Implementation of Traceability from Requirements to System Architecture

Abstract

This thesis investigates the integration of requirements management and system modeling at Palfinger, a global leader in lifting solutions. The company faced significant challenges due to the disparate tools and processes used for managing requirements, resulting in ineffciencies and poor traceability across its project teams. This research proposes a unified solution, integrating Jira for requirements management with IQUAVIS for system modeling, aimed at enhancing traceability, collaboration, and overall project effciency. The study begins by examining the current methodologies employed at Palfinger, identifying gaps in traceability and alignment between requirements and system architecture. A comprehensive solution is proposed, focusing on consolidating requirements management within Jira and seamlessly integrating it with IQUAVIS to ensure end-to-end traceability. This integration improves the clarity, consistency, and alignment of project goals across all stakeholders. A Minimum Viable Product (MVP) of the Jira-IQUAVIS interface was developed as part of this research, demonstrating the feasibility and value of the proposed solution. The MVP successfully integrates task and system architecture management, streamlining workflows and improving access to real-time project information. A case study was conducted to assess the practical application of the MVP, revealing significant improvements in traceability and project alignment. The thesis concludes by discussing the next steps for further refining the MVP, including improving user accessibility, expanding functionality, and optimizing the system for handling large datasets. This research makes a significant contribution to the field of systems engineering by providing a scalable framework for integrating requirements management with system architecture, tailored to the specific needs of Palfinger. The findings set a precedent for future developments in managing complex engineering projects.

Date of Award	2024
Original language	English
Supervisor	Andreas Kellner (Supervisor)