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The concept of the Requirements Traceability Matrix (RTM) can be defined as the file that describes an association between the requirements of the project and other related facts.
It assures that the scope and requirements remain constant and unchanged.
It is also a scientific and feasible solution to collect every requirement at once and analyse the progress while creating a requirement traceability matrix.
What is the Requirement Traceability Matrix?
It is a tool used for mapping and tracing users’ requirements for certain test cases.
It stores major requirements given by the client and requirement traceability into a single document.
The final document is submitted at the end of the software development process.
The main aim of the requirement traceability matrix is to ensure that every requirement is thoroughly checked with the help of test cases.
However, there must be zero functionality left unchecked in the software testing.
Role of Traceability Matrix in Testing
The traceability matrix helps in tracking relationships between test cases and requirements.
Furthermore, the matrix also plays a significant role in the entire testing process. We have enlisted some of them below:
The traceability matrix assures that your final product is fulfilling the requirements of the customers completely.
It helps in tracking down the reason behind a bug found in the logging process.
It offers an overview of the testing progress, and in turn, it allows the stakeholders to learn about every acceptable issue before the production of the software.
Highlighting the test coverage will help stakeholders quickly identify any risks related to the software used in the production process.
Different Types of Software Testing Traceability Matrix
The traceability matrix can be categorised into the following types:
Forward traceability
Forward traceability is used to make requirements that are mapped toward the direction of the related test cases. This type is designed to make projects run in the right direction.
It is used to ensure that every requirement of the client is met and tested frequently.
The purpose of using the forward traceability matrix is to verify the progress in the product development cycle.
Backward or reverse traceability
In Backward or Reverse Traceability, all the requirements are summarized in the backward direction of the related test cases.
It is a process used to ensure that the product stays right on track; this method is also utilized to check the scope of the project in terms of expansion, like attaching codes or adding designs and other sorts of work.
The main aim is to make sure that the product is not overconsuming, exceeding its requirements in the fields of coding, testing, or even design elements that are significant parts of the business.
Henceforth, this directly handles the project in the correct direction.
Bi-directional Traceability
Bi-directional Traceability can be described as a mixture of both backward and forward and traceability matrices. Basically, it forms a relationship between two different artefacts.
It makes sure that every requirement of the business is involved in the test cases.
It also marks the latest updates in the requirements made because of any recently produced bug in the application.
Importance of Requirement Traceability Matrix
- In the era of technical requirements, traceability works in the process of converting goals, aims, needs, objectives, expectations, and aspirations from high-level requirements into low-level requirements.
- It emphasizes the associations between different layers of information.
- Every test is matched with a certain requirement present in the requirement traceability matrix (RTM).
Hence, it eliminates the chances of requirements being missed in the testing.
- One can achieve full test coverage with the involvement of RTM in testing.
- RTM supports users in identifying any sort of change made to their requirements and also helps in discovering the basis of certain requirements.
Though many requirements originate from mediums like senior marketing engineers, marketing managers, or the user itself( involving stakeholders as well), many stakeholders demand specific requirements for their products.
- The application of RTM allows certain people or groups to be traced, which is necessary for the requirement revelation. Therefore, following requirements is an essential step involved in the development process in order to add importance to the requirement and also attach the value of the requirement to a certain user.
- Requirements traceability tracks every relation between requirements and other development-related artefacts like technical and so on.
- It is built to grasp knowledge about the product under development and related to other requirements.
- It also helps in enhancing the quality of the products that are under development. It has the potential to conceal any change in the requirements or other related artefacts. In the process, every requirement must be traced along with collaborative requirements. just like test cases, models, test results, test procedures, and all types of documentation.
- With the help of the Traceability Matrix, the testers can check whether adding new requirements to the previous ones is impacting progress or not.
Furthermore, a tester can identify any area lying within the functional specifications that is affected by the new requirement.
Thus, relevant changes can be made to ensure that the modifications don’t hamper the current requirements present within the system.
Conclusion:
I hope this post has explained the whole concept of what is requirement traceability matrix is and its role in software testing.
The tool Requirement Traceability Matrix also contributes to analysing the effects on the QA team for reusing test cases.
Also, it demonstrates every defect within the business requirements. However, the defects section helps in building deteriorating traceability.
We can assume that “Login” or other marked functionality is defective.
Instead of giving reports regarding certain failed test cases, the Traceability Matrix approaches the business, alerting about the needs of the client and also about necessary improvements.
