How do you measure and improve the quality of SRTM?

1 Define your traceability goals

Before you start creating your SRTM, you should define what you want to achieve with it. What are the benefits and objectives of traceability for your project? How will you use the SRTM to support your decision making, risk management, change control, and verification processes? How will you measure the effectiveness and completeness of your SRTM? By defining your traceability goals, you can align your SRTM with your project scope, plan, and quality standards.

2 Choose your traceability attributes

A traceability attribute is a piece of information that describes the relationship between two artifacts. For example, you can use attributes such as source, rationale, priority, status, or owner to document the origin, reason, importance, progress, or responsibility of a requirement. You should choose the traceability attributes that are relevant and useful for your project, and that can help you answer questions such as why, what, who, when, where, and how. You should also define the format, values, and rules for each attribute, and make sure they are consistent and clear.

3 Create your traceability matrix

A traceability matrix is a table that shows the links between your artifacts. You can use different types of matrices depending on your needs and preferences. For example, you can use a horizontal matrix to show the links between requirements and other artifacts in columns, or a vertical matrix to show the links between requirements and other artifacts in rows. You can also use a hybrid matrix to combine both approaches, or a hierarchical matrix to show the links between different levels of requirements. You should create your traceability matrix using a tool that allows you to update, manage, and visualize your links easily and efficiently.

4 Validate and verify your traceability matrix

Once you have created your traceability matrix, you should check its quality and accuracy. You can use different methods and techniques to validate and verify your traceability matrix, such as reviews, inspections, audits, tests, or metrics. You should involve your stakeholders, team members, and experts in this process, and solicit their feedback and suggestions. You should also compare your traceability matrix with your traceability goals, and evaluate if it meets your expectations and requirements.

5 Maintain and update your traceability matrix

Your traceability matrix is not a static document, but a dynamic and evolving tool. You should maintain and update your traceability matrix throughout your project lifecycle, and reflect any changes or modifications in your artifacts or links. You should also monitor and measure the performance and impact of your traceability matrix, and identify any issues or gaps that need to be addressed. You should also communicate and share your traceability matrix with your stakeholders, team members, and users, and ensure that they are aware and informed of your traceability status and results.

6 Improve your traceability matrix

Your traceability matrix is not a perfect tool, but a continuous improvement opportunity. You should always look for ways to enhance and optimize your traceability matrix, and apply the lessons learned and best practices from your experience and feedback. You should also benchmark and compare your traceability matrix with other projects or standards, and adopt the best practices and recommendations that suit your needs and goals. You should also seek new and innovative ways to leverage and utilize your traceability matrix, and explore its potential and value for your software development.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?