ALM Traceability

ALM Traceability is the logical capability of linking software application-lifecycle artifacts — requirements, work items, source-code commits, builds, test cases, and defects — to PLM artifacts so that hardware and software requirements, designs, and verifications stay coherent across one product. It is essential in software-heavy products such as vehicles, medical devices, and avionics.

What it covers

• Requirements ↔ work-item linking between PLM/SE tools and ALM tools (Jira, Polarion, Jama, Codebeamer).
• Test coverage and verification matrices spanning hardware and software.
• OSLC links (Open Services for Lifecycle Collaboration) that federate without copying.
• Impact analysis across change — a software change reaching an aerospace certification record.
• DO-178C, IEC 62304, ISO 26262 evidence-chain support.

Relationships (see sidebar)

• Supports the Requirements Management, Quality Management, Change Management (ECO/ECN), and Service and Maintenance processes.
• Often consumed alongside the Digital Thread for cross-discipline traceability.