What is the purpose of requirements traceability?

The purpose of requirements traceability is to enable the linking and tracking of requirements throughout the project lifecycle. This process ensures that every requirement can be traced back to its source and linked to subsequent project artifacts, such as design specifications, development tasks, and test cases. By establishing a clear trail of requirements, stakeholders can confirm that all necessary needs are addressed and met, thus enhancing the integrity of the project.

Traceability supports the management of changes in requirements, as it allows project teams to understand the implications of modifications on other linked requirements. This aspect is crucial in maintaining alignment with project objectives and validating that the final deliverable meets the initial business needs. Ultimately, requirements traceability enhances accountability and clarity for stakeholders, contributing to the overall success of the project.