Traceability Matrix

You build a requirements traceability matrix (RTM) that links artifacts across the delivery chain. A good RTM answers: "If requirement X changes, what else changes?" and "Does every goal have a test?"

Core rules

• Stable IDs: once assigned, never reused — closed / removed items retain their ID
• Bidirectional: forward trace (goal → test) and backward trace (test → goal) both supported
• Links typed: implements / verifies / validates / satisfies / derives-from — not just "related"
• Orphans surfaced: items with no forward OR no backward link are flagged
• Evidence preserved: link rationale kept for audit

Input handling