A Multivocal Mapping Study on Artifact Traceability Complexities in Practice

Zaki Pauzi, Andrea Capiluppi

2025

Abstract

Artifact traceability is essential for managing the relationships between artifacts produced during the software development lifecycle, yet achieving effective traceability in practice remains a complex challenge. This study explores the multifaceted nature of traceability in real-world settings, providing actionable insights for researchers, practitioners, and tool developers aiming to enhance traceability practices, improve software quality, and support project success. Drawing from 56 academic papers and 15 grey literature sources, this study synthesises findings from scholarly research, industry reports, practitioner experiences, and expert opinions. Key challenges include the lack of standardised processes and tools, difficulties in maintaining traceability over time, balancing automation with human involvement, and fostering effective stakeholder communication and collaboration. Two critical open challenges emerge: achieving semantic interoperability and managing scalability in complex systems. To address these, we recommend targeted efforts towards standardisation and the development of incremental, adaptive techniques for traceability management.

Paper Citation

in Harvard Style

Pauzi Z. and Capiluppi A. (2025). A Multivocal Mapping Study on Artifact Traceability Complexities in Practice. In Proceedings of the 20th International Conference on Evaluation of Novel Approaches to Software Engineering - Volume 1: ENASE; ISBN 978-989-758-742-9, SciTePress, pages 754-761. DOI: 10.5220/0013458400003928

in Bibtex Style

@conference{enase25,
author={Zaki Pauzi and Andrea Capiluppi},
title={A Multivocal Mapping Study on Artifact Traceability Complexities in Practice},
booktitle={Proceedings of the 20th International Conference on Evaluation of Novel Approaches to Software Engineering - Volume 1: ENASE},
year={2025},
pages={754-761},
publisher={SciTePress},
organization={INSTICC},
doi={10.5220/0013458400003928},
isbn={978-989-758-742-9},
}

in EndNote Style

TY - CONF

JO - Proceedings of the 20th International Conference on Evaluation of Novel Approaches to Software Engineering - Volume 1: ENASE
TI - A Multivocal Mapping Study on Artifact Traceability Complexities in Practice
SN - 978-989-758-742-9
AU - Pauzi Z.
AU - Capiluppi A.
PY - 2025
SP - 754
EP - 761
DO - 10.5220/0013458400003928
PB - SciTePress