Migrating from PTC Integrity (RV&S) to Codebeamer isn’t just a system swap – it’s a strategic shift. Integrity has served many organizations faithfully, but today’s regulatory pressures, Agile adoption, and DevOps practices demand a more flexible ALM solution. PTC’s leading-edge ALM, Codebeamer, provides that next step. If you’re wondering how to move without chaos, this guide walks you through it.
The Challenge: Leaving Behind a Legacy
PTC Integrity (RV&S) has been a trusted backbone for requirements and change management, especially in safety-critical industries. But the cracks are showing:
- Rigid data models slow down adaptation.
- Limited agility makes it hard to align with DevOps workflows.
- Complex scalability across teams and domains.
- High administrative overhead increases cost of ownership.
In an era where compliance and collaboration need to be seamless, these constraints become roadblocks.
The Solution: Codebeamer as the Next Step
Codebeamer offers a modern, open, and flexible ALM platform designed for complexity. With preconfigured templates for standards like ISO 26262, IEC 62304, and DO-178C, as well as integrations with Jira, Git, Jenkins, and ReqIF, it enables both compliance and speed.
Migrating isn’t just about lifting and shifting data. It’s about transforming your processes to fully leverage Codebeamer’s strengths.
Preparing for Migration
Preparation sets the tone for success:
- Assess Current State – Identify which Integrity modules, artifacts, and workflows are mission-critical. Archive what’s outdated.
- Define Future Processes – Map your needs to Codebeamer’s trackers, workflows, and templates.
- Plan Governance – Engage stakeholders from engineering, quality, and compliance early to align expectations.
Think of it as moving house: don’t pack the clutter you’ll never use again.
Step-by-Step Migration Process
1. Data Export from Integrity
Use available export options (XML, CSV, ReqIF) to extract data while preserving traceability and metadata. ReqIF is probably the best option to start with here, as it’s easy to use and offers a lossless, standardized data format to exchange information between tools.
2. Data Transformation
Apply ETL (Extract–Transform–Load) tools or scripts to map Integrity’s schema to Codebeamer’s tracker-based model. Pay attention to:
- Field mapping
- User roles and permissions
- Cross-artifact links
This part is optional and could also be done manually, but ETL tools can save you from a lot of tedious work.
3. Import into Codebeamer
Leverage Codebeamer’s bulk import tools (Excel, ReqIF, REST APIs). Test in a sandbox environment before production rollout.
4. Workflow Adaptation
Instead of replicating Integrity workflows, design new ones that exploit Codebeamer’s flexibility and automation.
5. Verification & Validation
Confirm that:
- Requirement traceability remains intact.
- Test coverage is maintained.
- Change histories are preserved.
- Compliance artifacts align with ISO, IEC, or DO standards.
6. Training & Adoption
Support the human side of migration with training, pilot projects, and quick reference guides.
Common Pitfalls (and How to Dodge Them)
- Overcomplicating mappings → Start simple and refine later.
- Skipping stakeholder involvement → Early buy-in prevents late surprises.
- Forgetting sandbox testing → Always validate before going live.
- Replicating old pain points → Use this as a chance to streamline, not just copy.
Unlocking Codebeamer’s Potential
Post-migration is where the real benefits show:
- Automate compliance traceability.
- Connect ALM with CI/CD pipelines.
- Use prebuilt templates for regulated industries.
- Expand cross-domain collaboration (software, hardware, systems).
Field mapping is the straightforward part of migration, but leveraging Codebeamer’s capabilities fully and using the transition as an opportunity to optimize your existing processes is where the real value lies.
Final Thoughts
Migrating from Integrity (RV&S) to Codebeamer is more than a technical exercise – it’s an opportunity to modernize how you work. With careful preparation, stakeholder engagement, and a focus on process improvement, you can turn migration into a springboard for long-term success. After all, migration isn’t just about leaving the past – it’s about preparing for what’s next. The shift to Codebeamer is a chance to rethink how your teams collaborate, trace, and deliver, not just to replicate old habits in a new tool.
ALM’s not easy – we just make it look that way.