Customising DOORS

DOORS® provides extensive customisation facilities. Some are provided by the manufacturer "out of the box" or on request. A good example of the latter is the WEXP tool, which enables us to export DOORS-based specifications to Microsoft Word. Since the export target includes a flexible Word template, the document may be generated to meet the precise needs of the customer.

We produce our own DOORS customisations using the DXL scripting language. Examples of the scripts that we have implemented are:

• Generation of cloned risk analysis and test case specification documents. The cloned documents are formal DOORS modules that contain standardised attributes, views and other facilities. Cloning these documents improves the reliability of the requirements management process by ensuring that each individual requirement has its associated risk evaluated and automates hazard analysis procedures required by medical device regulations (ISO 14971).
• Although there are several integrations with the Clear Quest® change management tool on the market, most appear to tackle the wrong problem. We have created an integration that enables the Clear Quest user to review which changes were made in DOORS modules in response to a change control activity.

We use a range of other scripts to assist in the standardisation of documentation produced, improve compatibility between documents and reduce reworking effort. Our DXL customisations are tailored to meet our customers' specific needs.