What is the purpose of the Requirement Traceability Matrix?

Requirement Traceability Matrix (RTM) is a matrix which is made to make sure that the requirements which are drafted for a system are checked by test cases and prepared in a tabular format. It is important because it will make sure that the requirements were drafted for the system will be tested as per the testing rules. RTM helps in tracking the requirements from the early stage or the initial stage till the end stage or the delivery stage because tracking of each sprint will be very difficult and RTM is a very important tool or an aspect of the project life cycle which helps the organization to deliver as per the requirements. This helps in eliminating or removing the defects or errors in the delivery. Many organizations that are into healthcare, automobiles or any such organizations use RTM for the quality check and compliance checks to eliminate errors or any defects in delivery. It will keep a track of the project in each and every step or stage. RTM helps in improving the quality of the project and the reliability on the end product which will reduce the time and efforts of reworking on the same project and increase the efficiency. RTM helps to keep an eye on the connections between the test case, code and delivery plans. RTM gives a background or overview of the product delivery to the development team. RTM also helps in describing the expectations of the testing team in product delivery conditions. RTM is prepared by mostly a Business Analyst. RTM is prepared before the testing phase to make sure that the requirements are properly addressed in test case format so that not a single requirement is left from testing. An RTM has four constituents that are requirements identifier, requirements summary test, test case identifier and test case status. If an RTM is not used in a project then there will be more defects in the same. RTM are of three types which are Forward RTM, Backward RTM and Bidirectional RTM.  RTM helps in prioritizing and to avoid the scope creeps in the project. A good RTM will help in analyzing the effect of a change request fast and easily. It will also allow identifying the requirements which are linked to a failed test case so that the error is easily resolved. It will also be used as an mechanism to help manage the requirements which are validated or verified, which are pending and the ones that are rejected. RTM is an important aspect for project management and decision making during SDLC. A good RTM will help to verify quickly whether all the documents are in place or not – whether it is user stories, wireframes, test cases, design document, etc.  Documentation also plays an important role in an RTM because it will record all the requirements, its source and will identify how the requirements will work in product delivery through the project. The basic content of an RTM is Project Scope, RTM Table and Comments which will have all the details of the requirement description, project objective, deliverables, test case, test condition, goals of requirements, etc. RTM is a very important and simple document which should be included in a project. It will give a detailed plan and help in achieving the objective of the project with a clear view and erase all the defects.