Helix ALM vs IBM Rational DOORS comparison

TestTrack provides a centralized suite of capabilities for managing requirements, defects/issues and testing throughout the software development cycle. [1] This suite tracks everything involved in the software development process from feature requests and requirements to design revisions and actual changes in the code. [2] It keeps track of what tests were done, what was tested, who performed the test and when, on what platform, under which configuration and in what language. [3] TestTrack offers the ability to create, manage, and link artifacts from the beginning through the end of a design and development project [4] providing end-to-end traceability of all development artifacts [5] and giving managers a better handle on the shifting requirements that define their projects. [6] TestTrack enforces regulatory compliance to meet regulatory compliance requirements, including 21 CFR Part 11 and Sarbanes-Oxley.

IBM Rational DOORS is a requirements management tool whose software makes it easy to analyze, capture, trace, and manage changes to information.

IBM Rational DOORS Features

IBM Rational DOORS has many valuable key features. Some of the most useful ones include:

• Requirements Interchange Format
• Rational DOORS Web Access
• Test Tracking Toolkit
• Open Services for Lifecycle Collaboration (OSLC)
• Requirements definition and management capabilities
• Work item system for task management and planning
• Reporting system

IBM Rational DOORS Benefits

There are many benefits to implementing IBM Rational DOORS. Some of the biggest advantages the solution offers include:

• Simple predefined change proposal system: By using IBM Rational DOORS, you can manage changes to requirements via a simple predefined change proposal system or a more customizable and thorough change control workflow.

• Linking: With IBM Rational DOORS, you can link requirements to test plans, design items, test cases, and other requirements, making traceability easier.

• Collaboration-friendly: Business analysts, business users, systems engineers, and marketing suppliers can collaborate directly through requirements discussions.

• Boosts productivity: IBM Rational DOORS traces requirements and eliminates manual processes and spreadsheets, thereby improving productivity.

• Cost-efficient: Because IBM Rational DOORS effectively manages the requirements of its users, it helps reduce development costs.

Reviews from Real Users

Below are some reviews and helpful feedback written by PeerSpot users currently using the IBM Rational DOORS solution.

PeerSpot user Juergen A., System Engineer, Requirements Engineer, Managing Director at CCC Systems Engineering Suisse GmbH, says, “One of the most valuable features of the program is the usability. It is really simple to use and its logic, look and feel are familiar to most customers. Let's say it is more of an old-fashioned interface design. If you look at the software, you will notice that the layout is similar to the old Microsoft Windows Explorer. This is helpful to customers who have long-term experience because the look and feel is something they remember from the structure of Explorer and they find it familiar when they go to use DOORS.” He also adds, “There are several other features in the product that are valuable to users and to us. These features would have to do with the traceability and the possibilities for customization of the RP (Relying Party). This is important because several of our clients run an awful lot of customizations.”

A Project Manager at a tech services company mentions, "We have different generations of all products. It lets us select and see unique attributes for each release or generation. You can use attributes to define a selection area to see which equipment are for the old versions and which ones are for the new versions. This inbuilt view is what I like in IBM Rational DOORS. So, for a database and a set of requirements, it will select and show unique attributes for a release or a generation."

A Sr. Systems Engineer at a manufacturing company comments, “I like the user interface with regard to creating links between requirements and tracing links to requirements. I like the DXL Wizard, in particular, to build custom views that I save. I am a fan of the DOORS Change Proposal System, although a lot of people where I'm working have their own homegrown system. I continue to push them to migrate to the DOORS CPS.”

Julie K., Lead Modeling & Simulation Engineer at a tech services company, explains, “Being able to track changes to requirements and being able to export is the solution's most valuable aspect.”