A software requirements specification (also referred to as a software development specification or a system/project requirements specification) is a document that describes the software that you want your technology partner to develop for you. Usually, a software development specification document is drafted either when choosing a supplier – if you’d like a number of potential suppliers to provide detailed quotes, or once you’ve selected your desired supplier and signed an IT outsourcing contract with them.
You may choose to prepare the document on your own, or get professionals do help you. Some IT companies, including Future Processing, provide assistance in preparing software requirements specification documents and other technical documents through dedicated workshops.
It is worth mentioning that a software development requirements specification document serves as a prelude to further discussions about the system or application to be developed, rather than describe the final version of the software. It is quite often the case that specifications are tweaked throughout projects.
A software requirements specification allows you to present your idea and needs in a well-structured manner which can be later shared with the development team to enhance the common understanding of the software to be developed.
What should a software development requirements specification contain?
A software requirements specification should provide a detailed picture of the software to be developed including its goals, functional and non-functional requirements and project glossary. Other important sections include technical requirements, implementation requirements and information about the users. Requirements specification documents will vary depending on whether you are asking your supplier to develop an existing piece of software or to create software from scratch.
How to write a software requirements specification? What is a good requirements specification?
A requirements specification in software engineering is usually directed at developers or their technical managers. It should therefore contain highly detailed technical information while still being clear enough for business users who would eventually accept and use the software. A good software development requirements specification should be clear, unambiguous, correct and as complete as possible at the moment of its creation.
When writing a software specification document, it is worth starting from the basics and being as clear and precise throughout as possible. It is good to include as much detail as possible – even if it means you repeat yourself. The level of detail covered by your specification, will determine the ability of your potential supplier to provide more or less accurate estimations of project time and cost.
Writing a software development requirements specification can be a daunting task and there are many things to remember, many issues to consider and much information to cover, organise and communicate. To help you answer the question of how to write a software development requirements specification document, we created a pack of two editable, Word document requirements specification templates which you can simply download and complete for any supplier you choose to work with.
Software development specification template – a pack of two editable docs
If you need to create a software requirements specification document, download our pack of 2 templates which have been designed for those of you who:
- need a requirements specification template for new software development, or
- need a requirements specification document for existing software – for example if you need to upgrade or replace an existing solution.
These two software development specification templates include must-have areas important for development of new software or for upgrading or replacing existing software. To use them, simply download the pack by completing the form above, edit your chosen requirements specification template, add any additional sections you need and send it off to your chosen IT services company.
We wish you good luck with your software project.
