A database entry is automatically created, including the requirement text and a set of attributes with default values. The original document is not changed and can be saved in Word format. This database can be queried on any combination of attributes, and a report can be easily generated. The attributes of requirements must be user defined to match organizational preferences. Some organizations may want to start with just a few attributes and add more as the organization matures.
Attributes can be text, integer numbers or values selected from a pick list.
Attributes are also customizable for each type of document. Maintaining Requirements and Traceability Another activity related to requirements management is change control. Historically, this process was managed using a manual traceability matrix. The traceability matrix lists requirements from a specification along one axis and the requirements from a related specification on another axis. When one requirement is related to another, a check mark is placed at the intersection.