A Complete Roadmap to a Software Requirements Specification (SRS) Document

In the year 1999, an unfortunate incident caused NASA to lose the Mars Climate Orbiter, a spacecraft worth a staggering $125 million. Surprisingly, the reason behind this costly blunder was a failure in communication between two engineering teams regarding the measurements of key performance data. While the astronautics team followed the English units of measurement for the spacecraft's route calculations, the laboratory team relied on the metric system.

This incident serves as a stark reminder that even if an esteemed organization like NASA can cause such a disastrous oversight, it can happen to your software development projects too. In fact, flawed requirements lead to 70% of IT project failures.

“Approaching the project without any form of documentation or a plan is a recipe for failure. While some business owners may prefer to dive straight into development, my personal experience has shown that this often leads to missed deadlines, unmet expectations, and budget overruns.” - Saiyed Faisal, Project Manager

Hence, before starting a project, you must ensure that everyone in your cross-functional team is on the same page, including your clients.

One way to mitigate such errors and delays throughout the entire software development process is by creating a comprehensive software requirement specification document.

At Radixweb, this document acts as a blueprint for our future products, containing all the necessary details and specifications. By having a well-defined SRS document, we can minimize the chances of encountering such avoidable mistakes and set our projects for success.

And to shed more light on the topic, we engaged in a discussion with our business and technical analysts to share their valuable insights, tips, and ideas in this article. We aim to define what an SRS document means, highlight the benefits it brings, identify those who would benefit from it the most, and offer guidance on how to create it.

Let's get it going!

Achieve More with Less Efforts by Unlocking the True Power of Software Development Solutions

Let’s Create a Foolproof Strategy

What is a Software Requirement Specification (SRS) Document?

Software requirement specification is a crucial document in the software development life cycle, serving as a formal description of what a software system should do and how it should behave.

An SRS provides a comprehensive understanding of the software project by defining its scope, functionalities, and constraints. It typically includes various sections such as an introduction, system overview, functional and non-functional requirements, user interface specifications, performance requirements, and more.

To give you a real-life example, let's imagine you're building a mobile banking app. The SRS document for this project would outline;

• Its specific features and functionalities, such as user authentication, balance inquiry, and funds transfer.
• How these features should work and integrate with each other
• The layout, color schemes, fonts, and navigation flow of the UI
• Any hardware or software dependencies, compatibility requirements, and constraints.

Why Should You Create an SRS Document?

I cannot emphasize enough the usefulness of systems requirements specification just because some business owners choose to overlook this crucial aspect of the software development process, only to later dig a hole in their pocket.

Without an SRS, it becomes extremely challenging to build software. Consider the following questions:

1. How will UX designers identify the target users?
2. How will developers determine which features to include?
3. How can project managers compare the final product with the initial requirements?
4. And how will testers know what to test?

By using SRS templates, we can eliminate confusion, delays, and excessive expenses. These documents serve as a reliable point of reference for teams, ensuring everyone is aware of the product development specifications and deadlines.

Moreover, creating a software requirements document will help your team plan their work as it provides coders with valuable insights into the required technology stack and gives testers guidelines for designing test cases.

It also facilitates communication among project partners. By documenting changes in the SRS, all parties involved can be regularly informed and up to date.

Who Should Create a Software Requirement Specification Document?

When it comes to writing the software requirements document, the responsibility usually falls upon a team of individuals, involving key stakeholders, business analysts, software architects, and software engineers.

Let's delve into the roles and their involvement in creating this document.

• Project Managers ensure that the requirements reflect the desired outcomes and align with the overall business objectives.
• Business Analysts make sure that the requirements are clear, unambiguous, and aligned with the business needs.
• Solution Architects help shape the software's structure and define the necessary components.
• Software Engineers ensure that the requirements are translated into a functional software solution.

Functional Requirements vs. Non-Functional Requirements in Software Development

In every software development method, functional requirements and non-functional requirements play distinct but equally important roles in shaping the final product.

Functional requirements in software specification define what the software should do or the specific features and functionalities it must possess. These requirements are directly related to the core functionality of the software and are typically more visible to end users, such as its ability to perform certain tasks, handle specific inputs, and produce desired outputs.

On the other hand, non-functional requirements focus on how the software should perform and the quality attributes it should exhibit. These include performance, security, reliability, usability, and scalability. These requirements often influence the overall user experience and system performance.

To illustrate further, let's consider a real-life example: a FinTech application.

Some functional requirements for the app may include the ability to create accounts, transfer funds between accounts, and generate account statements.

However, the non-functional requirements for the same app could include ensuring data privacy and security, maintaining high availability to ensure customers can access their accounts at all times, and providing a user-friendly interface for ease of use.

Maximize Your IT Investment and Drive Tech Innovation with Our Trusted Consulting Services

Take the Leap Towards Excellence

The Structure and Components of an SRS Document

The level of detail in the software requirements specification document will vary depending on the chosen methodology, whether it is waterfall or agile.

In the waterfall methodology, more time is allocated to creating the SRS document. This methodology is suitable for projects where requirements can change frequently. However, if changes do occur, updating the SRS document can be costly.

On the other hand, in the agile methodology, the approach involves iterative feedback gathering from the client by business analysts, with multiple updates throughout the project. While the requirements remain flexible and changes can occur frequently, the composition of the SRS is crucial in the agile methodology.

In general, an SRS document should include the following information to adequately fulfill its purpose:

1. Title Page

The title page of an SRS document in software engineering serves as the cover page of the SRS document. It typically includes:

• project name
• version number
• release date
• names of the authors and reviewers

2. Table of Contents

The table of contents provides an organized list of all the sections and subsections within the SRS document, along with their corresponding page numbers. It allows readers to quickly navigate and locate specific information.

3. Introduction

Next in the requirement specification document, we have the introduction section that provides an overview of the software system and its purpose. It sets the context for the entire document, consisting of:

• Project background and objectives
• Product scope
• Product value
• intended audience
• Intended use
• Definitions and acronyms

4. System Overview

This section provides a high-level description of the software system. It includes details such as the software architecture pattern, major components, and interactions with external systems. The goal is to help readers grasp the overall structure and functionality of the system.

5. Functional Requirements

As we already mentioned, the functional requirements specification describes the specific features and functionalities that the software system should possess. It includes detailed descriptions of each requirement, along with any constraints or dependencies.

6. Non-Functional Requirements

The non-functional requirements section outlines the quality attributes and constraints that the software system should adhere to. It includes aspects such as performance, usability, security, reliability, and maintainability.

7. Use Cases

Use cases in software design specification depict the interactions between system actors (users, external systems, etc.) and the software system. They describe the steps and scenarios that occur in specific actions. Organizations commonly use diagrams and textual descriptions to illustrate use cases.

8. System Interfaces

The system interfaces section outlines the external systems, hardware devices, and software components that the software system interacts with. It includes details such as protocols, data formats, and communication mechanisms. Here also you can use graphs, diagrams, or tables to represent the system interfaces.

9. Data Model

Data models define the structure and relationships of the data entities used by the software system. It can include entity-relationship diagrams, data flow diagrams, or class diagrams to display the data model.

10. Assumptions and Dependencies

This part of the software requirement specification report lists any assumptions made during the requirements-gathering process and any dependencies on external factors or systems. It helps you identify potential risks and clarify the project's boundaries.

11. Constraints

The constraints section highlights any limitations or restrictions that apply to the software system, such as regulatory compliance, budget constraints, or technological limitations. It provides a clear understanding of the project's boundaries.

Key Features of a Well-Designed Software Requirement Specification Document

A well-thought-out software requirement analysis and specification Document serves as a foundation for communication and collaboration between stakeholders, developers, and testers. And here are some key features that contribute to that:

• Realistic and Measurable Goals: The software and business requirement specifications should be realistic and achievable within the project's constraints. For instance, instead of stating, "The system should be fast," you could provide a measurable requirement like, "The system should load the homepage within 2 seconds on average."
• Clear and Concise Language: The document should use clear, precise, and unambiguous language to describe the software requirements. Avoid technical jargon or excessive use of acronyms that may confuse readers. Use simple and straightforward sentences to convey information effectively.
• Complete and Comprehensive Coverage: You must provide a comprehensive overview of all the non-functional and functional requirements in SRS. For example, when documenting the requirements for an eCommerce website, you would include details about user registration, product catalog, shopping cart functionality, payment options, and security measures.
• Well-Structured Format: A well-structured and organized SRS template with clearly defined sections and headings helps readers navigate through the document easily and locate specific information quickly.
• Traceability and Referencing: In order to allow easy traceability and help stakeholders understand the relationships between different requirements, you need to uniquely identify and cross-reference each requirement throughout the document
• Collaboration and Stakeholder Involvement: The SRS document should be a collaborative effort involving all relevant stakeholders, including clients, end-users, developers, and project managers. You can conduct interviews, workshops, or surveys to gather requirements from end-users and involve developers in reviewing and refining the technical aspects of the document.

Focus on Your Core Competencies While We Take Care of Your Development Needs

Outsource Your Project Today

How to Write an SRS Document?

If you’re about to start a new project, it is crucial to prioritize the creation of software requirements specification. And although it may seem a daunting task, trust me when I say that it will make or break your software. The more detailed and comprehensive the SRS is, the less likely the development team will make mistakes or go in the wrong direction.

Hence, to write an SRS in a more efficient and manageable way, here is a step-by-step guide you must follow:

Step 1: Start by Creating an Outline

An outline will serve as a foundation and guide throughout the writing process. You can either develop your own outline or use a pre-designed SRS template. Regardless, the outline should include:

1. A thorough introduction – definition, purpose, product scope, target audience, and intended use.
2. A general description – user needs, business requirements, assumptions, dependencies, and product constraints.
3. Software features and functionalities – functional, non-functional, and external interface requirements.

Step 2: Define the Purpose of the Software

At this stage, you should come up with a summary of the entire SRS document, enabling you to provide a clear understanding of what your product aims to achieve and how it should function. Describe the intended users, their interactions with the product, and the value that your product will deliver.

Step 3: Provide an Overview

In this section, explain the concept of your software and why it would be appealing to users. Describe all the features and functions and how they align with user needs.

Additionally, specify whether the product is new or a replacement for an existing one and whether it is a stand-alone application or an add-on to an existing system. It may also be helpful to mention any assumptions regarding the product's functionality.

Step 4: Explain Functional and Non-functional Requirements

Whether you write the systems requirements specifications internally or seek external expertise, it is important to provide a detailed description of all the requirements associated with your software product.

It is also advisable to include use cases that vividly illustrate how users will interact with your system so that your dedicated development team understands the requirements effectively.

Step 5: Include Supplemental Details

If you have any additional information to add, such as proposals, alternative ideas, references, or any other relevant details that could be useful to developers in completing the project, this is the phase to include them.

Step 6: Get Done with the Approval

At this juncture, it’s critical for stakeholders to meticulously examine the software specification report within the framework of software development services. They should offer feedback or suggest enhancements as needed.

Once they are satisfied with the document from their perspective, seek their approval and acceptance of it as the plan of action. With their approval, you can proceed confidently towards software development.

Common Mistakes You Should Avoid While Creating an SRS Document in Software Engineering

Let's go through some tried-and-true tips and tricks for writing a software specification report that well serves its purpose:

1. Always ensure there’s clarity. What may be obvious to you might not be apparent to others, so it's important to provide detailed explanations without assuming that others possess the same knowledge.
2. Include various diagrams to represent and support your written content. If you cannot create a diagram, it indicates a lack of understanding.
3. Don't treat assumptions as established truths. Business analysts should only include information that they know to be true. If there is uncertainty, clarification should be sought instead of assuming.
4. Ensure that all stakeholders verify and approve the resulting SRS. It is important to obtain validation and approval from all relevant parties.
5. Utilize hyperlinks to facilitate navigation between sections, terms, and clarifications. Since the resulting SRS document can be extensive, even for relatively small projects, hyperlinks will help users quickly locate the desired information.
6. Focus on proposing solutions, not inventing requirements. Only include the client's specified requirements and avoid adding anything based on personal imagination.
7. Highlight important terms, such as object and process names, by capitalizing them. This will distinguish them from the rest of the text and improve readability, making it easier for readers to find specific information.

Need a Software Makeover? Our Seasoned Developers are Here to Strategize, Upgrade, and Empower Your Business

Hire Experts from Our Network

An SRS Document Example

Now that you know what to include and how to create an SRS, it’s time to take a look at a brief software requirements specification example for a healthcare app development

Introduction

1.1 Purpose

The purpose of this document is to provide a comprehensive description of the requirements for the development of a healthcare app. The app aims to improve access to healthcare services, enable effective communication between patients and healthcare providers, and enhance overall healthcare management.

1.2 Scope

The healthcare app will be a mobile app available for both iOS and Android platforms. It will provide various features for patients, healthcare providers, and administrators, facilitating seamless interaction and access to healthcare services.

1.3 Definitions, Acronyms, and Abbreviations

• SRS: Software Requirement Specification
• iOS: Apple's mobile operating system
• Android: Google's mobile operating system

Overall Description

2.1 Product Perspective

The healthcare app will act as a standalone product, integrating with existing healthcare systems such as electronic health records (EHR) and appointment scheduling systems.

2.2 User Classes and Characteristics

• Patients: Users seeking healthcare services, booking appointments, and accessing medical records.
• Healthcare Providers: Doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals managing patient appointments, prescribing medications, and accessing patient information.
• Administrators: Hospital or clinic staff responsible for managing the app's backend, user accounts, and system configurations.

2.3 Operating Environment

The app will operate on mobile devices running iOS 13+ and Android 8+. It will communicate with backend servers via secure internet connections.

Functional Requirements

3.1 User Registration and Authentication

3.2 Patient Features

• View medical records
• Appointment scheduling
• Secure communication with healthcare providers.
• Request prescription refills
• Receive notifications

3.3 Healthcare Provider Features

• View and manage patient appointments
• Access to patient medical records
• Prescribe medications and view prescription history
• Secure communication with patients

3.4 Administrator Features

• Add, remove, and modify user accounts
• System configuration options
• Access to system logs and reports
• Monitoring app usage and performance

Non-Functional Requirements

4.1 Performance

• Respond quickly to user interactions
• minimal latency
• support concurrent user sessions

4.2 Security

• User authentication and authorization
• Encrypted data transmission
• Secure storage of medical records

4.3 Usability

• Intuitive and user-friendly interface
• Legible text and font
• Appropriately sized controls

4.4 Reliability

• 99.9% availability and accessibility
• Handle errors gracefully
• Provide informative error messages
• Recover from failures

System Constraints

• Compatible with multiple mobile devices and screen sizes
• Applicable privacy and security regulations, such as HIPAA

Appendices

• Appendix A: Glossary of Terms
• Appendix B: References

Best SRS Software Tools Available in the Market

There are several examples of software requirement specification tools that can help you effectively document and manage the overall SRS creation process. If you're struggling to create one, these below-mentioned tools might be helpful:

Don’t Wait for Opportunities, Create Them. Leverage Our Software Development Services Now

Build, Innovate, and Succeed

Do You Need Help to Write an SRS Document?Did you know that only about 46% of completed projects actually meet the expectations of stakeholders? It's a surprising statistic that highlights the importance of having a well-crafted software requirements specification document.At Radixweb, we don't underestimate the power of a well-defined software requirements document - it can make all the difference in achieving our project goals. We strongly believe that creating and approving such a document can significantly increase the likelihood of your development partner delivering the expected solutions.Whether you're embarking on a complete project or starting with a specific phase, our software consulting team can help you draft a comprehensive SRS. In the case of the latter, you can use this documentation to initiate a procurement process where multiple vendors can compete for your project.How does the process of writing an SRS work?Well, once we've heard your business idea, our experienced business analysts will begin gathering requirements and meticulously crafting the document. The time required for this process depends on the complexity of your product, so it's challenging to provide an exact time estimate without assessing the scope of the work.However, we understand the critical role this document plays in the development process, and we assure you that we'll deliver an accurate and comprehensive SRS in the shortest possible timeframe.So, if you think the SRS document is an indispensable part of software engineering, we encourage you to reach out to us. We will create a high-quality SRS document that sets the foundation for the smooth and successful development of your final product!