What is one of the main purposes of having traceability in requirements?

Having traceability in requirements primarily serves to improve the integrity and accuracy of those requirements. Traceability ensures that each requirement can be traced back to its source, whether that is a stakeholder need, a project objective, or regulatory criteria. This connection aids in validating that requirements align perfectly with the initial intents and needs, preventing requirements from diverging or becoming unclear over the project lifecycle.

In addition, traceability allows for better management of changes throughout the project. When a requirement is modified, the effects of that change can be tracked across related documentation, design elements, and test cases, thus maintaining the accuracy of the project deliverables. By ensuring that all requirements are properly defined, documented, and traceable, the project team can uphold a higher standard of quality and minimize the risk of errors or misinterpretations.

While other options may be benefits arising indirectly from effective traceability, such as potentially influencing project costs or durations, the central purpose remains focused on ensuring that requirements are accurate, complete, and reflect the needs they are designed to fulfill.