Tracing dependencies and alignment

Both requirements and specifications influence how teams plan and coordinate their work, but they do so in different ways. Product requirements define the big picture and shape priorities by connecting features to user and business goals. They help allocate resources, determine timelines, and set the foundation for what success means. Each requirement informs how teams divide responsibilities and decide which features are essential.

Product specifications translate those strategic decisions into technical dependencies. They describe how components interact, what systems or integrations are required, and what constraints must be respected. Specifications ensure that engineering choices align with the intended outcomes from the requirements document. When both stay connected, teams avoid miscommunication and technical drift, ensuring that the final product fulfills its original purpose.