What is Requirement Traceability Matrix (RTM) ? 

What is Requirement Traceability Matrix

(RTM) ? 

The Requirement Traceability Matrix (RTM) is a document used in software testing to ensure that all requirements are covered by test cases. It establishes a clear link between requirements, test cases, and defects, ensuring that every requirement is tested and tracked throughout the software development lifecycle. RTM is a critical tool for maintaining transparency, ensuring test coverage, and managing changes in requirements.

Purpose of RTM

1. Ensure Coverage: Verify that all requirements are mapped to test cases.
2. Track Progress: Monitor the status of testing for each requirement.
3. Manage Changes: Handle changes in requirements and assess their impact on testing.
4. Improve Quality: Identify gaps in testing and ensure no requirement is left untested.

How to Prepare a Requirement Traceability Matrix (RTM)?

Preparing a Requirement Traceability Matrix (RTM) involves systematically mapping requirements to test cases and tracking their status throughout the testing process. Below is a step-by-step guide to creating an RTM:

Steps to Prepare an RTM

1. Gather Requirements

• Collect all requirements from documents such as:
  • Business Requirement Specification (BRS)
  • Software Requirement Specification (SRS)
  • Functional Requirement Specification (FRS)
• Ensure the requirements are clear, complete, and well-defined.

2. Assign Unique Requirement IDs

• Assign a unique identifier (ID) to each requirement for easy reference.
• Example: REQ-001, REQ-002, etc.

3. Identify Test Cases

• Create test cases that validate each requirement.
• Assign unique IDs to test cases.
• Example: TC-001, TC-002, etc.

4. Map Requirements to Test Cases

• Link each requirement to one or more test cases.
• Ensure all requirements are covered by at least one test case.

5. Define Test Case Descriptions

• Provide a brief description of each test case.
• Example: “Verify login with valid credentials.”

6. Add Columns for Status and Defects

• Include columns to track:
  • Status: Pass, Fail, Not Executed, Blocked, etc.
  • Defect ID: If a test case fails, log the defect ID.
  • Comments: Additional notes or observations.

7. Populate the RTM

• Fill in the RTM with the requirement IDs, test case IDs, descriptions, and other details.
• Update the status and defect information as testing progresses.

8. Review and Validate

• Review the RTM to ensure:
  • All requirements are mapped to test cases.
  • There are no gaps or missing test cases.
  • The RTM is accurate and up-to-date.

9. Maintain the RTM

• Update the RTM regularly as requirements change, new test cases are added, or defects are resolved.
• Use the RTM to track progress and ensure complete test coverage.

Template for RTM

Here’s a sample RTM template:

Requirement ID	Requirement Description	Test Case ID	Test Case Description	Status	Defect ID	Comments
REQ-001	User should be able to log in with valid credentials.	TC-001	Verify login with valid email and password.	Pass	–	–
REQ-001	User should be able to log in with valid credentials.	TC-002	Verify login with invalid password.	Fail	DEF-001	Error message not displayed.
REQ-002	User should not be able to log in with invalid email.	TC-003	Verify login with non-existent email.	Pass	–	–
REQ-003	System should display an error message for invalid inputs.	TC-004	Verify error message for invalid email.	Not Executed	–	Pending due to environment issues.

Example Scenario

Suppose you are testing a login feature with the following requirements:

1. REQ-001: User should be able to log in with valid credentials.
2. REQ-002: User should not be able to log in with invalid email.
3. REQ-003: System should display an error message for invalid inputs.

Steps to Create RTM:

1. Assign IDs: REQ-001, REQ-002, REQ-003.
2. Create test cases:
   • TC-001: Verify login with valid email and password.
   • TC-002: Verify login with invalid password.
   • TC-003: Verify login with non-existent email.
   • TC-004: Verify error message for invalid email.
3. Map requirements to test cases:
   • REQ-001 → TC-001, TC-002
   • REQ-002 → TC-003
   • REQ-003 → TC-004
4. Populate the RTM with status, defect IDs, and comments as testing progresses.

Tools for Creating RTM

You can create an RTM using:

• Excel/Google Sheets: Simple and widely used.
• Test Management Tools: Tools like Jira, TestRail, or Zephyr provide built-in RTM features.
• Custom Templates: Create your own RTM template based on project needs.

Best Practices for RTM

1. Start Early: Begin creating the RTM during the requirement analysis phase.
2. Keep It Updated: Regularly update the RTM as requirements or test cases change.
3. Ensure Traceability: Ensure every requirement is linked to at least one test case.
4. Collaborate: Work with stakeholders to validate requirements and test cases.
5. Use Automation: For large projects, use tools to automate RTM creation and maintenance.

Benefits of RTM

1. Complete Test Coverage: Ensures no requirement is left untested.
2. Transparency: Provides a clear view of the testing progress and status.
3. Change Management: Helps assess the impact of requirement changes on testing.
4. Quality Assurance: Improves the overall quality of the software by ensuring all requirements are validated.

When to Use RTM

• During Requirement Analysis to map requirements to test cases.
• During Test Execution to track the status of test cases and defects.
• During Test Closure to verify that all requirements are tested and met.

In summary, the Requirement Traceability Matrix (RTM) is a vital tool for ensuring that all requirements are tested and tracked throughout the software development lifecycle. It helps maintain alignment between requirements, test cases, and defects, ensuring a high-quality product.