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
- Ensure Coverage: Verify that all requirements are mapped to test cases.
- Track Progress: Monitor the status of testing for each requirement.
- Manage Changes: Handle changes in requirements and assess their impact on testing.
- 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:
- REQ-001: User should be able to log in with valid credentials.
- REQ-002: User should not be able to log in with invalid email.
- REQ-003: System should display an error message for invalid inputs.
Steps to Create RTM:
- Assign IDs: REQ-001, REQ-002, REQ-003.
- 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.
- Map requirements to test cases:
- REQ-001 → TC-001, TC-002
- REQ-002 → TC-003
- REQ-003 → TC-004
- 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
- Start Early: Begin creating the RTM during the requirement analysis phase.
- Keep It Updated: Regularly update the RTM as requirements or test cases change.
- Ensure Traceability: Ensure every requirement is linked to at least one test case.
- Collaborate: Work with stakeholders to validate requirements and test cases.
- Use Automation: For large projects, use tools to automate RTM creation and maintenance.
Benefits of RTM
- Complete Test Coverage: Ensures no requirement is left untested.
- Transparency: Provides a clear view of the testing progress and status.
- Change Management: Helps assess the impact of requirement changes on testing.
- 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.