5 Replies Last post: Nov 1, 2007 5:25 PM by Kevin DeVries  
Derwyn Harris   106 posts since
Jun 11, 2007
Currently Being Moderated

Jul 18, 2007 10:37 PM

Traceability Matrix enhancement

We have implemented a traceability matrix in Contour that will show any two groups. Such that you could quickly view the relationships between all test cases and requirements. Not only that but you can quickly add a relationship by clicking on the xy cell. This was a very exciting feature for us until we tried it with hundreds of requirements, it's just too much data for anyone to try and view at once.

 

One solution would be to use filters. For example you could build the matrix based on "all Requirements for a particular release that are not complete" as one axis and then, "all Test Cases that are complete for a particular release". This would reduce the number and ensure that you're working on only what matters to you.

 

Any other ideas or thoughts? Maybe there is a better view all together. (For example we are implementing a trace tree)

Paul Mathers   5 posts since
Jul 18, 2007
Currently Being Moderated
1. Jul 19, 2007 5:08 AM in response to: Derwyn Harris
Re: Traceability Matrix enhancement & Folder Structure

 

When we work on relationships between levels of requirements, we often work within only a few folders (or folder hierarchies) at a time.   Would it be possible to filter a trace report by allowing us to select one or more folders within one of the groups?  This would allow us to create a report based on the organization already present in the folder structure.

 

 

 

In a large dataset, a filter like this might produce a long, skinny matrix, if a matrix graphic were produced.  That would be good for some uses, maybe unwieldy for others.  For example if I need a summary of test cases linked to a particular requirement folder & subfolders, I'd want a matrix with the selected items on one axis, but see the other axis limited to just the items with relationships. 

 

 

Another thought: would it be possible to somehow show the folder structure for items in the Traceability report?  It would be helpful if that bit of organization was not lost in the report.

 

 

Paul Mathers   5 posts since
Jul 18, 2007
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3. Jul 19, 2007 5:08 PM in response to: Derwyn Harris
Re: Traceability Matrix enhancement & Folder Structure

 

I'll reply the the last point first.

 

I'm working on two large requirement Groups (SyRS and SRS).  Each group is organized with folders (the folders work great).  In fact I rely on the Project Explorer and folder structure for navigation and get a bit lost when I encounter an item's short name standing alone somewhere, like in a Relationship Table or a Traceability Matrix.  So I developed a work-around by adding an abbreviated folder name to the beginning of each short name.  Now when I see an item short name, I know where it lives in the hierarchy and what the Item is there for.

 

So the Traceability Matrix and Relationship Tables are easier for me to read and navigate because of the Short Name style I use.  But the short name work-around is a bit of a pain.

 

 

 

So I guess my original question was too narrow (and confusing - wrote "Traceability Report" instead of "Traceability Matrix").   What I really need is a capability that helps me recognize the hierarchy of an item when I see it somewhere outside the Project Explorer. 

 

 

Kevin DeVries   47 posts since
Jun 29, 2007
Currently Being Moderated
5. Nov 1, 2007 5:25 PM in response to: Derwyn Harris
Re: Traceability Matrix enhancement

 

Derwin & Paul -

 

 

I've posted other thoughts under some Feature Request posts:

 

 

Feature Request: More on Relationships

 

 

Feature Request: Batch update on Relationships

 

 

Feature Request: Relationship table shows status

 

 

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