A Traceability Matrix is a document that connects any two baseline documents that require a many-to-many LINK to ENSURE that the relationship is COMPLETE. It's used to keep track of requirements and make SURE they're being met on the present project.

The following are the three major components of a traceability matrix:

• Forward Traceability: This matrix is used to determine whether the project is progressing in the appropriate direction and for the correct product. It ensures that each specification is applied to the product and that each specification is adequately tested. It connects test cases to requirements.
• Backward or reverse Traceability: It is used to verify that the present product is still on track. The goal of this form of traceability is to ensure that we are not expanding the project's scope by adding code, DESIGN features, testing, or other activities not stated in the requirements. It connects requirements to test cases.
• Bidirectional Traceability: This traceability matrix ensures that all criteria are covered by test cases in both directions (forward and backward). It examines the impact of a change in requirements caused by a work product defect, and vice versa.