What is the purpose of Requirement Traceability Matrix?

Requirement Traceability Matrix mainly known as RTM.

Requirements Traceability Matrix (RTM) is a documents which helps to capture all the requirements in a single document, to map all the requirements with test cases.

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.

Imagine, we are just doing the work without any details of tracking, we do not know where we are or on which phase of design, we are not sharing or checking the test cases and also not mapping it with requirements and at the last stage if we just check requirements and then if we have forgotten anything it would be a mess to start it again.

We can also share this document with the stakeholders if its a long term project so that they have an idea of the progress.

Its a document which helps to gather all the requirements in a single document to represent the Requirements description with test cases and the status of the test cases.

This helps to rectify the errors and deliver the product defect free.

BA’s role in RTM is to check and evaluate the designs made by the developer and check if the requirements are met.

Requirements be it Functional or Business are the important part of any Project, as they are the source of planning and executing the project.

A RTM is created with simple tool like MS Excel.

We need the requirement details by which we can create the test cases, run a test and check the status of the same.

We can create columns with Requirement ID and  a short description of requirement understandable to the developers testers or anyone involved in the project, the design description and the test cases.

and finally we mention the status of that particular  requirement mapped test case.

With Accurate information on requirements and the product progress we can deliver the product as per the expectation of the Product Owner.

With RTM we cannot miss any requirement mentioned by the Stakeholders or Business owners.

RTM is further divided into 3 types

Forward : its to ensure the test cases are mapped to requirements

Backward : To ensure if the product development is in right direction.

Bidirectional : This document has both Forward Traceability and Backward Traceability in one single document,

It covers all the requirements through which any stakeholder can trace them to see where they stand in the project timeline. That is known as Requirement Traceability Matrix also called as RTM. This RTM helps the Project manager as well as all the stakeholders to not miss any requirements and make sure that they test each and every requirement ultimately leading to a successful product satisfying the Client.

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.