A method of establishing traceability for embedded software systems. A design code database is provided for an embedded software system. A test suite database including a plurality of test cases is structured for testing design code of the embedded software system. The structuring of the test cases provides a correspondence from a respective test case to a respective portion of the design code. A processor receives a design code modification to the embedded software. An associated test case is identified for testing the modified design code being based on traceability data. The associated test case is revised to accommodate the modified design code. The modified test cases are integrated into the test suite. A traceability database establishes a one-to-one correspondence between the modified design coder and the modified test case is updated.