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Requirement Spec unique numbering

It is important in a requirements spec to uniquely identify each requirement.

I can use numbering whether headings or by creating custom numbering lists. The problem with both of those is that if new requirements are found later and added in an appropriate place it can throw out the numbering so that someone refferring to Reqt: PW098 in an original document would find that its number might be different in a subsequent document.

Does word have any way to manage this issue?

thanks in anticipation.

Huw

If the references to a requirement are in the same document, then by using the cross reference facility, the references will be updated to reflect any changes in the numbering of the target of the cross reference.


If the references are in another document, you could bookmark the target of the reference and then use and IncludeText field to create the reference.


In both cases, it will be necessary to update the fields in the document(s) for the references to point to the correct items.

Hope this helps,
Doug Robbins - MVP Office Apps & Services (Word)
dougrobbinsmvp@gmail.com
It's time to replace ‘Diversity, Equity & Inclusion’ with ‘Excellence, Opportunity & Civility’ - V Ramaswamy

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It depends in part on how you want to handle it.

If you use the automation that Doug describes, bookmarks and cross references then the numbers will be automatically updated to reflect changes when you insert new requirements.

On the other hand, if after the initial document creation you want the requirement numbers to remain static everywhere in the document (ensuring constant numbers when people are referring to printed documents) , you will have to pick a point in time to convert the the autonumbers to Static text (say document sign off).
Then you can manually add new custom numbers between existing static text numbers when additional requirements are added. 

You can add the "Convert List Text" command to the QAT to do the autonumber to text conversion for you.

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It depends in part on how you want to handle it.

If you use the automation that Doug describes, bookmarks and cross references then the numbers will be automatically updated to reflect changes when you insert new requirements.

On the other hand, if after the initial document creation you want the requirement numbers to remain static everywhere in the document (ensuring constant numbers when people are referring to printed documents) , you will have to pick a point in time to convert the the autonumbers to Static text (say document sign off).
Then you can manually add new custom numbers between existing static text numbers when additional requirements are added. 

You can add the "Convert List Text" command to the QAT to do the autonumber to text conversion for you.


Thanks both. The latter scenario fits my situation. I've done just that in the past. About 10 years ago.
I'd hoped things might have moved on since then. C'est la vie.

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Last updated October 14, 2024 Views 1,570 Applies to: