Toward a Reference Architecture for Traceability in SBVR-based Systems

We present an initial reference architecture for traceability in SBVR-based systems. It facilitates rule-based development that lets end users trace interface behavior back to the human decision points that lead to it. This closes a feedback loop, which facilitates agile development. The architecture is based on Web standards to generalize comparison and implementation. It begins with the human process of linking document excerpts to the SBVR code that defines them. The next step transforms SBVR into computer code that implements it. Reasoners then form conclusions by applying the rules to data. They can also provide rudimentary explanations for these conclusions. The system then provides an end-user interface to all this rulederived information. The core challenge here is maintaining the data needed to trace back through these layers, so end-user feedback can improve the entire development proces.