Business Requirements Document Template

Welcome to Your Go-To Guide for Simplified BRDs

Are you new to business analysis or looking for a straightforward way to document project requirements? You’ve come to the right place! This page is designed to help stakeholders, project managers, and aspiring business analysts understand the essentials of creating a Business Requirements Document (BRD) without the overwhelm.

A BRD is a critical tool for ensuring everyone involved in a project is on the same page. It outlines the “what” and “why” of a project, providing clarity and alignment for all stakeholders. However, not every project needs a lengthy, complex document. Sometimes, a concise and focused BRD is all you need to get started—and that’s exactly what this example delivers.

Using a relatable scenario—a family purchasing a car—we’ve created a quick and easy BRD template that you can adapt for your own projects. Whether you’re gathering requirements for a small initiative or guiding a team through a larger project, this template will help you structure your thoughts, define your scope, and communicate effectively.

Dive in, explore the example, and feel free to use this template as a starting point for your own BRDs. Let’s make requirement gathering simple, clear, and accessible for everyone!

Express BRD Sections

1. Introduction: Provides context and purpose for the document.
2. Business Objectives: Outlines the goals of the project.
3. Scope: Defines what is included and excluded in the project.
4. Requirements: Details the functional and non-functional requirements.
5. Assumptions: Lists any assumptions made during the project.
6. Constraints: Identifies limitations or restrictions.
7. Stakeholders: Lists the people involved and their roles.
8. Approval and Sign-Off: Ensures all stakeholders agree on the requirements.
9. Appendix: Includes version control and any additional information.

This template provides a concise yet comprehensive structure for stakeholders to follow when documenting requirements for their projects.

FAMILY CAR PURCHASE REQUIREMENTS DOCUMENT

1.0 Introduction

1.1 Purpose of the Document

This section outlines the purpose of the BRD. It explains why the document exists and what it aims to achieve.
Example:
The purpose of this document is to define the requirements for purchasing a family car that meets the needs of a family of five. This document will serve as a guide for stakeholders to ensure the selected vehicle aligns with the family’s needs and expectations.

1.2 Background

Provide context or background information about the project or scenario.
Example:
The family consists of two parents and three children. They are planning a road trip around Australia and require a vehicle that is spacious, reliable, and equipped with modern features to ensure comfort and convenience during long journeys.

2.0 Business Objectives

This section outlines the goals and objectives of the project.
Example:

• To purchase a vehicle that accommodates a family of five comfortably.
• To ensure the vehicle is suitable for long-distance travel across Australia.
• To provide modern features and conveniences for the family’s comfort and entertainment.

3.0 Scope

3.1 In-Scope

Define what is included in the project.
Example:

• Identifying vehicle requirements such as seating capacity, fuel type, and transmission type.
• Ensuring the vehicle has modern features like charging ports and creature comforts.
• Evaluating vehicles that meet the specified criteria.

3.2 Out-of-Scope

Define what is excluded from the project.
Example:

• Car financing options.
• Specific car makes and models.

4.0 Requirements

4.1 Functional Requirements

These are the specific features or functionalities the vehicle must have.
Example:

• The vehicle must have a minimum of 5 seats to accommodate the family.
• The vehicle must be either petrol or diesel-powered to ensure compatibility with fuel availability during the trip.
• The vehicle must have an automatic transmission.
• The vehicle must include charging ports for electronic devices.
• The vehicle must have modern creature comforts such as air conditioning, comfortable seating, and an infotainment system.

4.2 Non-Functional Requirements

These are the qualities or attributes of the vehicle.
Example:

• The vehicle must be reliable for long-distance travel.
• The vehicle must have sufficient storage space for luggage and travel essentials.
• The vehicle must be fuel-efficient to minimize travel costs.

5.0 Assumptions

List any assumptions made during the requirement gathering process.
Example:

• The family will use the vehicle primarily for long-distance travel.
• The mother will be one of the primary drivers, necessitating an automatic transmission.
• The family will not consider electric vehicles due to limited charging infrastructure in remote areas.

6.0 Constraints

Identify any limitations or constraints that may impact the project.
Example:

• The vehicle must be purchased within a specific budget (not defined in this document).
• The vehicle must be available for purchase within a reasonable timeframe to align with the planned trip.

7.0 Stakeholders

List the individuals or groups involved in the project and their roles.
Example:

• Father: Decision-maker and primary driver.
• Mother: Secondary driver, requiring an automatic transmission.
• Children: End-users who require charging ports for their devices.

8.0 Approval and Sign-Off

Include a section for stakeholders to approve and sign off on the requirements.
Example:

APPENDIX A: Version Control

Version Control

Track changes made to the document over time.
Example: