Compliance Matrix is sometimes referred to as the Requirements Traceability Matrix (RTM). What is Requirement Traceability? Traceability criteria are the ability to relate specifications to other devices— such as different types of software testing or glitches. It is used to chart requirements — and to show that the specifications have been fulfilled.
You Should Have Bidirectional Traceability.
Bi-directional traceability is the ability to control forward (e.g. from the requirement to test case) and backward (e.g. from test case to requirement).
Traceability is a bidirectional; this defines a bond between two artefacts. And it’s important to be able to trace back and forth from one object to another-This involves going forward from the specifications to the source code to the test cases to the test runs to the problems. And from the problems to the specifications. You should also be able to trace back criteria to business objectives or priorities (to address why the condition exists).
Why is Traceability Requirement Important?
Traceability requirements are essential for the efficient management of your specifications.
Purposes of the conference.
Traceability follows the life of the function unless appropriately handled. This begins at the moment of the root of the necessity. And it continues to do so by satisfying the need. Therefore, make sure the specifications follow the original goals. For example, it gives you evidence that you have complied with the conditions of the law.
Deploy the best tests.
Requirement traceability also allows the quality assurance (QA) department to consider what needs to be tested. It increases the scope of the study by routing test cases back to every condition. So QA is going to be able to check all the right things. As a result, you will be able to show that your specifications have been properly implemented.
Making Decisions.
Traceability can also be used for decision-making during the production of the drug. They will be able to understand how specifications can influence the design of the device. Then, if the condition changes, you’ll be able to analyze the effect of the adjustment over the course of development.
The supervision of projects.
Traceability is also helpful in managing projects. You’re going to know just how far you’ve come. And you’re going to be able to handle the complexity of your specifications. By linking your requirements to the tests, you will understand how you can realistically meet these requirements and still ship on time.
So now you know that traceability criteria are relevant. But what will happen if you have poor traceability? Poor traceability can make it difficult to meet targets, perform proper tests, make decisions and manage projects.
What wants identification requirements?
Any company that manufactures software or hardware could use the traceability criteria. But there is a growing need for companies to prove something.
Heavily regulated industries require traceability to prove their conformity. They are typically quality-and safety-critical industries.
Embedded Systems Traceability.
Traceability links artefacts — requirements, source code, tests, and issues — through the life cycle of development. It means that teams are able to follow quality standards, deliver safe products and remain competitive.
Organizations in the Embedded Systems industry— an industry that combines hardware and software— need traceability. It helps them to ensure safety and to prove their compliance.
Examples include
- Aerospace — to demonstrate that aerial vehicles are safe to fly.
- Automotive — to show that the vehicles are safe to drive.
- Medical device — to prove that devices are safe for use by the patient.
Aerospace Traceability.
The aerospace industry is one example. Technology (e.g. flight data recorders) is increasingly incorporated in hardware (e.g. aircraft) systems. The program must meet quality standards— or the aircraft could be at risk of cyber attacks.
Automotive Traceability.
Another example of this is the automotive industry. Technology (e.g. automatic door locks) is increasingly integrated into hardware (e.g. vehicles). The safety standards for these embedded systems have been around for decades— for example, the Motor Industry System Reliability Association (MISRA)coding standard. And it is important to meet these standards.
Traceability of medical device.
Medical device manufacturers also need to be tracked. It allows them to show conformity and deliver quality goods that are healthy for consumer use.
The medical device industry is heavily regulated by a number of agencies, including the FDA and the ISO. Traceability — and, in particular, the traceability matrix — makes oversight and auditing easier to maintain.
Traceability is also benefiting the medical device market in other respects. This allows developers to assess the risk and effect of transition. And that will improve the quality of the apps.
How to Develop Traceability Matrix Specifications (RTM)
The establishment of traceability also contributes to the development of a traceability matrix.
Types of Traceability Matrices.
There are different types of traceability matrices, depending on the intended application.
What’s a check matrix?
A traceability index for software testing — otherwise known as a check matrix — is used to show that the checks have been completed.
Records test cases, test run, and test results. You can also use attributes and problems in the check matrix.
How to set up a RTM
Within Microsoft Excel, you can build an RTM. Or you can use special tools to speed up the process.
There are three necessary steps — no matter which method you’re using.
- Define the goals.
- Establish your own artefacts (and their relationships).
- Fill the traceability matrix.
Benefits of using the Traceability Matrix
There are six main advantages from the use of a traceability matrix.
- Get visibility across development.
- Make better choices (e.g. change requirements).
- Accelerate the release cycle.
- Rest easy to know that your requirements have been met.
- Prove compliance faster.
- Running audits without a doubt.
This blog was written by Linda Rawson, who is the founder of DynaGrace Enterprises (dynagrace.com) and the inventor of WeatherEgg (weatheregg.com). She, along with her daughter, Jennifer Remund make up the mother-daughter duo of 2BizChicks (2Bizchicks.com). For further information, please connect with Linda on LinkedIn, or contact her at (800) 676-0058 ext 101.
Please reach out to us at GovCon-Biz should you have any questions.
