Requirements Traceability Matrix

Requirements Traceability Matrix (RTM) is the data object that records the bidirectional links between stakeholder needs, derived requirements, design elements, verification artifacts, and validation evidence. It is the spine of regulated-industry submissions and the audit-ready evidence of requirements coverage.

What it covers

• Source-to-spec linkage from stakeholder needs to system and component requirements.
• Spec-to-design linkage allocating requirements to architectural blocks and parts.
• Spec-to-verification linkage mapping every requirement to its test or analysis case.
• Coverage and gap reports identifying orphan or unverified requirements.
• Change impact propagation when a requirement edit ripples through linked artifacts.

Relationships (see sidebar)

• Supports the Requirements Management, Regulatory Submission, and Systems Engineering processes.
• Implemented by PLM platforms including Siemens Teamcenter (Requirements / Polarion-integrated), PTC Windchill (Integrity), Dassault 3DEXPERIENCE, and Aras Innovator.
• Builds on ALM Traceability and MBSE artifacts.