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Ans. A requirements traceability matrix (RTM) is a tool that helps identify and maintain the status of the project’s requirements and deliverables. It does so by establishing a thread for each component. It also manages the overall project requirements. This method is straightforward and can be easily done by anyone.
The Requirements Traceability Matrix (RTM) is a tool or a document that helps project managers establish and track the project progress. It helps monitor deliveries by providing a digital thread for each demand from the beginning to the end of the project. This guarantees that the scope and deliverables of the project are in line with the baseline.
Traceability Matrix is used in different phases of the project lifecycle, such as
- The Requirements Analysis and Specification phase
- Design Analysis and Specification phase
- Risk Analysis phase
- Source Code Analysis, Unit Testing & Integration Testing phase
- Validation – System Testing, Functional Testing phase
So basically in simple words we can call it as a Tracker, A tracker for us Business Analyst to track the progress and also to check on which stage we are. Requirements traceability helps to minimize the risk of negative outcomes and maximize productivity. RTM helps to benefits a greater team efficiency, higher-quality products, and easier regulatory compliance.
As a Business Analyst it is our responsibility to check the stages of development and this document will help us understand where we stand in progress by checking the phases and test cases status.
In summary, the purpose of a requirement traceability matrix is to ensure that all requirements for a project are properly documented, tracked, and tested, and that they are linked to the corresponding solutions or deliverables. It helps to improve communication, traceability, quality, accountability, and risk management, making it an essential tool for any project manager.
Benefits of RTM-
Versioning is Easier and More Effective-As a project manager, it’s not uncommon for the requirements of your project to undergo modification at some point. RTM helps you trace these shifts and how it impacts every part of your project.
Don’t Forget About Documentation-A traceability matrix can help in the effort to provide proper and consistent documentation for your team. From test cases to wireframes to user stories, a TM allows you to see if a requirement is fully documented. A requirement traceability matrix can even call attention to missing requirements.
Tackling Defects-Let’s say you’re working on a rather extensive software project in the test manager role. With a sizeable backlog of defects, you must tackle the most relevant issues first. A traceability matrix can aid you in filtering defects linked to crucial requirements, along with defect severity, priority, and more. Finally, RTM establishes complete test coverage.
