Business analysis glossary
Requirements Traceability Matrix (RTM)
What it is
A requirements traceability matrix is a table linking each requirement to the other things that depend on it, such as design items, test cases and defects. It shows coverage in both directions. Columns commonly include requirement ID, description, source, priority, linked design item, linked test case and status.
Why it matters
It answers two key questions: is every requirement tested, and does every test or feature trace to a real requirement? It also helps assess the impact of a change. Keeping it up to date during the project means a late change request can be assessed in minutes, because the affected tests and components are already listed.
Example
In the Cedar Credit Union RTM, requirement R7 "reject incomplete applications" links to test cases TC-21 and TC-22. A row with no linked test warns the analyst that R7 would otherwise go unverified. Reviewing the matrix before UAT takes only a few minutes and prevents the embarrassment of discovering an untested rule after release.