Working with Word Documents and RQMs

PowerDesigner provides an optional addin, which allows you to import a Word document into an RQM and to export an RQM to MS Word format. The RQM and the Word document will be linked, allowing you to keep the two versions synchronized.

You can leverage the capabilities of PowerDesigner to link requirements to design objects in other models, while retaining a requirements document in a format familiar to less technical users. You can either start from a Word document and create an RQM, or start from an RQM and create a Word document. In both cases, the Word document and the RQM can be linked to allow easy updating.

Note:

The MS Word addin is not installed by default during the PowerDesigner installation process. In order to install it, you must expand the Requirements Model node on the Features page of the PowerDesigner installer, and select the Word Addins feature. For detailed information about installing PowerDesigner, see the Installation Guide.

In order to link an RQM with a Word document, your environment must conform to all of the following requirements:

MS Word 2000 or higher is installed on your machine
You have selected to install the Word Addins during your installation of PowerDesigner. To do so, expand the Requirements Model node on the Features page of the PowerDesigner installer, and select the Word Addins feature.
You have enabled the Microsoft Word Import Export add-in in PowerDesigner. To do so, select Tools > General Options, click the Add-Ins category and then select Microsoft Word Import Export. Note that the add-in only works if the system code page is consistent with the model language. For example, if you are working with a Chinese model, your system code page must be Chinese.
You have selected the WordToRqm.dot template in MS Word (select Tools > Templates and Add-Ins).
The titles in the Word document are formatted with Word heading styles, and use only MS Word numbering.
Heading styles must not increase by more than one level. For example, a title with Heading 1 must not be followed by a subtitle with Heading 3

Installing the RQM Menu and Toolbar
The first time you open or create an RQM, the MS Word Import Export add-in is registered in HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office and by default the Requirements menu and toolbar should appear in the MS Word interface.
Creating an RQM from a Word Document
You can create an RQM from a Word document by exporting it from within Word or importing it from within PowerDesigner.
Creating a Word Document from an RQM
You can export an RQM (or a package containing at least one requirement) into Word format to produce a document in a more portable format.
Inserting an RQM into an Existing Word Document
You may want to insert an RQM or one of its packages into an existing Word document. This would allow you to insert a list of requirements maintained in an RQM into a more general project document.
Updating Linked RQMs and Word Documents
Once your document and RQM are linked, you can make changes in either one and update the other.
Unlinking RQMs and Word Documents
You can detach an RQM from a Word document in Word by selecting Requirements Detach the Document from the Requirements Model or in PowerDesigner by deleting the Word file in the Browser.