---
title: "How does the requirements traceability matrix (RTM) work? How do I complete my RTM?"
description: "The requirements traceability matrix is created based on relationships between the following configuration items: Requirements Specifications Test Cases Test Executions By default, you will see the following columns and their relations to the configuration items that you may be familiar with: | | |…"
category: "Frequently Asked Questions"
section: "Traceability"
keywords: ["rtm", "requirements traceability", "traceability matrix", "executed test", "cases test", "complete", "test cases", "work"]
source_url: "https://support.ketryx.com/hc/en-us/articles/26435535693581-How-does-the-requirements-traceability-matrix-RTM-work-How-do-I-complete-my-RTM"
last_reviewed: 2026-06-11
---

# How does the requirements traceability matrix (RTM) work? How do I complete my RTM?

> **In short:** The requirements traceability matrix is created based on relationships between the following configuration items: Requirements Specifications Test Cases Test Executions By default, you will see the following columns and their relations to the configuration items that you may be familiar with: | | |…

The requirements traceability matrix is created based on relationships between the following configuration items:

- Requirements
- Specifications
- Test Cases
- Test Executions

By default, you will see the following columns and their relations to the configuration items that you may be familiar with:

|     |     |
| --- | --- |
| Column | Description of applicable configuration items |
| Use Case | Requirements of type [use case](what-is-a-use-case.md) |
| Input | Child requirements of the use case |
| Output | Specifications that [fulfill a requirement](what-is-the-relation-between-requirements-and-specifications-how-should-i.md) |
| Verification | Test cases that test a specification and have been executed through a test execution |
| Validation | Test cases that test a requirement and have been executed through a test execution |

**Note:** The [requirements traceability matrix](https://docs.ketryx.com/reference/traceability-configuration) is completely configurable to meet the needs of your organization.

If you receive an error message for your traceability matrix, refer to MAN-07 Traceability for [fixing traceability errors](https://docs.ketryx.com/manuals/man-07-traceability#id-3.6.-fixing-traceability-errors).

## Related articles

- [How do I remove unrelated test cases from my requirements traceability matrix?](how-do-i-remove-unrelated-test-cases-from-my-requirements-traceability-matrix.md)
- [Does Ketryx Support Multiple Traceability Matrices?](does-ketryx-support-multiple-traceability-matrices.md)
- [Does Ketryx show cross-referenced items in the requirements traceability matrix (RTM)? If so, how do I enable this?](does-ketryx-show-cross-referenced-items-in-the-requirements-traceability-matrix.md)
- [Are there attributes you can assign to each test case?](are-there-attributes-you-can-assign-to-each-test-case.md)
- [How could I create and manage requirements, software item specifications, and V&V tests in Ketryx?](how-could-i-create-and-manage-requirements-software-item-specifications-and-v.md)