1.4.4. Traceability between the Test Basis and Testware
In order to implement effective test monitoring and control, it is important to establish and maintain
traceability throughout the test process between the test basis elements, testware associated with these
elements (e.g., test conditions, risks, test cases), test results, and detected defects.
Accurate traceability supports coverage evaluation, so it is very useful if measurable coverage criteria are
defined in the test basis. The coverage criteria can function as key performance indicators to drive the
activities that show to what extent the test objectives have been achieved (see section 1.1.1). For
example:
• Traceability of test cases to requirements can verify that the requirements are covered by test
cases.
• Traceability of test results to risks can be used to evaluate the level of residual risk in a test
object.
In addition to evaluating coverage, good traceability makes it possible to determine the impact of
changes, facilitates test audits, and helps meet IT governance criteria. Good traceability also makes test
progress and completion reports more easily understandable by including the status of test basis
elements. This can also assist in communicating the technical aspects of testing to stakeholders in an
understandable manner. Traceability provides information to assess product quality, process capability,
and project progress against business goals.