Sample Traceability Matrix

Sample Traceability Matrix

A traceability matrix is a report from the requirements database or repository. What information the report contains depends on your need. Information requirements
determine the associated information that you store with the requirements. Requirements management tools capture associated information or provide the capability
to add it.

The examples show forward and backward tracing between user and system requirements. User requirement identifiers begin with "U" and system requirements with
"S." Tracing S12 to its source makes it clear this requirement is erroneous: it must be eliminated, rewritten, or the traceability corrected.




For requirements tracing and resulting reports to work, the requirements must be of good quality. Requirements of poor quality transfer work to subsequent phases
of the SDLC, increasing cost and schedule and creating disputes with the customer.

A variety of reports are necessary to manage requirements. Reporting needs should be determined at the start of the effort and documented in the requirements
management plan.