What is the Requirements Traceability Matrix (RTM)? A Beginner's Guide

Every project needs a reliable roadmap to take it from start to finish with as few hiccups as possible. The Requirements Traceability Matrix (RTM) serves that function by maintaining alignment between business objectives and project deliverables. This tool achieves it by linking project requirements to their corresponding test cases. If you are aiming to sharpen your Project Management skills or simply envisioning this role, this blog detailing What is RTM will serve you well. Read on and navigate RTM like a pro! 

Table of Contents

1) What is the Requirements Traceability Matrix (RTM)? 

2) Importance of Requirements Traceability Matrix (RTM) 

3) Different Types of Requirements Traceability Test Matrix (RTM) 

4) Steps to Create a Requirements Traceability Matrix (RTM) 

5) Key Parameters of a Requirements Traceability Matrix (RTM) 

6) Benefits of Requirements Traceability Matrix (RTM) 

7) Tools for Managing a Requirements Traceability Matrix (RTM) 

8) Conclusion 

What is the Requirements Traceability Matrix (RTM)? 

Requirement Traceability Matrix or RTM is a document that maps and traces user requirements with test cases. It outlines every requirement proposed by the client and requirements traceability in a single document delivered after the project life cycle. The primary purpose of the RTM is to validate that every requirement is checked via test cases.
 

Importance of Requirements Traceability Matrix (RTM) 

There are numerous benefits that an RTM provides throughout the project lifecycle:
 

1)  Accountability: RTMs help provide accountability to the initial proposal and project terms. This makes tracking the requirements and their status easier. 

2) Individual Workloads: RTMs include information on who requested specific requirements and who's tasked with completing them. This provides additional clarity on individual workloads and contributions. 

3) Project Progress: Individual requirements and their completion status can be tracked through the RTM. This highlights the project's status towards competition and estimates the project timeline and likelihood of staying on track. 

4) Client Reassurance: RTMs develop a clear record of client requests and reassure them that their needs are being met and thoroughly documented. 

5) Simplified Troubleshooting: If issues pop up throughout the project lifecycle, the RTM offers a baseline of information for teams to troubleshoot failed tests or identify any missing features. 

6) Compliance: In hyper-regulated industries, RTMs ensure compliance with client and project needs, regulatory requirements and legal guidelines. 

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Different Types of Requirements Traceability Test Matrix (RTM) 

There are three types of RTM as detailed below: 

1) Forward Traceability: This maps the requirements to the test cases. It ensures that every requirement is tested from top to bottom and confirms that a project’s trajectory is sound.  

2) Backward Traceability Matrix: You can create a backward traceability matrix by mapping test cases with the requirements. Doing so helps you avoid unnecessarily going beyond the initial requirements. 

3) Bidirectional Traceability: Bidirectional traceability combines the backward and forward traceability into one document. This is helpful because it confirms that each requirement has related test cases. 

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Steps to Create a Requirements Traceability Matrix (RTM) 

Here are the steps to create a Requirements Traceability Matrix: 

1) Establish the RTM goals by laying out your reason for developing the RTM 

2) Gather every documentation, such as the Functional Requirement Document (FRD). You will also need testing documentation, such as test cases, results, and bugs. 

3) You can use an Excel spreadsheet to make a basic RTM document. The columns can be used for functional requirements, business requirements, test cases, test results, and bugs. Then, catalogue each requirement from Business Requirements Document (BRD) against a requirement ID number.  

4) Take the FRD and record every corresponding functional requirement for every business requirement.  

5) Connect the test case IDs to the corresponding functional requirements 

6) Update your traceability matrix whenever a change occurs 

Key Parameters of a Requirements Traceability Matrix (RTM) 

Here are the key parameters of an RTM: 

1) Requirement ID: This is a distinct identifier for every requirement 

2) Requirement Description: This involves a detailed description of the requirement 

3) Source: This is the origin of the requirement, such as a stakeholder, business need, or regulatory requirement. 

4) Priority: This describes importance or urgency of the requirement 

5) Status: This highlights the current requirement status (e.g., proposed, approved, implemented, tested). 

6) Traceability Links: This refers to connections to related artifacts such as design documents, code components, and test cases. 

7) Verification Method: This refers to the method used to verify that the requirement has been met (e.g., inspection, demonstration, test). 

8) Test Cases: These are specific tests designed to validate the requirement 

9) Comments/Notes: These are additional information or context about the requirement 

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Benefits of Requirements Traceability Matrix (RTM)
 

Here some advantages of using RTM: 

1) It ensures complete test coverage 

2) It identifies any missing requirements or inconsistencies in documentation 

3) It provides an overview of defects or execution status, with an emphasis on business requirements. 

4) It aids in assessing the impact on the QA team's efforts regarding the need to revisit or revise test cases. 

Tools for Managing a Requirements Traceability Matrix (RTM) 

If an Excel spreadsheet is not adequate for you, consider these advanced Requirements Management tools for your RTM needs:  

1) Jira: Jira is a Requirement Management and Business Analyst tool with features like live trace, Workflow Management, and real-time co-work. It also offers Test Management, bug tracking, and roadmaps.
 

2) Visure Requirements: Offered by Visure Solutions, this tool is designed for business-critical and safety-critical industries. It provides comprehensive traceability throughout the process. 

3) Modern Requirements4DevOps: Integrated with Microsoft’s Azure DevOps, TFS, and VSTS, this tool offers Project Managers traceability across all project stages. 

4) ReQtest: A Cloud-based tool that delivers traceability from start to finish. It features a highly customisable requirement module that enables Project Managers to efficiently evaluate and track changes. 

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Conclusion 

In conclusion, the Requirements Traceability Matrix (RTM) is invaluable for maintaining project alignment and ensuring every requirement is met. Linking requirements to testing and deliverables helps streamline processes and identify gaps. Understanding What is RTM as outlined in this blog will help you improve communication and drive successful outcomes from start to finish for your project.