Modern QA2026Requirement Traceability Matrix (RTM) — tiles
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5.2Requirement Traceability Matrix (RTM)

An RTM maps requirements to test cases, ensuring every requirement is covered and every test case traces back to a requirement.

Requirement ID Requirement Description Test Cases Execution Status Defects
REQ-001 User can log in with email and password TC-101, TC-102 Passed --
REQ-002 User receives 2FA challenge when enabled TC-103 Passed --
REQ-003 User can pay with credit card or PayPal TC-401, TC-402 Passed SHOP-789 (Fixed)
REQ-004 System applies discount coupons at checkout TC-403, TC-404 Failed SHOP-812 (Open)
REQ-005 User receives order confirmation email -- Not Covered --
REQ-006 Admin can export user data as CSV TC-501 Blocked --

What the RTM Reveals

  • REQ-005 has no test coverage: This is the core value of traceability -- finding gaps before they become production bugs. Without the RTM, you might not notice this requirement was never tested.
  • REQ-004 has a failing test: The linked defect (SHOP-812) is open. This requirement is not ready for release.
  • REQ-006 is blocked: Something is preventing test execution. This needs attention in standup.