How to Use a Requirements Traceability Matrix (RTM)

Tracking and meeting requirements is necessary for any successful project in systems engineering and requirements management. This is where a Requirements Traceability Matrix (RTM) comes into play. An RTM is a powerful tool that helps track requirements throughout the project lifecycle. This blog explores what an RTM is, its importance, and how our tool, Innoslate, can be used for RTMs.

What is a Requirements Traceability Matrix (RTM)?

A Requirements Traceability Matrix (RTM) is an interactive matrix view that allows you to visually represent relationships between entities to groups of data. This interactive matrix view allows users to create relationships from entity to entity listed on the X and Y axes by clicking on corresponding cells in the matrix. RTMs in Innoslate have Natural Language Processing (NLP) features in Traceability Assist and Suspect Assist that highlight potentially strong and weak relationships.

Importance of an RTM

RTMs are important in requirements management, as they:

• Ensure Completeness: RTM helps ensure that all requirements are addressed and tested, leaving no requirement unchecked.
• Track Changes: It allows for tracking any changes in requirements, ensuring that modifications are implemented and tested appropriately.
• Facilitate Communication: It acts as a communication tool among stakeholders, providing a clear picture of the status of requirements.
• Improve Quality: By ensuring that all requirements are tested, RTM contributes to the overall quality of the project deliverables.

How to Use an RTM

Using an RTM involves several steps:

1. Identify Requirements: Gather and document all the requirements for the project.
2. Create the Matrix: Develop the RTM, listing all requirements and their corresponding test cases.
3. Link Requirements and Test Cases: Ensure that each requirement is linked to one or more entities.
4. Update the Matrix: Regularly update the RTM as requirements evolve and as the project progresses.
5. Review and Validate: Periodically review the RTM to ensure all requirements are met and validated through the project.

Leveraging Innoslate for RTM

Innoslate is a powerful tool that provides support for managing requirements and ensuring traceability. Here's how Innoslate can facilitate the use of an RTM:

Requirements Management

Requirements documents serve as a central repository for capturing, organizing, and managing project requirements. In Innoslate, users can create requirements documents, import requirements from spreadsheets, and conduct quality checks to ensure consistency and completeness in the requirements set.

Innoslate allows for efficient capturing and managing of requirements. Each requirement can be uniquely identified and described in detail.

Change Management

In a cloud-based environment, change management is simpler and more accurate. A few of the ways Innoslate makes change management easier is by having a record of all changes including the dates, user activity, change type, and change value. Versions can also be restored if you have proper permissions.

Through workflow, baselining, branching/forking, and more, Innoslate supports change management, ensuring that any modifications to requirements are tracked and reflected in the RTM.

Collaboration

Innoslate facilitates collaboration among team members and stakeholders, ensuring that everyone is on the same page regarding the status and changes to requirements.

Innoslate’s collaborative features allow multiple users to work simultaneously in the same project. Its real-time collaboration integrations make it possible for teams, regardless of location, to work together efficiently and seamlessly.

Users can chat, be notified of changes, and edit and annotate documents and diagrams concurrently, while automatic version tracking ensures all changes are recorded and can be rolled back if needed.

Reporting

Innoslate can generate detailed reports, including RTMs, which can be used for reviews and audits. There are many reports available for the database view, diagrams, simulators, and much more.

A Requirements Traceability Matrix (RTM) is an essential tool in systems engineering and project management for ensuring that all requirements are met and tested. Innoslate, with its comprehensive features, provides excellent support for creating, managing, and utilizing RTMs. By leveraging Innoslate, project teams can ensure better quality, improved communication, and successful project outcomes.