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New Post 2/26/2009 8:54 AM
Informative
User is offline ga babu
9 posts
10th Level Poster


Requirements Traceability Matrix 

Has anyone created a Requirements Traceability Matrix? Even though I have seen and used a couple of formats, but wasn’t quite impressed with those. Trying to have a discussion here to see how this format can be improved by sharing inputs from all of us.

 

 
New Post 3/5/2009 10:35 PM
User is offline Adrian M.
764 posts
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Re: Requirements Traceability Matrix 

 goakhter wrote

Has anyone created a Requirements Traceability Matrix? Even though I have seen and used a couple of formats, but wasn’t quite impressed with those. Trying to have a discussion here to see how this format can be improved by sharing inputs from all of us.

Like any other endeavor a business analyst undertakes, (s)he must first ask "Why?"  Don't use a traceability matrix because everybody else is or because you think you should.  Ask yourself, what problem did I encounter and which I'm trying to solve.  If the traceability matrix solves your problem then go ahead and use it.  Otherwise, you will not be impressed at all.

For example, I've heard so many people who are not happy with use cases because "Use cases don't work!"  only to find out they are trying to utilize the use cases to show data flow in their application.  Of course - use cases won't work.  Use the right tool for the right task.

But I digress...

Back to the traceability matrix...

There are indeed many formats, styles, and ways to use a traceability matrix and the format which you might end up using depends on the task at hand:

  • If you just need to track relationships between two types of things (ex: business goals to business requirements, requirements to features, etc.) then a simple table would do where the columns are labeled with one type and the rows are labeled with a different type.
  • If you need to track multi-dimensional relationships (ex: goals map to requirements and requirements map to features and requirements map to user stories and requirements map to test cases) then you might consider a professional requirements management tool (metadata tool) such as RequisitePro.

Do you have a specific problem you are trying to solve or a goal you need to achieve?

- Adrian


Adrian Marchis
Business Analyst Community Blog - Post your thoughts!
 
New Post 3/16/2009 8:06 PM
User is offline ga babu
9 posts
10th Level Poster


Re: Requirements Traceability Matrix 

Thanks Adrian for the tip. To answer your question about the specific problem - yes,  the requirements I am capturing are subjected to changes frequently and this is going on for quite sometime. Understood this is one of those time when a BA needs to draw a line on the sand and propose implementing CM process. But before start this conversation, I was planning to have a document that would capture the functional requirements, map it to the data requirements and planned Test Case to clearly show the problem this fluidity is causing to the overall project and how a simple/single change triggers a cascading effect and impact multiple areas..

I am sure RequisitePro is a great product for complex traceability, but it is not always easy to justify the cost. 

Now you brought a interesting perspective. I created Gap Analysis document in the manner you described (col/row arrangement), but never did this with Traceability Matrix. Will try to create a Template and see how it looks. Also can share this format with a couple of other stakeholders and get their feedback. It is looks and works better, then I may keep using that format going forward.

-golam

 
New Post 3/17/2009 6:30 AM
User is offline David Wright
141 posts
www.iag.biz
7th Level Poster




Re: Requirements Traceability Matrix 

 

"the requirements I am capturing are subjected to changes frequently and this is going on for quite sometime."

If I may.... this sounds like the major issue impacting you. There is no value in doing change management or traceability if the Requirements to be managed/traced are not stable. Trying change management in this case will just annoy everyone involved.

So, what is happening that is causing unstable requirements? Is there a target date for requirements, and for the project overall?

www.iag.biz


David Wright
 
New Post 6/29/2009 6:44 PM
User is offline Ksr
1 posts
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Re: Requirements Traceability Matrix 

Traceability matrix can created in many formats (Graphical, tabular, tree). We have used CASE Spec software in our projects for generating traceability, gap and impact analysis reports. It is cost effective. You may find more information at http://www.casespec.net

 
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