What Is a Requirements Traceability Matrix (RTM)? + Free Template

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The requirements traceability matrix (RTM) links each project requirement to its corresponding deliverable or test case, helping users determine whether each objective was fulfilled and verified.
• Forward traceability connects requirements to outputs, backward traceability links outputs to requirements, and bidirectional traceability covers both directions.
• Sectors such as healthcare, information technology, and finance mainly use RTMs for industry compliance, progress tracking, and project documentation.
• It’s easy (and free) to get started on your own RTM; download our free template below.

Managing requirements and deliverables is critical to keeping projects on track and ensuring that final outputs meet stakeholder expectations. For teams across regulated sectors such as finance, IT, and healthcare, effective requirements management is essential in maintaining compliance and reducing the risk of costly errors. This guide explains what an RTM is for project teams and includes a free downloadable template to help you get started.

What is a requirements traceability matrix (RTM)?

A requirements traceability matrix (RTM) is a document that maps each project requirement to its corresponding deliverable, test case, or objective. It serves as a visual tool, often in a spreadsheet or software dashboard with columns for requirements, sources, status, and verification methods.

Project teams use an RTM to verify that every requirement is addressed at each phase. This keeps project outcomes consistent with client expectations and enables project managers to manage scope effectively while preserving quality standards.

What are the components of a requirements traceability matrix?

A requirements traceability matrix contains key elements like requirement ID, source, priority level, and status that link each project requirement to its origin and validation method. To help you become more familiar, here are the main components of a requirements traceability matrix.

Who needs the requirements traceability matrix?

RTMs are widely used among software developers, product teams, and professionals managing highly complex or regulated projects. While a more general project does typically track requirements, an RTM serves technical teams that must test and validate specific features.

Below are a few key sectors that rely on it to maintain oversight of deliverables and meet strict regulatory or quality standards.

• Healthcare 
  Pharmaceutical organizations use RTMs to confirm that medical devices and clinical systems meet Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards. Each requirement is tracked to ensure product safety and precise documentation.
• Information technology and software development
  IT teams use RTMs to link user needs with technical specifications and test cases. They also help developers manage changing requirements through design and testing, reducing rework and ensuring client satisfaction.
• Aerospace and defense
  In aerospace and defense, an RTM helps teams manage complex, safety-critical projects. It links each design specification to its test procedure, ensuring that every requirement meets the compliance standards set by military or aviation authorities. The matrix also enables teams to handle large volumes of technical data while maintaining full traceability from concept to testing.

• Finance and banking
  Financial institutions use RTMs to determine if systems comply with data protection laws and risk controls. This ensures each technical or operational requirement satisfies audit and security standards.

Aside from the industries above, nearly any project team can benefit from an RTM to ensure all stakeholder needs are met and aligned with objectives. You can get started with Smartsheet, which offers a variety of RTM templates tailored for software development, agile workflows, and general project tracking.

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What are the types of requirements traceability matrix?

Before you start building your own RTM, it’s important to know the various ways of connecting requirements with deliverables. Here’s a quick overview of the main types and their real-world applications:

1. Forward Traceability Matrix

This matrix maps each requirement to the deliverable or test case that fulfills it. It ensures that every requirement leads to an output within the project.

Real-life example: Software developers use a forward matrix to link user requirements to code modules. This enables devs to verify that each function delivers intended user value and that no feature is developed outside the project scope.

2. Backward Traceability Matrix

A backward matrix traces deliverables or test results back to their requirements. It helps ensure that the project scope doesn’t have additional test cases with no direct link to the requirement.

Example: Product launch teams use a backward matrix to verify that every feature in the final release ties directly to a customer requirement. This helps product managers validate that development efforts reflect real market needs and that no resources were spent on features without measurable value.

3. Bidirectional Traceability Matrix

This type combines forward and backward traceability to confirm that every requirement is implemented and that each deliverable corresponds to a documented need.

Example: In medical technology, a bidirectional matrix connects regulatory requirements to test results. This ensures that every safety or quality requirement has been tested and approved before the product reaches patients or healthcare providers.

How to create a requirements traceability matrix

If you prefer to make your own requirements traceability matrix from scratch, here are the steps outlining how you can do it effectively: 

1. Identify project requirements – Begin by collecting all technical requirements from stakeholders and project documents. Note which items are mandatory and which ones are optional so you can set priorities and understand dependencies for later phases.
2. Categorize requirements for complex or multi-stage projects – Group related requirements so large projects are easier to manage. This approach helps teams understand how requirements contribute to each phase of the project.
3. Assign unique identifiers – Each requirement should have a unique identification number or label. This makes tracking easier when requirements evolve or when multiple teams contribute to the same project. You can also create a system for linking tasks and requirements to ensure alignment between planned work and the outcomes those requirements support.
4. Define sources and stakeholders – Record who requested each requirement and who is responsible for approving or implementing it. Knowing the owner of each requirement makes future updates traceable.
5. Link requirements to deliverables – Connect each requirement to the related output, such as a product feature or test scenario. This confirms that each deliverable points to a specific requirement.
6. Add verification and validation criteria – Identify the verification criteria each requirement must satisfy, whether it’s through testing, inspection, or review. Adding this column tracks how every requirement will be validated and confirms if it meets project standards.
7. Monitor status and update progress – Track the current state of each requirement using categories like planned, in progress, or complete. Regular updates lets you identify risks or delays before they impact delivery.

Project management platforms like Wrike simplify requirements management with tools that categorize and track project files. Its built-in templates let you group requirements by folder hierarchies and capture new requests using customizable forms.

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Free requirements traceability matrix template

Now that you know how to create your own requirements traceability matrix, you can download this free RTM template to help you get started.

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