We’re excited to introduce Version 2.0 of our Requirements Management platform, packed with AI-driven features designed to make your requirement engineering process smarter and faster. This release centers around the powerful AI-Feature Agent, an intelligent assistant that helps you generate, review, and refine requirements effortlessly. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zuUGFyp_3nU?si=qWsHjYg73zyfGxmG" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">See A.I. Feature in action </a>.


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<h2>Key Features and Enhancements</h2>

<h3>1. AI-Generated Use Cases from Project Briefs</h3>

 The AI-Feature Agent now automatically generates structured use cases from simple project descriptions or interview notes, accelerating the early phases of requirement gathering.


<h3>2. Generate Functional & Non-Functional Requirements from Use Cases</h3>

 Building on generated use cases, the AI translates them into well-structured functional and non-functional requirements, ensuring consistency and completeness in documentation.


<h3>3. AI-Powered Requirement Review & Improvement Suggestions</h3>

 Our AI-powered review assistant evaluates requirements for clarity, atomicity, testability, and completeness, offering actionable suggestions to improve quality and precision.


<h3>4. Import & Export REQIF Files</h3>

 Version 2.0 supports REQIF file import and export, enabling seamless interoperability with other requirements management tools while preserving data integrity.


<h3>5. Enhanced Organization & Team Management</h3>
<ul>
 <li>Structured teams with role-based permissions</li>
 <li>Ownership and access controls for requirement documents</li>
 <li>Improved collaboration across multiple teams and stakeholders</li>
</ul>


 Experience these new capabilities and more with Version 2.0—designed to empower your engineering workflow through intelligent automation and seamless collaboration.

Version 2.0 of our Requirements Management platform is here! Discover how AI-driven features like automated use case generation, requirement reviews, and REQIF interoperability are transforming requirement engineering for greater efficiency and quality.

Introducing AI-Powered Requirement Engineering Agent

The Requirements Interchange Format (ReqIF) is an XML-based standard designed to facilitate the exchange of requirements between different tools used in systems engineering and software development. The ReqIF standard ensures seamless collaboration by providing a structured way to manage requirements across multiple stakeholders and tools.

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<h3>What is ReqIF?</h3>
ReqIF (Requirements Interchange Format) was developed by the ProSTEP iViP association and later standardized by the Object Management Group (OMG). It is widely used in industries such as automotive, aerospace, and medical devices, where precise requirements management is essential.

<h3>Why is ReqIF Important?</h3>
Without a standardized data format like ReqIF, several issues can arise:
<ul>
 <li>Misinterpretation of Requirements: Different teams may interpret requirements differently, leading to defects and inconsistencies.</li>
 <li>Integration Failures: Complex systems require seamless requirement exchange; inconsistencies can lead to costly errors.</li>
 <li>Data Loss in Conversion: Manual data entry or incompatible formats may result in lost requirement details.</li>
 <li>Lack of Traceability: Without a common format, tracking changes across different stakeholders becomes challenging.</li>
</ul>

<h3>Key Concepts of the ReqIF Format</h3>
The ReqIF specification introduces several fundamental concepts:
<ul>
 <li>Specification: A structured document containing requirements.</li>
 <li>SpecObject: Represents an individual requirement.</li>
 <li>SpecRelation: Defines relationships between requirements.</li>
 <li>Attributes: Metadata fields that store requirement details such as title, description, and status.</li>
 <li>Hierarchy: Requirements can be structured in a hierarchical manner, improving readability and traceability.</li>
</ul>

<h3>Tools Supporting ReqIF</h3>
Several requirements management tools support the ReqIF format for seamless interoperability:
<ul>
 <li><a href="https://www.ibm.com/products/requirements-management" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">IBM DOORS / DOORS Next</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://polarion.plm.automation.siemens.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Siemens Polarion</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.ptc.com/en/products/windchill/requirements-management" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">PTC Integrity</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://intland.com/codebeamer-alm/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">CodeBeamer</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.jamasoftware.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Jama Connect</a></li>
 <li>Custom Integrations using Python/Django (e.g., <a href="https://ellygent.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Ellygent.com</a>)</li>
</ul>

<h3>Handling Corner Cases in ReqIF Implementations</h3>
When building a ReqIF-compliant tool, several corner cases must be considered:
<ul>
 <li>Global Unique Identifiers (GUIDs): Each requirement should have a persistent unique identifier.</li>
 <li>Custom Column Configurations: Some tools may have different requirement attributes that must be mapped correctly.</li>
 <li>Hierarchical Relationships: Ensuring that parent-child relationships in requirements are maintained correctly.</li>
 <li>Handling Missing Data: Ensuring that all required attributes are present to prevent errors in requirement exchange.</li>
</ul>

<h3>Conclusion</h3>
The ReqIF standard plays a critical role in ensuring efficient requirement management and exchange across different tools and teams. By implementing ReqIF-compliant tools and processes, organizations can improve traceability, minimize errors, and enhance collaboration in requirement-driven projects.

For a more detailed look into ReqIF implementation, feel free to explore <a href="https://ellygent.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Ellygent.com</a> or reach out to me at <a href="mailto:pericoarmando@gmail.com">pericoarmando@gmail.com</a>.


<h4>References</h4>
<ul>
 <li><a href="https://www.omg.org/spec/ReqIF" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">OMG ReqIF Specification</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.prostep.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ProSTEP iViP Association</a></li>
</ul>

ReqIF is an XML-based standard that enables seamless exchange and management of requirements across different tools and stakeholders, widely used in industries like automotive and aerospace. It ensures improved traceability, reduces errors, and enhances collaboration in requirements-driven projects.

Understanding the Requirements Interchange Format (ReqIF)

Breaking down product requirements into clear, actionable software requirements is a crucial step in delivering software that truly meets customer needs. This process helps engineers and teams stay focused on solving the right problems with well-defined features and behaviors. Here’s a practical approach to breaking down requirements effectively.


<ol>
 <li>
 Identify the problem: 
 Understand the core problem the product aims to solve to keep software requirements targeted.
 Example: For an automotive infotainment system, the problem might be "provide drivers with seamless voice-controlled navigation."
 </li>

 <li>
 Define the goals and objectives: 
 Set clear goals aligned with solving the identified problem and meeting customer expectations.
 Example: Increase driver safety by reducing manual navigation inputs by 50%.
 </li>

 <li>
 Identify the functional requirements: 
 Specify features and capabilities the software must have to meet goals.
 Example: Support voice recognition for destination input and provide turn-by-turn guidance.
 </li>

 <li>
 Identify the non-functional requirements: 
 Describe how the software should perform or behave beyond functionality.
 Example: The system should respond to voice commands within 2 seconds and operate reliably in noisy environments.
 </li>

 <li>
 Define acceptance criteria: 
 Set specific conditions that must be met for a requirement to be considered complete.
 Example: For voice recognition, acceptance criteria might include "90% command recognition accuracy during testing."
 </li>

 <li>
 Define the user stories: 
 Write short, user-focused descriptions of features from the end-user perspective.
 Example: "As a driver, I want to set my destination by voice so I can keep my hands on the wheel."
 </li>
</ol>


 Following this approach ensures that software requirements are clear, measurable, and aligned with customer needs—key to building high-quality, user-centered software.

Breaking down product requirements into detailed software requirements is essential to building software that delivers real value. This post walks through how to identify problems, set goals, and define functional and non-functional needs, acceptance criteria, and user stories—using practical examples to guide your process.

Breaking down product requirements into software requirements

Over the years working with complex automotive systems—especially road-legal, safety-critical platforms—I’ve seen how much a project’s success depends on the quality of its requirements. Getting them right early saves you massive downstream pain. Whether you're defining system behavior, validating test coverage, or aligning with compliance standards like ISO 26262, well-authored requirements are a cornerstone. Below is a list of practices I’ve found effective in structuring requirements for clarity, traceability, and stakeholder alignment—supported by examples from automotive systems and aligned with <a href="https://www.incose.org/products-and-publications/se-handbook" target="_blank">INCOSE guidance</a>.


<ol>
 <li>
 Start by identifying the stakeholders: 
 First step is always understanding who’s impacted—directly or indirectly. Get input early from all key players.
 Example: On an ADAS project, that might include OEM system engineers, safety certifiers, compliance teams, and of course, the end-users (drivers). Each has a different perspective that shapes what’s needed.
 INCOSE Ref: SE Handbook v4.0, Sec 2.3.4 – Stakeholder Needs and Requirements.
 </li>

 <li>
 Define the project goals and objectives: 
 Goals help ground the scope and keep everyone aligned.
 Example: A goal like “Increase pedestrian safety” becomes actionable when turned into an objective like “Detect pedestrians 30m ahead and alert within 200ms.”
 INCOSE Ref: Sec 2.3.5 – System Requirements Definition.
 </li>

 <li>
 Use a consistent format: 
 Stick to a structured syntax—it’s not about being rigid; it’s about being understandable and testable.
 Example: “The [component] shall [do something] when [condition occurs].” e.g., “The LKAS shall apply torque when the vehicle drifts more than 30cm without indicator use.”
 INCOSE Ref: Sec 5.2 – Requirements Management.
 </li>

 <li>
 Write SMART requirements: 
 Make each requirement Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
 Example: Instead of vague phrases like “quick deceleration,” write: “The system shall decelerate from 50km/h to 0 in under 2.5 seconds on dry asphalt.”
 INCOSE Ref: Appendix C – Characteristics of Good Requirements.
 </li>

 <li>
 Use plain language: 
 Avoid unnecessary jargon. Make it easy for every stakeholder to understand—whether they’re technical or not.
 Example: Replace “CAN FD WUP to BCM” with “Establish communication with the Body Control Module within 100ms after wake-up.”
 INCOSE Ref: Sec 5.2.3 – Requirement Representation.
 </li>

 <li>
 Prioritize the requirements: 
 You can’t deliver everything at once. Rank them based on value, risk, and feasibility.
 Example: Functional safety items (like airbag deployment timing) come before infotainment UI tweaks.
 INCOSE Ref: Sec 5.3 – Requirements Analysis.
 </li>

 <li>
 Validate with stakeholders: 
 This isn’t a checkbox—it’s a conversation. Walk through the requirements with key people and make sure they hold up.
 Example: For FCW systems, I’ve validated detection logic with system engineers and test scenarios with vehicle certifiers.
 INCOSE Ref: Sec 5.6 – Validation Process.
 </li>

 <li>
 Keep requirements up-to-date: 
 Things change—regulations, hardware availability, system boundaries. Your requirements need to reflect that.
 Example: When UNECE revised lighting rules, we updated every affected item and synced the change with impacted teams.
 INCOSE Ref: Sec 5.5 – Configuration Management.
 </li>

 <li>
 Ensure unique identification: 
 Every requirement should have a unique ID. This makes traceability and change impact analysis possible.
 Example: Use structured IDs like “SYS-REQ-045” or “SW-FCW-102” consistently in your tools, test plans, and design docs.
 INCOSE Ref: Sec 5.2 – Identification; also see ISO 26262-8, Clause 6.
 </li>

 <li>
 Document everything clearly: 
 Not just the requirement, but also its rationale, version history, and any related links (e.g. regulations or test cases).
 Example: I’ve used Polarion to organize safety requirement sets for EVs, linking test cases and rationale for auditors.
 INCOSE Ref: Sec 5.2 – Documentation Practices.
 </li>

 <li>
 Continuously improve the process: 
 Don’t let your process go stale. After each major project or audit, review how well the requirements process worked—and refine it.
 Example: We updated our template language and added better traceability fields after the first program review of an EV platform.
 INCOSE Ref: Sec 7 – Technical Management: Process Improvement.
 </li>

 <li>
 Understand the hierarchy: Product vs. System vs. Software vs. Hardware:
 Good traceability means knowing where each requirement lives in the architecture.
 <ul>
 <li>Product: What the whole thing is supposed to achieve.</li>
 <li>System: How subsystems interact to fulfill the product goals.</li>
 <li>Software: What logic, functions, and interfaces are required to realize the system behavior.</li>
 <li>Hardware: What physical or electrical constraints support the system.</li>
 </ul>
 Example – Forward Collision Warning (FCW):
 <ul>
 <li>Product Requirement: “The vehicle shall reduce rear-end collisions by alerting the driver to frontal obstacles.”</li>
 <li>System Requirement: “The FCW system shall detect moving/stationary objects within 60m above 30km/h.”</li>
 <li>Software Requirement (SRD): “The FCW logic shall trigger a warning if Time-To-Collision &lt; 2.5s.”</li>
 <li>Hardware Requirement (HRD): “Radar sensor must have at least 80m range and 20Hz update rate.”</li>
 </ul>
 INCOSE Ref: Sec 4 – Technical Processes: Architecture and Decomposition.
 </li>
</ol>


 These practices aren’t just theory—they’re part of the discipline needed to build safe, compliant, and successful automotive systems. The more intentional you are about how requirements are written, structured, and validated, the more likely your project is to stay on track and deliver what it promises.

Writing clear, traceable requirements is critical in complex systems development—especially for road-legal automotive platforms. In this guide, I share practical strategies I've used across real-world projects to improve requirement quality, ensure stakeholder alignment, and support compliance. Topics include SMART writing, stakeholder validation, traceability, system/software/hardware layering, and lessons grounded in INCOSE best practices. Ideal for systems engineers, requirements authors, and technical leads.

A brief guideline for requirements authoring

Managing requirements effectively is key to any project's success. From gathering initial inputs to keeping everyone aligned, having a clear process makes sure nothing gets lost and that the final product really meets expectations. Here are some practical steps to build a strong requirements management framework.


<ol>
 <li>
 Start by identifying and documenting the project requirements: 
 Collect input from all stakeholders to capture a complete picture of what’s needed.
 Example: In an automotive project, engage system architects, developers, project managers, and customers early on to cover everything from regulatory needs to user experience.
 </li>

 <li>
 Create a requirements management plan: 
 Set clear guidelines on how requirements will be handled throughout the project.
 Example: Define how requirements are captured, reviewed, approved, changed, and how traceability will be maintained to design and test artifacts.
 </li>

 <li>
 Implement a requirements management tool: 
 Use software that helps track, version, collaborate, and report on requirements effectively.
 Example: Tools like IBM DOORS or Jama Connect are popular in automotive development to handle complex requirements and support compliance.
 </li>

 <li>
 Establish clear communication channels: 
 Keep all stakeholders on the same page and resolve issues quickly.
 Example: Regular cross-functional meetings, shared collaboration platforms, and clear escalation paths help prevent misunderstandings.
 </li>

 <li>
 Continuously review and improve the requirements management process: 
 Regularly check how the process is working and make adjustments as needed.
 Example: Hold retrospectives after each phase to identify bottlenecks or gaps and improve for the next cycle.
 </li>
</ol>


 Following these steps helps create a clear, efficient, and flexible requirements management approach that supports project success and stakeholder satisfaction.

Effective requirements management is essential for project success. In this post, I share practical steps—from gathering stakeholder input and planning to using the right tools and fostering clear communication—that help teams stay aligned and deliver quality results. Whether you’re managing automotive projects or any complex system, these guidelines will help you build a solid process and continuously improve it.

5 ways to adopt requirements management for your project

<h2>What Is ReqIF and Why It Matters</h2>


The Requirements Interchange Format (ReqIF) is an XML-based standard for exchanging requirements across different tools and systems. Originally developed by the Object Management Group (OMG), it has become a cornerstone in industries where precision, traceability, and tool interoperability are critical—particularly automotive, aerospace, and defense.



At its core, ReqIF enables structured, tool-agnostic communication around requirements. It defines a common data model that captures essential requirement attributes like ID, title, description, and status. Beyond that, it supports hierarchical structuring and traceability through requirement linking—making it easier to track changes and understand impact across the lifecycle.



One of ReqIF’s greatest strengths is how it fosters collaboration between diverse stakeholders. Whether you're working with an OEM, supplier, or internal engineering team, ReqIF serves as a neutral format that eliminates ambiguity and reduces the risk of misinterpretation. Everyone works from a shared source of truth.



Another major advantage is its support for end-to-end traceability. With ReqIF, it’s possible to follow the journey of a requirement from its initial definition through development, testing, and delivery—enabling audit-readiness and reducing the risk of costly rework.



Its foundation in XML means ReqIF is easily integrated into modern toolchains. Many leading requirements, modeling, and validation tools support ReqIF import and export, allowing teams to automate workflows and maintain consistency even when using different platforms.



In short, ReqIF brings structure, clarity, and flexibility to requirements engineering. For organizations aiming to boost alignment, eliminate ambiguity, and scale their systems engineering efforts, adopting ReqIF is a smart and forward-looking move.


<h3>References & Further Reading</h3>
<ul>
 <li><a href="https://www.omg.org/spec/ReqIF/1.2/PDF" target="_blank">Download PDF (v1.2)</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Object_Management_Group" target="_blank">Object Management Group</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Requirements_Interchange_Format" target="_blank">Wikipedia: Requirements Interchange Format</a></li>
</ul>

ReqIF is the backbone of cross-tool requirements exchange in systems engineering. Learn how this XML-based standard streamlines collaboration, ensures traceability, and improves product development in complex industries.

Ellygent Blog: systems-engineering

Introducing AI-Powered Requirement Engineering Agent

Understanding the Requirements Interchange Format (ReqIF)

Breaking down product requirements into software requirements

A brief guideline for requirements authoring

5 ways to adopt requirements management for your project

Requirements Interchange Format (ReqIF)