Requirements Traceability Matrix (RTM)
Requirements Traceability Matrix (RTM) is a document which maps requirements with test cases to ensure that for each and every requirement adequate level of testing is being achieved. It captures all the requirements proposed by the clients in a single document and validate that all requirements are correctly mapped with test cases.
The purpose of the Requirements Traceability Matrix (RTM) is to ensure that all requirements defined for a system are tested in the test protocols (collections of Test Cases which check a specific element of the system). This helps to ensure complete test coverage of the system.
In Software Engineering, traceability matrix can be divided into three major component as mentioned below:
- Forward Traceability
Mapping requirements to test cases is called Forward Traceability Matrix. It is used to ensure whether the project progresses in the desired direction. It makes sure that each requirement is tested thoroughly.
- Backword Traceability
Mapping test cases to requirements is called Backward Traceability Matrix. It is used to ensure whether the current product remains on the right track. It makes sure that we are not expanding the scope of the project by adding functionality that is not specified in the requirements.
- Bi-directional traceability (Forward + Backward)
Mapping requirements to test cases (forward traceability) and test cases to requirements (backward traceability) is called Bi-directional Traceability Matrix. It is used to ensure that all the specified requirements have appropriate test cases and vice versa.
As mentioned above Requirements Traceability Matrix (RTM) is very useful in software testing. This assures good ‘Quality’ of the application as all the features are tested some major advantages of RTM are,
- 100% test coverage
- Requirement Traceability Matrix helps to link the requirements, test cases and defects accurately.
- Defect Leakages are prevented as a whole of the application is tested for its requirements.
- It allows to identify the missing functionality easily
- It allows to identify the test cases which needs to be updated in case of change in requirement
- It is easy to track the overall test execution status
Sample Requirements Traceability Matrix (RTM) Template :
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