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The TRAK_MDG.xml file is a plugin for Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect UML modelling tool. It provides the objects (stereotypes) and relationships that form the metamodel for TRAK.

Context

Defining TRAK Documents

The TRAK architecture framework is split across 3 Sourceforge project sites:-

• trak - https://sf.net/p/trak - web pages at https://trak.sourceforge.io. Holds artefacts that define, affect and explain the overall architecture framework.
• trakviewpoints - https://sf.net/p/trakviewpoints - web pages at https://trakviewpoints.sourceforge.io. Holds the artefacts that define, affect and explain the TRAK architecture viewpoints.
• trakmetamodel - https://sf.net/p/trakmetamodel - web pages at https://trakmetamodel.sourceforge.io. Holds the artefacts that define, affect and explain the TRAK metamodel. The web pages list the description of each node and connector element, each property and each property value.

Implementation of TRAK in the MDG for TRAK

The MDG for TRAK, when loaded by the Sparx EA UML modelling tool, provides a UML profile that adds the following TRAK-related items:-

• a set of UML node and connectors elements representing TRAK metamodel elements that are allowed to appear in a TRAK architecture view

  • TRAK architecture views implemented as UML diagrams with linked toolbox palettes with the subject and allowed elements

• a set of SysML node and connectors elements representing TRAK metamodel elements that are allowed to appear in a TRAK architecture view

  • TRAK architecture views implemented as SysML diagrams with linked toolbox palettes with the subject and allowed elements

• definition of the TRAK metamodel triples appearing in TRAK architecture views using Sparx Systems-defined non-standard UML. This coupled with the visible elements in the custom toolbox palette defines what is offered by the context-sensitive Quicklink completion of triples.

• customises the appearance of the architecture description elements implementing TRAK. Uses the colours mandated by TRAK. Reduces UML / SysML ornamentation to make architecture views friendlier to non-technical readership.

• a set of 50+ searches to support listing, analysis/use and improving quality of the architecture description. See The Search Window | Enterprise Architect User Guide.

• a set of model views listing elements that meet search criteria. See Model Views | Enterprise Architect User Guide

• Quicklink. Context-sensitive completion of triples (links from the selected subject node element to the choice of allowed object node element). See User Interface, Tools and Productivity Boosters | Sparx Systems.

• customisation of the Traceability pane in EA to display more user-friendly information on the relationships with selected node element

Structure of the UML Profiles within the MDG for TRAK

Each of the following has its own UML profile within the MDG for TRAK:

• metamodel as UML elements
  • allowed metamodel triples
• metamodel as SysML extension of the UML elements
  • allowed metamodel triples (by difference)
• toolbox palette elements (UML)
• view specifications defining SysML diagrams used to implement TRAK architecture views and SysML toolbox palette elements
• UML diagrams used to implement TRAK architecture views
• custom searches
• model views based on custom searches

This Release

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Version 0.155 9th August 2025

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metamodel update 2025-04-30:

• attributes

  • profile: Architecture Description. Removed 'views' attribute - use 'Architecture Description has part Architecture View' triple.
  • profile: Architecture Task. Removed 'sponsor' and 'stakeholders' attributes - use 'Role extends to Architecture Task' triple.
  • profile: Event. added 'event identifier'

• connectors

  • profile: added 'is party to' (Dependency)

• triples

  • quicklink: added 'Competence has part Competence', 'Job requires Competence'
  • quicklink: added 'Organisation is party to Contract'

architecture viewpoints update 2025-04-30:

• quicklink: SV-03 Solution Resource Interaction to Function Mapping architecture view (UML Class Diagram / SysML Block Diagram). Added 'System is configured with Resource', 'Software hosted on Physical'.

• quicklink: SV-06 Solution Competence architecture view (UML Class Diagram / SysML Block Diagram). Added 'Job requires Competence' and 'Competence has part Competence'.

• quicklink: MV-03 Requirements and Standards architecture view (UML Class Diagram / SysML Block Diagram). Added 'Organisation is party to Contract'.

View commits at https://sourceforge.net/p/mdgfortrak/code/commit_browser .

Get notified of changes via RSS at https://sourceforge.net/p/mdgfortrak/activity/feed

Installation

Create a folder. Tell Enterprise Architect to look in this folder for plugins using Specialize | Manage Technology then clicking on Advanced and then on Add (path). If adding an updated version you need to uncheck (disable) then check (enable) the TRAK technology and then refresh All Perspectives - or quit and restart EA. See Manage MDG Technologies | Enterprise Architect User Guide

Synchronising Definitions of TRAK Elements in MDG Plugin

This applies to an upgrade of the MDG for TRAK Technology plugin.

EA provides a mechanism to keep model elements synched with their definition in the profile/MDG Technology. This allows changes, new attributes to propagate through the model. Specifically on synchronising EA will add anything new, like attributes, but won't perform potentially destructive operations like removal of attributes that aren't in the new profile i.e. these have to be deliberately removed.

To sync a TRAK element right mouse-click over it in the TRAK toolbox palette then select 'Synchronise Stereotype'. In the dialog box that opens select 'OK'. You will then see the list of elements changed whizz past. Although the UI isn't clear after this point is is safe to then select 'Cancel' to dismiss the dialogue. See Synchronize Tagged Values and Constraints | Enterprise Architect User Guide.

Enterprise Architect Settings

1. Important - Ensure that the File Loading Strategy (under Tools | Options | General) is set to 'Pre Load Entire Model' (NOT 'Load on Demand')

Support

On the SourceForge site there is a Tracker where you can submit bugs, feature requests or support requests.

There is also a wiki on the SourceForge site at https://sourceforge.net/p/trakmetamodel/wiki/

TRAK on the Internet

• TRAK news and RSS Feed
• TRAK Architecture Framework / Blog and RSS Feed

See also:

• TRAK Architecture Framework Group on LinkedIn
• TRAK Group on Facebook
• TRAK_AF on Mastodon
• TRAK_AF on Twitter
• Implementations of TRAK e.g. Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect, Salamander MooD, Microsoft Visio, OmniGraffle (Mac, iPad) etc.

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Thanks and keep watching this space!

Nic Plum