Requirements Traceability Matrix
A requirements traceability matrix is a project management tool used to track project requirements. For that reason, the team maps solution requirements to stakeholder requirements, business requirements, and deliverables.
The requirements traceability matrix is also a visual representation of all requirements. This gives the team visibility over the project’s requirements as well as guarantees that it meets business needs. Additionally, it ensures that the team addresses all business requirements and breaks them down into solution requirements. As the project progresses, the requirements traceability matrix allows for tracking the implementation status of the requirements.
The requirements traceability matrix can be useful for various individuals within projects. For example, for the project manager, it ensures a clear understanding of the product requirements. As a result, this leads to a clearer scope definition, allowing for greater confidence in meeting deadlines and budget constraints. On the other hand, for the team, the requirements traceability matrix helps understand the impact of changes and ensures compliance with the product scope.
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Advantages of the Requirements Traceability Matrix
Tracking requirements is essential to ensure the success of any project. As a result, project management can ensure that the product meets all the necessary solution requirements to satisfy business requirements. Some of the advantages of the RTM are, for example:
- Regulatory Compliance – Many products must comply with strict rules, regulations, and legislation. This type of project can use the requirements traceability matrix to ensure compliance.
- Managing Change – As with almost all products, changes will occur and the team must managed them and implemented if necessary. However, it is crucial to assess the impact of the change and monitor its implementation. The team adds changes to the matrix to ensure their implementation and management.
- Improving Communication – Since all requirements and other elements are documented in the matrix, anyone can easily track any element.
- Ensuring Quality – The matrix helps guarantee that the tests carried out to verify the requirements are rigorous. This reduces the risk of defects and increases confidence in the final product.
- Reducing Redundancy and Rework – The matrix provides an overview of the status of all requirements. This ensures that the team does not repeat work or perform tasks outside the project scope.
Development Approach for the Requirements Traceability Matrix
The project manager, along with the team, develops the requirements traceability matrix. The process of creating the matrix involves several steps.
First, it is necessary to define the business requirements. That is, the business and user needs must be defined in a verifiable manner.
Second, the team breaks down these needs until the adopted solution is clarified. Some requirements define how the product functions, while others specify the attributes the product must have.
Third, it is essential to clarify the attributes of the requirements. The team can then identify artifacts, technical details, and anything useful for each requirement. Additionally, a good practice is to assign a code to each requirement to facilitate tracking.
Fourth, a matrix must be created with columns to organize the information for each requirement. This information may include:
- Identifier
- Requirement type
- Requirement name
- Requirement description
- Associated business requirement
- Associated deliverable
- Status
- Relevant artifacts
Finally, the last step is to keep the matrix updated. This document is only truly an effective and essential project tool if the project team updates and maintains it, allowing all stakeholders to consult it and track the project’s progress.