A semi-automatic process of identifying overlaps and inconsistencies between requirements specifications

Reconciliation is a method which supports the detection and verification of overlaps and the resolution of certain forms of inconsistencies between requirements specifications expressed in an object-oriented framework. The method identifies a set of candidate overlaps between two specifications by analysing their similarity. These overlaps are assessed by the authors of the specifications. If the authors disagree with the overlaps identified by analysis, the method guides them through an exploration activity aimed at (1) identifying inconsistencies in the modelling of the specifications with respect to the overlaps indicated by them, and (2) resolving these inconsistencies in a way which ensures that the results of further analysis will converge with overlaps indicated by the authors. This paper provides an overview of the method focusing on the process of identifying and resolving inconsistencies between specifications.