Charistech Engineers and Consultants
Delivering Next-Generation Requirements Management Tools

Charistech Engineers and Consultants redefines the future of systems engineering with its cutting-edge requirements management solution, setting new benchmarks for streamlined project execution.

Many large corporations specializing in systems engineering use advanced requirements management software to prevent cost overruns, avoid scope creep and ensure timely project delivery. Small or medium-sized businesses, or even fairly large firms without this capability in-house, continue to rely on manual tools like Excel for managing these tasks. This outdated approach is both labor-intensive and prone to errors, particularly in complex projects with extensive requirements.

Recognizing this gap, Charistech has taken a pivotal step by acquiring IBM Requirements Management DOORS software. It is a long-established tool in the aerospace and automotive sectors and has traditionally been used by large engineering and design firms to track and manage critical requirements or trace them back to their source documents. By integrating this powerful tool into its offerings, Charistech enables businesses of all sizes to move beyond manual methods and efficiently generate and manage a Requirements Traceability Matrix (RTM). This capability improves project timelines and reduces errors, establishing itself as a reliable partner.

“We’re at the forefront of the next level of systems engineering,” says Jennifer D. Mariani, PhD, president and CEO. “Our goal is to demonstrate that the value of using advanced requirements management far exceeds initial expectations.”

Improving Project Outcomes through DOORS

Charistech employs a comprehensive process for creating an RTM.

The process begins with collecting all relevant project documents, including requirements, design specifications, test cases and other critical materials, which are then carefully prepared for structured import into the DOORS system. Where necessary, adjustments are made to ensure compatibility with the software, allowing for a smooth transition of data into the DOORS module.

Once the documents are imported, Charistech utilizes the software's powerful features to organize and format the requirements. A customized linking schema is developed to establish traceability by creating associations and relationships among requirements, design specifications, test cases and other documents within the DOORS database. This schema enables multi-level traceability across the project lifecycle, ensuring that every design element is aligned with user requirements. In addition, the advanced features of DOORS allow for in-depth analysis of links and traceability, identifying unlinked requirements, clearing suspect links and ensuring comprehensive oversight.

Throughout the project, Charistech actively manages and monitors the RTM, providing regular or on-demand reports and analyses to keep stakeholders informed. The DOORS software facilitates efficient tracking and management of changes to the RTM, offering a level of consistency and accuracy far superior to manual tools. To ensure data security, Charistech employs dedicated IT support to monitor the database against cyber threats and safeguard sensitive information.

Beyond RTM creation and maintenance, Charistech utilizes the advanced functionalities of the DOORS software for impact analysis, gap analysis and the detection of scope creep. These applications empower clients to proactively identify potential risks, address gaps in project coverage and prevent uncontrolled changes to the project scope.

It also envisages a future where transit agencies adopt DOORS to manage their self-certification process more effectively. It aids in organizing and tracking all the safety and security requirements systematically, ensuring every standard is met and documented.

Building Strategic Partnerships and Expanding Operations

Looking ahead, Charistech aims to drive widespread adoption of DOORS within the transportation industry, transforming how businesses manage complex projects. As the full implementation of the software progresses, it aspires to provide organizations with a unified platform that ensures that projects are built correctly from the outset, minimizing the need for costly redesigns and avoiding the inefficiencies of repeated change orders.

To support this vision, Charistech has made remarkable progress in its growth and development over the past year, particularly through Mariani’s participation in the Cal Mentor Program led by Caltrans in San Diego, District 11 with HNTB as the mentoring company. This initiative, which pairs large corporations with smaller firms, has enabled Charistech to gain invaluable mentorship, refine its business strategies and strengthen its operations. The program also facilitated connections with potential clients across California, solidifying Charistech’s presence and reinforcing its commitment to excellence.

Championing a forward-thinking approach, Charistech Engineers and Consultants has become a trusted partner, empowering clients to achieve operational excellence and set new standards for precision, efficiency and reliability in project execution.