What does a derive relationship indicate in requirements management?

A derive relationship in requirements management indicates that one requirement is based on another. This means that the derived requirement is dependent on the original requirement in some way, typically because it expands upon, refines, or adds detail to the original requirement. This relationship helps in understanding how changes to one requirement can impact another, guiding the development process to ensure that all related requirements are fully considered and managed.

By establishing a derive relationship, analysts can maintain clarity and traceability within the requirements documentation, ensuring that the rationale for each requirement is understood. It also helps in managing the hierarchy of requirements effectively, as the derived requirements can be seen as deriving their context and justification directly from the foundational requirements. The ability to trace this relationship is crucial for validating that all necessary requirements are addressed and that they align with the overall objectives of the project.