Solution Requirements
Solution requirements describe the characteristics, features, and capabilities that a solution must possess to meet business and stakeholder requirements. They are divided into functional and non-functional requirements.
Explanation
Solution requirements define what the solution must do and how it must perform. They translate higher-level business and stakeholder requirements into specific, measurable, and testable specifications that guide the design and development of the solution. Solution requirements are the most detailed level of requirements before technical design begins.
Solution requirements are divided into two categories. Functional requirements describe the behaviors, features, and functions the solution must provide, such as "the system shall allow users to reset their password via email." Non-functional requirements describe quality attributes and constraints, such as performance, security, usability, and reliability requirements.
Well-defined solution requirements are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. They must be traceable to stakeholder and business requirements, and they must be testable so that the project team can verify the solution meets its specifications. Ambiguous or incomplete solution requirements are a primary cause of project rework and defects.
Key Points
- •Divided into functional requirements (what the solution does) and non-functional requirements (how the solution performs)
- •Translate business and stakeholder needs into specific, testable specifications
- •Must be traceable upward to stakeholder and business requirements
- •Ambiguous solution requirements are a leading cause of project rework
Exam Tip
Always distinguish between functional and non-functional when you see "solution requirements" on the exam. Know that both types trace back to stakeholder and business requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Topics
Functional Requirements
Functional requirements describe the specific behaviors, features, and capabilities a solution must provide, defining what the system should do in response to inputs or conditions.
Non-Functional Requirements
Non-functional requirements describe the quality attributes, constraints, and performance standards a solution must meet, specifying how well the system should perform rather than what it should do.
Stakeholder Requirements
Stakeholder requirements describe the needs of individual stakeholders or stakeholder groups, including what they need the solution to do for them in order to meet the business requirements.
Business Requirements
Business requirements describe the high-level needs of the organization, including why the project is being undertaken, the business goals it supports, and the measurable objectives it must achieve.
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