Business analysis glossary
SRS (Software Requirements Specification)
What it is
An SRS is a document describing the complete software behaviour and constraints, usually combining functional and non-functional requirements, interfaces and data. It is common in formal or regulated environments. It follows a recognised structure, with sections for purpose, overall description, specific requirements, interfaces and constraints.
Why it matters
Large or high-risk systems need a precise, reviewable specification. An SRS gives developers, testers and auditors a single reference for what the software shall do. Contracts, audits and safety reviews can refer to it as evidence of what was specified, which is why regulated industries value it highly.
Example
For a medical-appointment system at Orchard Health Clinics, the SRS sets out each function, response-time targets, security rules, the interface to the patient-records system and the data fields stored. The document is reviewed and baselined, and later changes go through a formal change request so the record always matches what was built.