Technical requirements, also known as specs, play a crucial role in addressing software-related technical concerns and are essential for software and system development. Understanding and defining technical requirements can help in comprehending the software development process better.

Technical requirements are the specific technical challenges that need to be addressed in order to successfully complete a project or develop a product. These requirements cover a wide range of technical aspects such as software performance, reliability, and accessibility. For example, if you have designed online word processing software that only functions on a specific web browser due to an integration mechanism, then the technical requirement specifies that the program must be utilized on that particular browser.
Why are technical requirements important? Technical requirements essentially define how the software should operate and function. They provide guidance to developers and users on how to effectively utilize the product. Well-defined technical requirements help in constructing a project or program with a systematic implementation approach. Developers and technicians often refer to these technical requirements as technical requirement documents.
Technical requirement documents may vary for each project, but they serve the common purpose of ensuring that software owners and developers have a clear understanding of the project specifics and estimated project costs, resources, and development time. Estimating these factors is crucial for effective project planning. Understanding the technical needs of your software can help in identifying these variables accurately.
Technical requirements can vary depending on the type of product or industry. While there is no universal list of technical needs for every project, here are 17 examples of technical requirements:
Accessibility: Making a service, product, or technology accessible to everyone through features like closed captions for training videos.
Authorization and Authentication: Systems following authentication and authorization policies to verify data and grant access.
Availability: The percentage measure of how long a software or resource is available for usage.
Data Quality: Ensuring high-quality data for operational and decision-making purposes.
Human Error: Software requirements to identify incorrect input and alert users to resolve discrepancies.
Information Security: Encrypting and securing user credentials and private data in online storage or transit systems.
Interoperability: Ensuring software is fully compatible and supports all major operating systems, browsers, and devices.
Maintainability: Keeping software integrity intact and fixing technical issues within a certain timeframe.
Performance: Determining typical wait times and software loading times to meet certain standards.
Privacy: Protecting sensitive consumer data from internal employees and data experts.
Productivity: Implementing techniques to enhance user productivity, such as auto-generating data.
Reliability: Measuring the average time between downtimes or breakdowns for system or software reliability.
Serviceability: Ensuring software and systems remain functional during upgrades or modifications.
Standards Compliance: Meeting security and architectural criteria for system design and flexibility.
System Errors: Generating error codes to notify users of system errors and provide solutions.
Supplier Lockdown: Implementing open-sourced software or systems for customization and development by users.
In conclusion, technical requirements are a critical component of software and system development. Understanding and defining these requirements can help in guiding the project in the right direction and ensuring the successful completion of the project. By considering and addressing the technical needs of the software, developers can create a robust and efficient product that meets the requirements of both users and stakeholders alike.