What is the purpose of the Requirement Traceability Matrix?

. A (RTM) requirements traceability matrix is a tool that helps identify and maintain the status of the project’s requirements and deliverables. RTM does so by establishing a thread for each component. It also manages the overall project requirements. This method is straight forward and can be easily done by anyone.
It helps monitor deliveries by providing a digital thread for each demand from the beginning to end of the project.it guarantees and helps that the scope and deliverables of the project are in line with the baseline.
Traceability Matrix (TM) is used in different parts of the project lifecycle, like-

• The Requirements Analysis and Specification phase
• Design Analysis and Specification phase
• Risk Analysis phase
• Source Code Analysis, Unit Testing and Integration Testing phase (ITP)
• Validation – System Testing Testing phase.
So generally 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 (RTM) helps to reduce the risk of negative outcomes and maximize productivity. RTM (Requirement traceability matrix) helps to benefits a greater team efficiency, higher-quality products, and easier regulatory compliance.
As a BA 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 RTM 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 generally helps to improve communication, traceability, quality, accountability, and risk management, making it an essential tool for all project managers.
Benefits of RTM-
Versioning is easier and more effective-As a pm (project manager), it’s not uncommon for the requirements of your project to undergo modification at some point. RTM helps you to trace these shifts and how it is impacting we need to observe it.
Do not forget about documentation because it can help in the effort to provide proper and consistent documentation for your team.. A requirement traceability matrix can even call attention to missing requirements. It is very very useful in day today life of BA in whole project. Documentation we need to do from first stage only, we should keep it update in every phase of the project.
Tackling Defects-suppose you are working on a rather extensive software project or any new sw 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