A Requirement Traceability Matrix (RTM) is a document that demonstrates the relationship between requirements or development artifacts in a project system. It is used to verify that the system meets all requirements and links the project's requirements to deliverables such as test cases or design specifications. RTM helps meet your project’s requirements by identifying gaps or inconsistencies in test cases and tracking the progress of deliverables.

RTM can be created as a table showing the relationship between sets of items. Depending on the nature of the project, it has different levels of complexity. In this guide, we will learn the importance of RTM in software testing and how to use it.

What Is the Requirement Traceability Matrix?

A requirement traceability matrix (RTM) is a table used in software projects that helps to identify and maintain the project’s deliverables as per requirements. RTM teams check that test cases align perfectly with the project user's needs. Its main purpose is to verify that all client requirements must be met in the test cases developed by the software testers.

Requirement: Requirements or details that are given by the client.
Traceability: This is the ability to trace the test.
Matrix: In this data can be written or stored in the form of rows and columns

Why Is Requirement Traceability Important?

Business analysts and the development team get a project’s requirements in a software requirement specification (SRS) document. This document mentions all the functional and non-functional requirements of a software project. RTM ensures that these requirements are met as per client expectations.

When the QA gets the SRS document or sprint backlog document, or if the requirement traceability matrix works in the agile model, the QA understands the requirements from these documents and starts writing the test cases. The next step is to review them with the project team. Sometimes, during the test cases, the functionality of the requirement is missing, so the requirement traceability matrix is important to avoid these issues.

Requirement Traceability Matrix in Project Management

Research indicates that RTM techniques and tools can proactively address software project issues and minimize project disruptions. So, RTM is an important tool for clarifying and maintaining control in project management. It checks that all requirements are verified, tracked, or reduced risk, which improves project outcomes.

The RTM team invests time in maintaining the RTM document, and the project manager improves communication and streamlines the process as per the user's requirements.

Who Uses an RTM?

It is generally used by software developers, the product team, or other highly complex project teams. A software development team's RTM is expected to store maximum or heavy details for software testing, bugs or errors, and other features to compare the product requirements with the sprint backlog.

When the testers design the test cases, they check whether they cover all functionality of the requirements given by the customer and written in the SRS or sprint backlog document.

To verify that they need traceability matric
Generally, use an Excel sheet or Google spreadsheet for the RTM

6 Steps to Create Requirement Traceability Matrix

The process for writing a requirement traceability matrix can vary, depending on the methods and tools used in the project. There are a few steps mentioned below:

1) Define the Project’s Scope and Objectives

In this step, we identify the sources of requirements given by the stakeholders or written in the document, prioritize them according to their importance and urgency, and use the requirement traceability matrix template for this purpose.

2) Identify and Analyze Requirements

Gather detailed requirements and analyze them to ensure clarity. This step helps identify gaps and reduce software bugs later in the process.

3) Allocate Requirements

Allocating RTM means systematically linking individual requirements with the requirement traceability matrix. Map each requirement to specific test cases or tasks and check complete test traceability throughout the project. Define the interactions among the components and document them in a design specification using diagrams such as SysML.

4) Verify and Validate Requirements

Conduct reviews to validate requirements and confirm they align with the project goals. This step is critical in the requirement traceability matrix, which helps to maintain accuracy.

5) Create a Requirements Traceability Matrix

Develop the RTM by documenting all requirements, associated test cases, and their statuses. This is especially useful in requirement traceability matrix in Agile environments.

6) Review and Audit the Matrix

Perform regular reviews and audits to check the matrix is updated and accurate, addressing any changes in requirements or testing phases. Use matrices such as traceability coverage or completeness to measure and improve the quality of the RTM.

3 Types of Requirement Traceability Matrix

types of Requirement Traceability Matrix (RTM).svg

There are several types of requirement traceability matrices mentioned below:

1) Forward Traceability Matrix

Tracks requirements to test cases, checking all requirements are tested.
It helps verify that the project is progressing in the right direction.

2) Backward Traceability Matrix

Maps test cases back to requirements to confirm no extra functionality is added.
Checking alignment with the original requirements.

3) Bi-directional Traceability Matrix

Combines forward and backward traceability.
Tracks requirements to test cases and vice versa, checking complete test traceability and validation.

Requirement Traceability Matrix (RTM) Template

A Requirement Traceability Matrix (RTM) template is a structured document that tracks and maps project requirements with test cases. It checks test traceability and alignment throughout the development process. It typically includes fields like requirement ID, requirement description, test case ID, test scenario, test status, and comments. Like the above table, this template helps identify software bugs and verify that all requirements are covered. It is widely utilized in requirement traceability matrices in project management and agile methodologies to maintain transparency and validate project objectives.

This example of RTM demonstrates how requirements, test cases, and test results are tracked and linked within the matrix.

Requirement ID	Requirement Description	Test Case ID	Test Case Description	Test Status
Req-001	User login functionality	TC-001	Verify that valid users can log in successfully.	Passed
Req-002	Password reset feature	TC-002	Check password reset email is sent upon request.	Passed
Req-003	Profile update functionality	TC-003	Test if users can update their profile information.	Failed

6 Main Advantages of RTM

advantages of Requirement Traceability Matrix (RTM)

These benefits make RTM a key tool in agile projects:

Full Test Coverage: It provides complete coverage and reduces the risk of overlooked scenarios.
Identifies Missing Functionality: it helps testers detect any gaps in functionality and check that no features are missed during the testing process.
Tracks and Prioritizes Requirements: RTM checks that requirements are properly tracked and aligned with test cases. It makes it easier to focus on critical areas first.
Monitors Test Progress: It allows teams to monitor test execution status, identify incomplete tests, address issues promptly, and check timely project delivery.
Maintains Consistent Records: Helps in consistently maintaining documentation, which is useful for audits and future reference.
Simplifies Version Control: Keeps a clear record of requirement changes, making it easier to track updates and maintain version control throughout the project lifecycle.

Use RTM for Your Software Testing Life Cycle

A Requirement Traceability Matrix (RTM) plays a vital role in the software testing life cycle by checking that all requirements are thoroughly tested and validated. It helps maintain test traceability throughout the process and links requirements to test cases and results.

RTM is particularly useful in identifying software bugs and validating requirements at each stage. This makes it an essential tool in the requirement traceability matrix in project management. Teams can deliver high-quality software while meeting stakeholder expectations. Now is a great time to start if you’re not using an RTM yet. It helps keep your project organized and clear.

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FAQs

What Is a Requirement Traceability Matrix (RTM) in Agile Software Development?

An RTM in Agile tracks requirements and maps them to test cases, checking all functionalities are validated during each sprint.

What Is the Use of RTM in SDLC?

In SDLC, RTM helps monitor requirement coverage, supports defect tracking, maintains version control, and validates testing against project goals.

Who Prepares RTM for Software Testing?

The Business Analyst or Test Lead/Manager typically prepares the Requirement Traceability Matrix (RTM) in software testing.

Business Analyst: Focuses on gathering and documenting requirements and may create the initial RTM to align requirements with business goals.
Test Lead/Manager: This person refines and updates the RTM, checking all requirements are mapped to corresponding test cases and tasks. They also oversee its accuracy throughout the testing process.

Requirement Traceability Matrix (RTM) in Software Testing

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