How does maintaining traceability between the test basis and test artifacts add value?

Maintaining traceability between the test basis (such as requirements, design documents, etc.) and test artifacts (like test cases, test scripts, etc.) is vital for ensuring that all requirements are adequately tested. By establishing this clear connection, it becomes possible to assess whether a new test case enhances the coverage of the requirements. This connection not only helps in validating that every requirement is being addressed but also aids in identifying gaps in testing where certain requirements may not have corresponding test cases.

When a new requirement is introduced or an existing requirement is modified, traceability enables testers to quickly update or create necessary test cases. This ensures that the test suite remains aligned with the project’s objectives and that any risks associated with incomplete testing are minimized. Consequently, test coverage can be quantified and improved, leading to a higher level of confidence in the software's functionality and reliability.

This approach ultimately contributes to the quality assurance process, as it allows stakeholders to verify that the software being developed aligns with the originally intended requirements, thus enhancing the overall effectiveness of testing efforts.