A source trace represents the relationship between one item (requirement) and one source member. Both the requirement and source member are versioned in PTC RV&S. An item version is represented by a timestamp, while a source member revision is represented by a revision number such as 1.1.

Each item and source member can have multiple source traces.

Source traces are stored as part of the item in PTC RV&S, providing full history and versioning. Source traces work with items through the Source Link field type when Trace is enabled. Any number of these fields can be created and made visible on an item type. Each field provides a container for source traces of the same type, for example, traces to implementing source or traces to source being verified.