What is requirement traceability matrix

Requirement traceability matrix is a tool used in project management to track and manage requirements throughout the project lifecycle. It is a table that links the project requirements with its origin, justification, and implementation.

The matrix provides a clear view of the relationships between various project artifacts, such as requirements, design documents, test cases, and other project deliverables. It ensures that all project requirements are tracked, understood, implemented, and validated.

Typically, a requirement traceability matrix includes columns for requirements ID, source or origin of the requirement, description or details of the requirement, status or implementation stage of the requirement, and verification or validation method for the requirement. It may also include other columns like priority, risk, and comments.

The purpose of the requirement traceability matrix is to ensure that all project deliverables are linked and align with the initial requirements. It helps in managing changes by identifying the impacted requirements and allows for better decision-making. It also aids in verifying and validating the project deliverables by providing a clear trace of the requirements from their origin to their implementation.