A BA’s key responsibility is to keep a track on the requirements gathered and make sure that no Requirement is missed in the process of Software Development life cycle.
Requirement Traceability Matrix is prepared and maintained by Business Analyst. In both Waterfall Model and Agile Model uses Requirement Traceability Matrix (RTM) for tracking the requirements in each stage of life cycle.
In Agile model-Scrum Methodology used Requirement Traceability Matrix (RTM) to record user stories between product and sprint backlog.
In Waterfall Model uses Requirement Traceability Matrix (RTM) helps to trace and verify requirements sequentially.
There are various types of Requirement Traceability Matrix(RTM) , most common types are:
- Forward Traceability:
It will check the progress of the project going as per plan. This method will ensure that project is moving in the right path. It also helps to ensure that all the requirements are tested during testing phase.
- Backward Traceability:
It ensures project is on track. This method will help to map the requirements to the test cases. It also helps to expand the scope of the project by enhancing new features or functionalities to the product / Application that was not part of the requirement gathered.
- Bi-Directional Traceability:
It is the combination of both forward and backward traceability matrix. Mapping the requirements to the test cases in forward traceability and it also maps test cases to requirements in backward traceability in a single document is called Bi-Directional Traceability.
Please find the purposes of Requirement Traceability Matrix (RTM) in the project:
- To keep track on the requirements gathered in each stages of life cycle.
- To update stakeholders (client) on regular basis regarding project status.
- It also reduces the risk of missed objectives.
- It reduces the risk of defects.
- It helps the project manager to identify the risk and resolve during early stages itself.
- It also helps testing team to detect the issues earlier and also helps the testing team to crosscheck whether all test cases are linked to Requirement traceability matrix (RTM).
Requirement Traceability Matrix is prepared through following methods:
- Gather the requirement documents.
- Requirement ID is allotted for each and every requirement gathered.
- Mention Software Development Life cycle phases
- Mention under each phases whether the requirement is completed or not.
