How traceability is maintained for the software work product under Requirements Management (REQM) Process Area in CMMI?

CMMI FAQ 0

27th April, 2013

Traceability or Bi-Directional Requirements Traceability is maintained to trace requirements in different stages of Software Development Lifecycle. It is bi-directional in nature so that Requirements can be traced from initiation to completion or from completion to initiation. It is commonly referred to as RTM (Requirements Traceability Matrix).

Generally Requirements Traceability Matrix is maintained using a Tabular Document which contains references to different Software Work Products prepared in different stages of the Product or Software Development Lifecycle. RTM contains, in the first column, list of requirements from the Initial Documents (like SOW, RFP) and then the Requirements Developed in the next stages (phases) in Next Columns. Entries in the Second and next columns are corresponding to the entry in the First Column and are documented in documents like Software Requirements Specification (SRS), Software Design Document (SDD) etc. prepared based on the SOW/RFP and are more technical and detailed.

Sample Requirements Traceability Matrix Document

Features of a good Requirements Traceability document

A good Requirement Traceability document has following features:

1. It should be Bi-directional in nature. Requires should be traceable from both ends.
2. It should trace the requirements in each phase/stage in which requirements are developed/detailed.
3. It should also cover the Test Phases in which test cases are prepared to Test these Requirements.
4. It should be updated as the updated/detailed information becomes available.
5. It is a live document that is updated throughout the project lifecycle.

How DQS India can help you in managing Requirements better?

DQS India has experienced CMMI Consultants who has worked with various Clients to manage Requirements better. CMMI Consultants has vast experience in handling requirements for any Software Development Lifecycle Model. We can develop Process to manage Requirements effectively, and different required artefacts to trace, manage changes in Requirements. We can also organise training for Project Teams on Effective Requirements Management.

Contact DQS India

Interested in our CMMI Services, please contact:

RajendraKhare
MD
DQS Certification India Private Limited
Mobile: +91-9810268573
Phone:  +91-11-27025910
e-mail: rkhare@dqsindia.com
Please note: Email communication would be preferred mode of communication.
Reference Material taken from www.dqsindia.com