Definition

Email this page to a friend   

 Email to a friend

Traceability Matrix

(Alias: Traceability Analysis)

A tool for analysing and demonstrating traceability between a work product and its specification.

The figure provides an example of tracing from software requirements to a design. An X in a cell of the matrix indicates that the design element satisfies the corresponding requirement. A blank column (e.g. Design Element 3) indicates that an element does not satisfy a user requirement. The existance of the offending element may therefore be due to "gold plating" (adding "neat" features to a product without a request from a customer). A blank row (e.g. Requirement 2) indicates that a user requirement has not been satisfied by the design solution. The design may therefore be incomplete.

Traceability Matrix: Requirements to Design

Given the complexity of most software products, traceability matrices are produced with automated tools such as:

Collaboration

Member Comments

79 Comments 

31 member ratings

✭ ✭ ✭ ✭ ✩

RE Definition: Traceability Matrix

Traceability Matrix: What It Is and Why It Matters

By ailoitte » Wed 14-May-2025, 17:00, My rating: ✭ ✭ ✭ ✭ ✭

A Traceability Matrix is a document that maps and traces user requirements with test cases. Its main purpose is to ensure that all requirements defined for a system are tested thoroughly. This is a crucial part of quality assurance, especially in complex projects where tracking changes and verifying functionality can quickly become overwhelming.

Key Benefits of a Traceability Matrix:
Requirement coverage: Ensures that every requirement has corresponding test cases.

Change management: Helps track the impact of changing requirements.

Test case organization: Keeps testing efforts aligned with business goals.

Improved quality: By ensuring nothing is missed during testing.

In the context of a mobile app development company, a traceability matrix plays a vital role in delivering high-quality applications. With rapid development cycles and changing client needs, maintaining visibility between what’s expected and what’s delivered ensures that the final product meets business objectives without surprises.

Whether you're managing a startup project or scaling an enterprise app, incorporating traceability practices into your development lifecycle can significantly improve reliability and client satisfaction.

79 Comments  • Page 1 of 79 •         1   2   3   4   5  …79 » Next

- Rate this definition.
- Did it help?
- Suggest improvements.
- Request more information.
- Exchange ideas with our member community.
Email to a friend