Spreadsheet Requirements 4 - Concepts

In this post, we look at key concepts concerning requirements for spreadsheet application projects.
First, let's define exactly what is meant by a requirement. A requirement
Is a property that the spreadsheet application must have to provide value to a stakeholder
Specifies what should be implemented
Describes how the spreadsheet application should behave.
A good project requirement will have the following characteristics:
Complete and correct
Feasible
Necessary
Prioritized
Unambiguous
Verifiable
Can be modified if necessary
Traceable - in case there is ever a question as to why something is done a particular way.
Requirements can be categorized as follows:
Business Requirements
- The high-level objectives of the organization
- Why the company is implementing the spreadsheet application
User Requirements
- The tasks the user must perform with the software
Functional Requirements
- What the developer must build into the software so that the Business and User Requirements are met
Review this list when you begin your project and after you have completed requirements development. Doing so will help ensure that you have a good foundation for your project and that you will avoid unnecessary delays and expense due to scope creep.