, structures, etc. can also be tracked as even more primitive objects. Relationships are automatically maintained by Envision. In addition, because the tool is fully customizable, users can create and manage their own consistent set of key words, identifiers etc. to meet their needs.

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

Since all requirements are objects in a database, when a user uses an object in a text file as a linked object, the system automatically identifies it using color. In addition, the requirements are accessible through this link. This object-oriented approach provides complete referential integrity throughout the document. Should an objects name or attribute change, the system changes it throughout the document.

A manual means of identifying or creating requirements.

Full

Envision VIP provides a fully customizable data entry facility for entering any type of information. Its internal text processing facility provides all types of highlighting features such as color and font change capability.

A mechanism for inputing/identifying requirements from outside of the tool.

Full

Envision VIP provides several different ways of importing data from external sources. Envision VIP provides an import/export facility to exchange data between projects and to import data from other tools. More exciting is the ability to copy an Excel spreadsheet and simply drop it into Envision VIP. Envision VIP will identify the affected class of information and the corresponding associated attributes and place the information into an existing class or if no class exists it will automatically create the class and attributes for you. Additionally a powerful template driven import/export facility allows Envision to input/output virtually any type of information from/to any other external programs and data bases.

1.5.1 Batch-mode document/source-link update

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

Full

Envision VIP uses an object-oriented database approach, allowing all links to be maintained automatically. Envision provides true information leveraging and guarantees a level of consistency previously unavailable.

Does the tool have the ability to classify/categorize requirements during identification?

Full

The Envision VIP object-oriented database approach lets users classify and type any requirement during identification or at any future time. New attributes or categorizations can be added at any time and are fully compatible with all previously existing information. Any subsequent access to the information will always show the latest version of all categories and classifications.

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.

Full

Users can establish any type of parent-to-child or peer-to-peer relationship between any requirements in the database. Once defined, either by decomposition or graphical interconnection, all of the links are automatically maintained.

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

Envision VIP tool provides a fully customizable graphical capture system not only for text but also for diagrams. Users can use any modeling methodology including, but not necessarily limited to, Structured Analysis or Object Oriented Analysis. The tool automatically links every aspect of a diagram. It can also link to other diagrams and requirements. When on a diagram, a user only needs to double click on an item and the system will automatically display the linked requirement or diagram. Of course, links also work in reverse. A user can select a requirement, obtain a list of diagrams that the object appears on, and then directly jump to the desired diagram. If a modeling technique is not being used, the user can set up a virtual library with books and bookshelves. The tool is limited only by the user’s imagination.

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

The tool has a completely customizable reporting facility that provides unlimited ways of viewing and building information from both diagrams and textual information.

Once the requirements have been captured and system architecture captured, requirements are allocated to the various system elements.

Full

Based on the powerful information leveraging and linkage capabilities of Envision, the capture, allocation, and representation of all requirements is readily supported. Graphical, tabular, and textual presentations are fully supported. These various information views are seamlessly interconnected and complemented by extremely powerful analysis capabilities.

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

As mentioned previously, the repository based management of all requirements, relationships, allocations, and presentation of information make this very intuitive.

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.

Full

Envision VIP is fully customizable. This allows a user to add any type of attribute to any requirement at any time in the database such as weight cost or throughput. The attributes can even perform mathematical calculations such as summing costs or throughput.

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 connections, interactions, references, and relationships between requirements and various system elements are automatically maintained by Envision. All linkages are bi-directional and allow information to be accessed in any conceivable manner.

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

As mentioned above, Envision VIP is fully customizable. This allows a user to add any additional attributes to any requirement at any time. The attributes can even include totally new diagrammatic sub views, links to other programs, and even Internet/Intranet URL references.

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.

Full

In addition to the capabilities mentioned in Section 3.3 above, Envision VIP offers several other truly unique analytical capabilities. A number of matrices are available to observe and analyze the interaction and connection between requirements, processes, data, and tasks. In fact, the Envision repository and analytical tools allow for the easy definition and analysis of ANY user relationships desired. Envision VIP is also capable of generating diagram trees and any other desired type of hierarchal views of processes, data, or requirements expansion. The Envision Data Repository Browser also allows immediate access to all stored information. Several where operations allow users to find requirement references on diagrams imbedded in other attributes and documents.

The tool should allow the user to identify inconsistencies such as unlinked requirements or system elements (orphans).

Full

In addition to running reports to identify inconsistencies, Envision helps prevent inconsistencies from occurring in the first place. The tool provides customizable rules that a user can apply to a project. The system will alert the user when they violate the rules. Rules can be specified which "require" certain minimal standards and conventions be used in documenting references and/or connections between requirements, processes, data, tasks, etc. Envision provides several analytical capabilities for cross checking the linkages between requirements and system elements. A unique double pivot table type analysis capability "Connections Matrix" allows an analyst to quickly identify all existing interconnections. Unlinked requirements are immediately identified.

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

As mentioned immediately above, Envision has unique analytical capabilities that allow easy identification of all desire interconnections. Envision can show this in several different ways: via a Connections Matrix or via a special Connections button available on the spec sheet [property sheet] for any given requirement or system element. Envision provides CRUD matrix capabilities to identify the functions that Create, Read Update and Delete information. These capabilities are integral and unique to Envision and do not require any special data entry or manipulation.

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

Envision is fully customizable. This allows a user to add any type of attribute to a requirement in the database such as who is responsible for a requirement, who is responsible for its verification, completion date, level of completion, text description of progress, or any other desired property for tracking. A user can quickly and easily query the attributes for their current status or generate virtually any type of status report desired. The status of any of these properties or attributes can be easily updated via custom spec sheets or custom data entry matrices. The inputs can also be quickly imported from external programs like Excel, Access, Word, etc.

Once performance requirements have been allocated to system elements, the requirement management tool should support the verification of those requirements by rolling up actuals and reporting on variances (example: allocated weight versus the actual weight).

Full

As mentioned above, Envision supports calculated attributes including multi-level collection and rollup of user defined management metrics. A calculation macro language is provided for easy and intuitive specification and collection of this information.

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

Envision VIP provides both an automatic tracking facility that records who created a requirement, who last modified it, and when changes were made. In addition, users can add their own custom tracking attributes

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

Envision VIP supports an unlimited number of baselines and revisions to baselines. Envision supports the capability to lock down selected sets of objects [e.g. requirements and system elements] and assign their control to a specified Controller/Owner/Specifier. Other team members can see the published baseline objects and revision. However, only the controlling official has the power to actually modify such a requirement or system element.

The requirements should be able to be protected from modification, viewing, etc. by individuals or groups.

Full

Envision VIP provides log on protection, check-in/check-out protection, and user profile protection. Security levels can also be defined for users and projects when desired. Envision will then force the security levels – only allowing assigned users with the proper security level access to your project. Users are also specifically granted access to projects. The data is not available to unauthorized users. Read or Write access is granted to each user for each project they are allowed to access.

The requirements management tool should output documentation in various military/commercial standard formats (MIL-STD-490, DoD-2167A, etc.).

Full

Envision VIP provides a fully customizable reporting facility. This facility uses customized templates that can be used to layout information in virtually any format.

The tool should also support document quality and consistency checking through spell checking, data dictionaries, acronym tables, etc.

Full

Envision provides an extensive data dictionary. Users can select any object from the dictionary and insert it into text using either drag or drop or an interface. Users can add an unlimited number of items to the dictionary. Item names, Requirements, System Elements, and any of their attributes, when inserted into Envision, are leveraged from ONE common definition. Thus, ALL references to any given item are automatically updated whenever any item renaming or attribute modification occurs.

Once the information is loaded, the requirements management tool should support the generation of presentation quality charts and graphs.

Full

Envision VIP can quickly generate numerous reports and graphics, including selected subsets of diagrams, charts, or graphs. Additionally high quality reports with headers/footers, automatic page numbering, etc. can be physically or logically printed and used in conjunction with other word processing or charting programs. Custom linkages can also be easily created to link directly with Excel, Access, Project, Word, etc. for any additional final polished output.

The tool should support the output of documents in finished form including page security markings, graphics/figures, user definable tables, indexes, etc.

Full

Envision VIP provides a fully customizable reporting facility that allows a user to control virtually every aspect of an output document. Customized headers/footers, paragraph numbering, font control of paragraphs, and many other capabilities are included in the Envision reporting system.

The tool should allow the user to view the document on-screen in finished format.

Full

Envision VIP can produce formatted or textual output. Formatted output can be easily linked with systems, such as Adobe Distiller, to produce electronic on-screen finished documents. Other Windows capabilities support output to virtually any other printer, or file.

Tool users need status information in the requirements management tool.

Full

Envision VIP provides a fully customizable reporting facility. Users can use this facility to generate status information. Additionally the extensive analytical tools like the various matrix analysis capabilities and query tools can be used to easily find any desired status information. The customizable Spec Sheets [property sheets] can easily display any specific status information desired. Since they are also customizable, the actual presentation of the information can be tailored to the intuitive desires of typical systems users.

6.6.1 Technical Performance Measurement status accounting

Status current technical performance of various allocated performance requirements and monitor progress towards goals.

Full

Envision VIP provides a fully customizable reporting facility. A user can generate status information and performance information. Access to any of this information is available via diagrams, matrices, and the Envision Data Repository Browser.

6.6.2 Requirement progress/status reporting

Status reporting on current compliance/non-compliance to various requirements

Full

Envision VIP provides a fully customizable reporting facility. A user can utilize any of the Envision query, matrix, and browser capabilities to access this information or generate custom reports showing compliance and non-compliance information.

6.6.3 Other ad hoc query’s and searches

The requirements management tool should support ad hoc query’s and searches per the user’s discretion.

Full

Envision VIP provides a fully customizable reporting facility. A user can generate any type of ad hoc query. In addition to the reporting facility, EnvisionVIP has a matrix analysis tool, data browser tool, and data repository tool. All these tools provide additional ad hoc query capabilities.

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.

Full

Envision VIP has an advanced check-in/check-out facility. Envision VIP is specifically designed for single or multi-users environment. In multi-user mode, Envision provides access to all users for the viewing of all objects [requirements, system elements, attributes, etc.] yet ensures, via its unique check-in/check-out rules, that only orderly and authorized changes are allowed.

The tool should support a team of engineers reviewing, marking up, and commenting on requirements or implementation alternatives.

Full

Envision VIP provides the ability to record and report on comments on any object in the requirements. Envision automatically records the user that made the most recent changes and time stamps those changes. Envision also has several roll back type capabilities. Individual modifications can be easily discarded to revert back to the last official published version of any object. Additionally, full system backups or check points can be easily produced whenever desired.

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.

Full

Envision VIP has an advanced check-in/check-out facility. Envision VIP is specifically designed for the multi-user environment. Envision VIP provides the ability to maintain a published or working copy of any object [requirement, system element, or attribute] as well as a private editable copy which is assigned to one and only one individual at a time. Items in an approved state can be easily frozen so that no one can modify them until a vote is taken and the system architect decides to modify the frozen or controlling definitions.

Requirements management must have the ability to communicate requirements to other domain-specific tools (CASE, EE, PM, etc.).

Full

Envision VIP can communicate with any other tool through its fully customizable import/export facility. Envision also has its own native CASE type capabilities and can easily leverage the requirements and systems elements mapping them directly to detailed designs, architectures and pseudo-code.

8.1.1 Interfaces to other tools?

What tools will your requirements management tool interface with or talk to?

Full

Envision VIP can interface with virtually any other windows compliant tool. The tool can import and export, cut and paste various diagrams or textual information to virtually any other Windows application including Excel, Access, and various word processors etc. Through the powerful customizable reporting system and import/export capabilities, a user can interface to any program they desire.

8.1.2 External Applications Program Interface available

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

All information in Envision VIP's repository is accessible either by the tool’s reporting and query facilities or directly from the data tables.

8.1.3 Support Open database system (standard query access)

Does the tool support Open Database standards such as Structured Query Languages (SQL) or exchange formats?

Full

Envision VIP provides an SQL query facility.

8.1.4 Import of existing data from various standard file formats?

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

Envision VIP can import data in a variety of formats. Often, this can be done by simply copying the text to the clipboard and then pasting it into Envision. The Envision formatted import/export is template driven and by simple modifications, the templates can be tailored to accept or produce virtually any desired ASCII textual tile desired.

8.2.1 Exchange of information between same-tool different installations

Since the tool may be used at different sites and on different projects, does the tool exchange information between different tool installations or databases?

Full

Envision VIP allows the exchange of data between projects at any location. Various import/export capabilities are provided. When coordinating activities between two or more physical sites a combination of the check-in/check-out and import/export capabilities allow for the orderly control of project information.

8.2.2 Consistency/comparison checking between same-tool datasets

Does the tool support comparing/contrasting of different same-tool datasets to allow consistency and verification checking?

Full

Envision VIP data base approach allows the user to compare any datasets.

Is the tool support a single user or multiple concurrent users?

Single and Multiple

Which platforms and operating systems does the tool run on?

Windows 9X, Windows NT 4.x and 2000.

Does the tool use a proprietary or commercially available database?

Commercially available database. [Raima Data Manager – a widely used OEM DB]

Please identify minimum hardware/software configuration requirements:

9.4.1 Memory requirements (MB)

32MB

9.4.2 CPU requirements

Will run on 386 and beyond – however, we recommend Pentium Class CPU

9.4.3 Disk space requirements (MB)

40 MB

9.4.4 Operating System Patches

We recommend using the latest versions of Win9x, Win NT 4.0, Windows 2000, but will run on most older versions.

Does the user have the ability to run a report and look at a requirement at the same time?

Partial

Envision allows a user to view any number of concurrent diagrams and spec sheets at the same time. The data browser and matrix analysis capabilities also allow for concurrent access to different reports, diagrams, spec sheets, and queries. Envision also has a diagram tree view which allows the user to easily see the forest for the trees. It can also be used to very quickly switch between various diagrams and property sheets.

If the tool allows for multiple windows/views into the tool--does a change in one view automatically reflect in all other views?

Full

Envision allows for multiple views and changes are reflected in all views.

Does the tool support graphical input and manipulation of data?

Full

Envision has a fully customizable graphical input facility through which users can input and manipulate data. Envision diagrams reside on a virtual diagram and can be easily scaled and zoomed to accommodate any size diagram. The diagram items [objects], graphics, connections, and rules for connections and cardinality are all part of the customizable characteristics of an Envision model. Manipulation of these models results in an extremely intuitive graphic representation of any desired input. Envision is capable of producing presentation quality graphics while at the same time maintaining a rigorous and consistent model of any system.

If your tool supports a window’s standard (Motif, Microsoft Windows), which one(s)?

Windows

Does the tool allow the user to create and playback commands or macros that allow the user to automate various tedious tasks?

Full

The user can save any report and query for future use. Most of the powerful capabilities of Envision are controlled by model and template driven tables and forms. The performance of these table driven algorithms greatly exceeds many competitive macro driven alternatives. Our reporting system is driven by a series of playback type commands. Our calculation capabilities use an Excel-like macro language to specify the operators and operations involved.

Does the tool allow a user to access the tool or database from a web browser?

Not currently. A Web version of Envision is under development.

Does the tool incorporate an Undo feature? Is it multi level?

Full

Envision allows the user an unlimited number of undos for diagram changes. Undo operations are also supported in our RTF attribute fields.

Which military/commercial standards does your tool comply with--including database standards, output document standards, exchange standards, display/graphics standards, etc.

Full

Envision can meet virtually any output document standard.   Envision uses Windows GUI standards.

Does your tool have a warrantee, if so what is it?

Envision is sold with a maintenance agreement. Support is provided to a trained customer support group. Updates are provided to that group as needed and normally include a version update every 6-9 months.

Does the tool support network licensing (floating, node locked, etc.), if so which license manager (Globetrotter, etc.)?

Full

Network licensing is possible. Various contract and hardware options are available.

How often are software updates released; are updates separately priced items, etc.?

Full

Updates are free and released approximately every 6 months to customers with a maintenance agreement.

Are the User's manuals online, is there online help with the tool?

Full

Envision provides a complete set of online manuals and a complete Help facility.

Does the tool supplier have an Internet e-mail address or World Wide Web home page location? If so, what is the address and Uniform Resource Locator (URL)?

Full

www.Future-Tech.com

What type of phone support is available from the tool supplier?

Full

Support is available during normal business hours or under special arrangement either directly from the tool supplier or through a network of consultants. Future Tech Systems, Inc. maintains an active web site and international support pages with up to date information. Submission of problem reports and the distribution of updates is often done directly over the internet. This support site and e-mail messages are checked and processed in a timely fashion.

Does a User's Group exist? If so, who is the primary contact?

This is currently under development.

13.1 Are tools specific training classes available? What geographical areas?

Full

Training is available world wide.

13.2 Can training be made available at a customer's location?

Full

Yes

13.3 Amount of training required to become proficient with the tool (number of days)?

Full

User training 1-2 days.

System Administration training 5 days.

13.4 Can software installation be performed by an individual with only basic training in the tool?

Yes

See Business Information Management’s Document Management Requirements Checklist at the Future Tech site. www.Future-Tech.com

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