Relationship matrix in report

[Mario Wens]

We are currently describing the proposed redesign of an existing system, and have mapped the architectural features on the proposed Use Cases, the needs on the features etc., resulting in a number of relationship matrices. We now want to incorporate these into a report template so we can generate a complete rtf-documentation. The problem we encounter is that a relationship matrix is not an element in a package in the Project Browser, so not anything the report generator recognizes.

The rather unwieldy method we now use is as follows:

- generate each matrix as a PNG-file
- create a Package in the Project Browser
- create a linked document for the package
- paste each PNG-file into the linked document
- edit the rtf-template in such a way that it includes the linked document
- generate the document

This works, but the slightest change in any relation means the matrix has to be re-generated as a PNG and replaced in the linked document before you can generate a newer version of the document. This means having to maintain changes in two different places in the model.

Is there an easier way to incorporate relationship matrices in documentation?

[philchudley]

Not at the momment, the way you suggest is exactly how I produce Matrix documentation.  

However, direct output of Relationship Matrix IS supported in the upcomming Version 9.0 - it certainly works in the current Version 9.0 Beta 1 release.

I do know of at least one user who re-created the Matrix using Element Connectors in the RTF template ...

Cheers

Phil

[Brian Doty]

Hi Phil -

What do you mean by "direct output" of the relationship matrix?  I've looked in Version 9 and am unable to find what you are referring to.

Personally, I would love to add a "matrix" to the package browser.  This matrix would be preset with the source and target, directionality, stereotypes, etc and would automatically be generated as documentation reports are generated.

Thanks,
-B

[philchudley]

In the RTF template editor for EA version 9.0, there is a checkbox for Relationship Matrix under the Package checkbox.

Not sure how it "picks up" the relationship matrix, I have tried this but I only seem to get one relationship matrix per package, even if a package is used as source or target in more than one matrix each saved as a profile

I'll keep trying

Cheers

Phil