I define conformity as the degree to which a work product follows the rules and requirements set out in a standard. First, I look for clear alignment between the work product and the standard. Then, I check specific clauses and measurable criteria. For example, I verify that documented requirements trace to standard clauses. Moreover, I compare evidence to the required format and content. In addition, I assess whether the organization can prove compliance over time. Consequently, conformity becomes a measurable and repeatable property. Therefore, I treat conformity as both a quality attribute and a verification goal.
Next, I focus on process support. First, I ask whether the organization defines roles and responsibilities. Second, I verify whether user rights and access controls match those roles. For example, I check that approvers can sign off and editors can update drafts. Moreover, I confirm that the tool or process lets me map company-wide process models. In addition, I check whether teams can adapt these models to individual projects. Thus, I maintain consistency across projects while allowing local adjustments.
Furthermore, I verify support for parallel and role-based work. I check whether multiple people can work on different parts of the same work product. In addition, I confirm that role-based assignments prevent conflicts. Likewise, I value open item lists and task tracking. Therefore, I document unclear points and assign tasks to specific people. For example, I keep an open item list for unresolved requirements. Then, I track task completion and closure.
Moreover, I record decisions and decision logs. For example, I create a decision entry that captures the rationale, the decision maker, and the date. In addition, I link decisions to the affected requirements. Consequently, I can trace why a requirement changed. Hence, audits become easier and faster.
I also check process conformity. First, I define the target process in the requirements management plan. Then, I collect actual process data. Next, I perform a target/actual comparison to detect deviations. For example, I track approval times, review cycles, and status transitions. If a deviation appears, I flag it and propose corrective actions. Thus, I keep process conformity visible and actionable.
When I evaluate tools, I consider agile support. For example, I check for storyboards, Kanban boards, and burndown charts. In addition, I look for product backlogs, sprint backlogs, and retrospective support. Moreover, I assess whether the tool integrates with requirement artifacts. Therefore, I ensure teams can work in agile ways without losing traceability.
I recommend a structured checklist for tool selection. First, I weigh which points matter most for my project. Then, I create questions based on the requirements management plan. For example:
- Do I need role-based access and sign-off workflows?
- Can I map company-wide process models and adapt them per project?
- Does the tool support parallel editing and conflict resolution?
- Can I maintain open item lists and assign tasks to people?
- Can I log decisions and link them to requirements?
- Can I perform target/actual process conformity checks?
- Does the tool support agile artifacts like Kanban, backlogs, and burndown charts?
Finally, I score tools against these questions. First, I prioritize mandatory functions. Then, I compare support, usability, and export or reporting options. In addition, I consider integration with other systems. Consequently, I select the tool that best ensures conformity for my work products and processes.