Requirements Traceability Matrix (RTM): Templates, Types, and Tools


Depending on the phase of development, keeping track of project needs can be difficult. While some projects might only have a handful of criteria, others can have dozens and the whole process gets overwhelming. While developing any software, a variety of needs should be taken into account, including necessities for business, requisites for users, requirements for UI, demands that are both functional and nonfunctional, and technical prerequisites. Firms frequently launch new software that brims with bugs and flaws which end up costing them a ton of money. A huge corporation could lose millions of dollars in a matter of minutes, depending on how serious the problem is. Here is where a Traceability Matrix comes in handy.

What is a Traceability Matrix?

A traceability matrix (TM) is a document that compares any two baselined documents that require a comparison of many-to-many relationships to determine whether the relationships are parallel. A traceability matrix is primarily used to monitor requirements and report on whether the project's requirements are met.

So in layman’s language, Traceability Matrix is a single document that records all the client’s requirements and their traceability, which is delivered at the end of the project cycle.

Requirements Traceability Matrix (RTM)

In a single document supplied after the life cycle, RTM captures all needs put forth by the customer and their trajectories.

The software industry has a role in this. RTM is a document used to confirm that all requirements are linked to test cases in a software development project. To ensure that all needs will be taken into consideration during the testing phase, project managers primarily employ RTM.

RTM often aids in assessing how project requirements will affect the project. A traceability matrix enables you to view the workflows, test cases, training materials, software code, etc. that are affected when requirements change during a project.

It's critical that you comprehend the requirements traceability matrix and how it can enhance your project management procedures and profession, regardless of whether you're just starting to consider project management training or have a few years of expertise under your belt.

Requirements Traceability Matrix Advantages

Let's now discuss some of the major Requirements Traceability Matrix advantages in detail.

It's Easier and More Effective

As a project manager, you’ll see many changes appearing frequently in the project. Either on checking internally or as suggested by the clients. RTM enables you to track these changes and their effects on each component of your project.

Enables Easy Documentation

In the endeavor to give your team accurate and consistent documentation, a traceability matrix comes in handy. An RTM enables you to determine whether a requirement is completely documented by providing test cases, wireframes, and user stories. Even requirements that are lacking can be highlighted in a requirement traceability matrix.

Managing Errors

Let's say you are the test manager of a sizable software project. With a bunch of defects backlog, you must start by addressing the most crucial problems in the software.

You can use a requirements traceability matrix to filter out faults that are related to important requirements, as well as defects' severity, priority, and other factors. RTM establishes complete test coverage in the end.

How to Create a Matrix of Traceability?

Now that you know the advantages, let's go over the procedures for constructing a requirements traceability matrix.

This could seem like a lot of information to take in all at once if you're new to RTM. To help you get started on the learning path, there are many videos, templates, examples, and tutorials available. The succinct and basic version is as follows −

  • By outlining your motivation for building the RTM, specify your RTM goals.

  • Assemble all requirement documentation available, including the business requirement document and the functional requirement document, (FRD) & (BRD) respectively. Additional testing documentation, such as test cases, results, and defects, is required.

  • You can use an Excel spreadsheet to create a basic RTM document. Make columns for test cases, test results, problems, and business and functional requirements. Next, assign a requirement ID number to each requirement from the BRD.

  • Take the FRD, and for each business requirement, note the associated functional requirements.

  • The related functional requirements should be connected to the test case IDs.

  • Finally, keep in mind to modify your traceability matrix if something changes.

What are the Types of Matrices?

There are three types of RTM - forward traceability, backward traceability, and bidirectional traceability.

Forward Traceability

The mapping of the requirements to the test cases uses forward traceability. This will demonstrate that every need is well-tested, and it will also help to ensure that a project's trajectory is sound.

The Matrix of Backward Traceability

A backward traceability matrix can be created by aligning test cases with requirements. By doing this, you can prevent "scope creep" and unnecessarily going beyond basic needs.

Traceability that is both ways

Forward and backward traceability are effectively combined into one document with bidirectional traceability. The fact that each requirement has corresponding test cases makes this type valuable.

Tools for the Requirements Traceability Matrix (RTM)

If using an Excel spreadsheet isn't your thing, think about the following tools for requirements management by traceability matrix −

Visure Conditions

Visure Solutions, a company that specializes in business- and safety-critical industries, offers this technology. The company's Visure Requirements product offers total traceability.

Modern Standards for DevOps

This application enables project managers' traceability through each step of the procedure and is connected with Microsoft's Azure DevOps, TFS, and VSTS.

ReQtest

This cloud-based application offers project traceability from beginning to end. Its highly flexible requirements module helps project managers evaluate and track changes more rapidly.

The Bottom Line

In addition to having knowledge of the Requirement Traceability Matrix, if you are in charge of managing requirements for a software development project, you must also have a go-to RTM document available at all times.

Updated on: 04-Apr-2023

335 Views

Kickstart Your Career

Get certified by completing the course

Get Started
Advertisements