Overview #
IQNECT 26.2 introduces management of trace rules at the resource shape level. Trace rules define which resource shapes can be connected and how those relationships should be structured.
Traceability depends on clear relationship rules. Without defined rules, users may create inconsistent links or struggle to understand which resource types should be connected. Trace rule management gives administrators a more controlled way to define allowed relationships between resource shapes.
With this update, users can view existing trace rules, edit trace rule configuration, and create new trace rules between resource shapes.
This improves trace consistency, supports cross-system traceability, and helps teams maintain a cleaner lifecycle data model.
Prerequisites #
- You are using IQNECT version 26.2 or later.
- You have permission to manage resource shapes and trace rules.
- The relevant resource shapes have already been created.
How trace rule management works #
Trace rules define valid connections between resource shapes. For example, a rule may define how a requirement connects to a test, how a user story connects to a task, or how another configured resource type relates to downstream or upstream items.
IQNECT displays trace rules in a management interface. Existing rules can be reviewed and edited. New rules can be created by selecting the source resource shape, target resource shape, and requiredrelationship fields.
If a trace rule is incomplete, IQNECT displays a visual indicator so the user knows that additional configuration is required.
The workflow focuses on trace control:
- View existing trace rules.
- Edit relationship definitions.
- Create new trace rules between resource shapes.
- Complete required fields before saving.
- Maintain trace consistency across configured resources.
Manage trace rules #
Follow these steps to manage trace rules between resource shapes:
Open the Admin UI #
Open the IQNECT Admin UI and select the Trace Rules tab. This is the trace rule management interface.
This view displays existing Trace Rules and their relationships between resource shapes.
Review existing trace rules #
Review the saved trace rules. Each rule shows the relationship between configured resource shapes. Use this view to confirm that existing traceability rules match the intended data model.
Edit an existing trace rule #
Select an existing trace rule. Update the relationship configuration as needed.
This may include adjusting the Link Name, Cardinality, connected resource shapes, modifying required relationship details, or deleting the Rule entirely.
Create a new trace rule #
Drag in a resource shape from the left side menu to add a new trace rule to a target resource shape.
Complete the required fields that define the relationship.
Resolve incomplete rule indicators #
If IQNECT displays a red line or other warning indicator, the trace rule is incomplete or not properly configured.
Review the required fields and complete the missing information.
Save the trace rule #
Save the trace rule after all required fields are complete by clicking Save Changes.
IQNECT stores the rule and applies it to supported traceability workflows.
Results and next steps #
You’ve created or updated trace rules at the resource shape level.
Use this feature to define controlled relationships between resource types, improve trace consistency, and support cleaner cross-system traceability.
