Clients and contractors frequently manage requirements using different Requirements Management (RM) systems, which complicates alignment processes in distributed product development. The Requirements Interchange Format (ReqIF) enables the exchange of requirements between different tools on the basis of an XML file. The objective of the ReqIF Implementor Forum (ReqIF IF) is to ensure the interoperability of tools for ReqIF-based exchange. Within this project group, vendors collaborate to agree on conventions that go beyond the standard, conduct interoperability tests, discuss insights from practical application, and prepare benchmarks.
The prostep ivip Association's activities in the field of requirements management are complemented by the ReqIF Workflow Forum (ReqIF WF), in which user companies examine common exchange processes and scenarios. The objective of this project group is to promote the wider adoption and industrial implementation of the standard. Since 2018, the efforts of both forums have been accompanied by a regular benchmark that enables the assessment of ReqIF usage in requirements exchange and improvements in RM system interoperability.
The ReqIF IF and WF jointly track and address use cases and issues related to the handling of the standard format. Potential changes to the ReqIF standard for version 1.3 were discussed in depth. Among other topics, the handling of tables was examined extensively, with a detailed analysis of the concrete implications for interoperability, ultimately leading to a decision for ReqIF 1.3. As a result, issues for ReqIF 1.3 were submitted and revised at the OMG, and ballots were conducted accordingly.
Both forums collaborated continuously and jointly prepared the ReqIF Benchmark. Two joint workshops were held during the past year to improve collaboration with the benchmark team. In these workshops, participants clarified the objectives of the benchmark and presented the results.
In 2025, the seventh benchmark for the independent assessment of data exchange between RM systems via ReqIF was completed. The evaluation included, among other criteria, the import of an OEM-modified requirements package into the RM system of a supplier. Requirements and test cases were defined by the WF, which also managed the benchmark, while the vendors in the IF provided the software to be tested. The benchmark results are publicly available in a summary version; a detailed report is available to members of the prostep ivip Association and VDA.
The coordination and execution of this year's benchmark — encompassing a total of 12 system combinations and 588 evaluation criteria — was both a demanding and rewarding undertaking. Continuous and close collaboration with the vendors was essential for the successful completion of the benchmark and made a significant contribution to the optimization of ReqIF-based data exchange.
In 2026, the ReqIF Workflow Forum and the ReqIF Implementor Forum will be merged into a unified ReqIF Interoperability Forum. The primary objective is the publication of the ReqIF 1.3 standard.
"The coordination of the three project groups — ReqIF WF, IF, and BM — functioned exceptionally well, particularly when short-notice issues arose. The joint workshops deserve special mention, as they led to a significant improvement in collaboration and faster decision-making."
"The results of Benchmark 2025 demonstrate that tool vendors are continuously improving their software, with significantly fewer errors occurring compared to the previous benchmark."
Dr. Klaus Hohenauer, Robert Bosch GmbH
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