Detailed Guide to Requirements Traceability Matrix (RTM)
The requirements traceability matrix which is in short called as RTM that helps the testers know that nothing is missed in the test cases. We know that the testing is the most important phase of the SDLC or any programs where the quality is sustained.
Testing includes static and dynamic, the former is when the code is not introduced to any environment. The latter is done when the code is in the testing or production environment. Manual testing involves checking the code manually and automation is done with the help of testing tools. The RTM in testing covers all of these in a formally made text file.
Every aspiring Project manager must understand how to make this. It is because the PM is expected to make this after carefully understanding the end user's needs. The PM will discuss with the QA team to make this file and keep checking at every phase for a successful delivery. In fact, it is one of the key roles of the PM. This document is not only about the requirements testing but includes functionality, security, unit, system, user acceptance, integration, and regression testing. In this blog let us learn what it is, what are the different types, how to create one by understanding all the parameters included in it.
Introduction of Requirement Traceability Matrix
RTM consists of all the features of the codes and is traced against the measures that require testing. Once this is developed it is maintained throughout the testing phase until the completed code goes to release and gets deployed in production. Sometimes even during the stages of the operation, this matrix is used to compare the code in the production with the customer expectation.
It is prepared as part of the planning phase for the SDLC life cycle when the tech and functional requirements are made accessible to the team. Testing is done for all the products in the SDLC which requires knowledge in manual and automated testing.
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What Parameters are Included in the RTM?
The parameters included are
- Defects
- Defects ID
- Defects Status and Requirement Coverage Status, etc.
- Results
- Test cases, design and the designers name
- Types and Description
- Types of Test cases
- UAT Test Requirement
The UAT test requirements can be further divided into Dev environment, Testing Environment, and Production Environments. You can also include the Types of Testing and its Test Results in the matrix. The RTM ensures the following
1) The status of the results of the test
2) The scenarios and test cases
3) The results of the test cases etc.
4) The execution results cases and design results cases
5) The current state of the software testing
6) The coverage of the requirement in the testing
This is the one-point stop for all the testing activities in the SDLC. To learn more on the requirements traceability matrix enroll for the PMP certification training.
A sample Requirement Traceability Matrix is shown in the diagram below:
Who Needs Requirement Traceability?
- The software development industry mainly uses RTM, but it can also be used in wider industries.
- Industries that have regulatory requirements, such as automotive, aerospace, and many other production industries, where traceability will positively impact output.
- The embedded industry where there is a need for combining hardware and software. They can use the RTM since traceability will help them to eliminate the great deviations or loss.
- Even whatever industry or organization requires support of traceability RTM can be used in it.
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How to Create Requirement Traceability Matrix
The processes involved in creating RTM:
a. Record Requirements
Recording all requirements is important for implementing RTM. Important requirements can be gleaned from information about users, stakeholders, and documents.
Issue a tracking ID for every requirement. Explain every requirement in detail.
Based on importance, sort out requirements.
B. Frame Requirement Traceability Matrix
Based on your requirement, choose either one of the traceability matrix within three types.
If you choose a forward type, mention the requirements in the row. If you select a backward type, mention the requirements in the column.
While adding requirements in a row, include detailed information such as requirements' details, source, priority, test cases, and defects in a column.
c. Match Requirements and Artifacts
Check whether all requirements and test cases are present in project.
You can use any type of matrix forward, backward, or bi-directional to detect every artifact present.
d. Maintain and Update
Use impact analysis to assess the impact of changes to requirements on other parts of the project.
Track Defects to the requirements and test cases they affect to facilitate root cause analysis and resolution.
The Requirement Traceability Matrix is created as per the steps given below.
1) Create the scenarios and test cases from the Business Requirements Document (BRD), Functional Requirements Document (FRD) and Technical Specification Document (TSD).
2) Have an individual ID for each of the test cases in the RTM.
3) Make sure you have the results column that documents that the test cases are Pass or Fail.
4) Types of Testing is noted in one of the columns
5) Defects along with the defect ID are captured in the 2 columns in the RTM document.
These are the basis for creating the RTM document. The business needs are understood by the project managers and the testing manager, and then it is broken down into many numbers of small specifications for the product. Similarly, the technical specification document is studied and is made from the high-level BRD is broken down into smaller specifications for the entire team to understand and make the design of the product. Testing is done by making the scenarios and test cases from the BRD and TSD documents. Even the functional requirements document is helpful in many cases to develop the RTM document. StarAgile conducts PMP online course training with the help of leading industry consultants that cover the preparation study. The steps to create the RTM is as follows,
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Advantages and Importance of RTM
The following are the benefits of creating and using the RTM,
1) It helps in analyzing and identifying the inconsistencies in the SDLC and other documents such as BRD, FRD and TSD, etc.
2) It helps in identifying the current state of the product testing concerning the requirement.
3) It helps out in capturing the defects in the products.
4) It helps in identifying the current status and progress of the product and the project
5) It helps in realigning the requirement to the scope of the project.
6) It helps in meeting the exact scope of the projects by avoiding scope expansion and scope reduction.
7) It helps in enhancing the quality of the products.
Importance of Requirements Traceability Matrix
A requirement traceability matrix has the following importance:
1. Meeting the Goals
An important purpose of using a requirement traceability matrix (RTM) is to ensure that all goals set are met. RTM is a status sheet for knowing current status of goals. It shows that all requirements are a hundred per cent covered, which improves the quality of software or projects.
2. Performing the Right Process
The Requirement Traceability Matrix is important for recording all important processes in a software development process. It is simple to check whether all important processes or testing are performed as defined. The status of a test case can also be noted.
3. Avoid Rework
Using a requirement traceability matrix to track issues in prior or early stages is possible. Identifying the chance of an issue makes it easier to make corrections before it is too late. This advanced correction will help avoid rework in the project or software development process.
4. Project Management
In project management, you can track the project’s progress and check whether all features in the project scope are included. Knowing the required features will make it easier to select the required process.
This importance helps in understanding what is requirement traceability matrix and why it is needed.
Types of Requirements of Matrix
Three types of requirement traceability matrix are used in software development projects.
There is a forward traceability matrix, a backward traceability matrix, and a bidirectional traceability matrix. Depending on the organisational requirements, either one of these requirement traceability matrixes can be used.
1. Forward Traceability Matrix
When a project's requirements are matched to corresponding test cases, it is called a forward traceability matrix. Since requirements are matched to test cases, if any requirements are missing, they are easy to identify. This technique will cover all important project requirements.
After each process, the required changes are easy to make, and the project goes according to plan. In this type, rows represent the project's requirements, and columns represent test cases.
2. Backward Traceability Matrix
When traceability matrix in which every test case matches requirements. This helps ensure that every test case meets requirements and no extra test cases are used. The reverse traceability matrix is another name for the backward traceability matrix. In this method, rows represent test cases, and columns represent requirements.
3. Bi-directional Traceability Matrix
Software development process in which both forward and backward traceability matrix are used is known as bi-directional traceability matrix. Requirements and test cases can be verified in either direction. Both forward-type and backward matrix will be used in this type.
Benefits of Requirement Traceability Matrix in Project Management
Requirement Traceability Matrix is capable of producing positive and successful project outcomes when being used in project management. Here are some benefits that Project management experiences:
1. Improved Tracking and Visibility
It is simple to note the important requirements in any project and track them throughout the process. RTM is also used to find the test cases and other artifacts linked to the requirements. Visibility of the project requirements ensures that everything is included in the project. This avoids any unexpected risk of scope creep.
2. Improve Quality of Output
RTM helps in checking and setting the mandatory test cases, it results in improving the quality of the project output. RTM helps in detecting the deviation earlier and to maintain the project on track with improved quality.
3. Managing and Tracking Changes in Project
The project may experience changes after filing the scope due to environmental factors or change of user requirements. In those cases RTM will help in adding the new feature to the project and keep a track of the change. The access of effects on other features are also tracked with RTM. This makes sure that all processes are staying intact as scope.
4. Risk Management
RTM helps identify the issues and gaps involved in the project and eliminates inconsistencies. Finding the potential risks involved will help the team mitigate them. The project manager can take necessary action without affecting other requirements.
5. Improved Communication and Coordination
RTM helps the team find the status of all requirements in a single place and communicate within themselves. The documentation helps the team work accordingly in future projects. The accurate data of RTM helps avoid conflicts and arguments among team members.
Conclusion
As you have seen that the RTM is very important in meeting the testing objectives and to bring the overall quality enhancement in the products. The StarAgile conducts project management professional certification that discusses in detail the RTM. StarAgile is the training partner with Project Management Institute (PMI) for conducting the PMP certification online training.
