Switching from IBM DOORS to Modern RM Tools - Reaching the Goal with Openness

Many companies that have used IBM DOORS classic for years are faced with the challenge of choosing a new requirements management tool at some point. This may be because support is coming to an end, the user interface is outdated or the tool no longer meets the requirements of modern projects. However, instead of taking the opportunity to make real improvements, many companies try to transfer the familiar to new software - often with fatal consequences.

In this article, you can find out why this approach is problematic, why old concepts such as document views are no longer up to date, what you should consider instead and how you can successfully master the change.

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The initial situation: “We just want DOORS in modern”

IBM DOORS has set standards in requirements management over the years and has become an integral part of the processes in many companies. Over the years, however, rigid habits have crept in:

• Highly customized: Many companies have heavily customized DOORS to their own needs via extensive scripts and modules.
• Well-established processes: Employees and teams have often been working with DOORS in the same way for decades - changes are therefore viewed skeptically.
• Lack of openness to new approaches: The expectation is often, “The new tool should work just like DOORS, only with a modern interface.”

A particularly common example of outdated approaches is the focus on document views. In DOORS, it is common to organize requirements in document-like structures that are based on Word files. However, this approach is often a hindrance in agile and dynamic projects, as it promotes rigid structures and makes it difficult to reuse or link requirements.

Tip: You can find more information on the specifics and limitations of document views here.

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Why sticking with the old approach fails

Trying to make a new tool work like the old one brings with it several problems:

1. Technical compromises: Modern tools like reqSuite® rm, Jama Connect or Polarion are based on different paradigms than DOORS. If you try to adapt these tools to the old system, you often lose the advantages of the new technology.
2. Outdated concepts: Structures such as document views originate from a time when requirements were primarily written for waterfall projects. Today's projects require more flexible models that allow requirements to be linked and tracked.
3. Missed opportunities for optimization: Switching to a new tool is the perfect opportunity to modernize and streamline processes. If you only copy old structures, you miss the chance to increase efficiency.
4. Increasing costs and complexity: Adjustments that are intended to make the new tool “like the old one” are often expensive and error-prone. Instead of saving costs, these often increase due to special requests.
5. User frustration: Instead of benefiting from the advantages of a modern tool, employees feel slowed down by unnecessarily complicated customizations and hybrid processes.

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What companies should look out for

A rethink is necessary to make the change successful. Here are some tips on how you can approach the changeover in a targeted manner:

1. Question old processes: Take the opportunity to critically examine existing workflows and requirements. Which processes still work, which are outdated? Document views in particular should be critically evaluated and replaced with dynamic structures.
2. Prioritize core functions: Instead of mapping every special case, you should focus on the central requirements that the new tool should cover.
3. Involve employees: Changes generate resistance if they are dictated from above. Get your teams on board at an early stage to create acceptance.
4. Benefit from the strengths of the new tool: Every modern tool has features and approaches that set it apart from DOORS. Use these instead of blocking them through excessive customization.
5. Strategic change management: The change is not only a technical challenge, but above all an organizational one. Allow sufficient time for training, customization and familiarization.

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Why openness is the key

Switching from IBM DOORS classic to a modern requirements management tool is an opportunity - not a compulsory exercise. However, the changeover will only be a success if companies are prepared to cut off old habits and allow new approaches.

The aim should not be to simply copy the old system, but to make processes more efficient, flexible and user-friendly. Modern tools such as reqSuite® rm offer exactly that - provided they are used to their own strengths.

Do you have any questions or would you like to find out how reqSuite® rm can help you make the switch? Contact us for a non-binding consultation and get started in a new era of requirements management.

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