3SL, Inc

Interface Control Document Template

Interface Requirements

The purpose of an ICD is to clearly communicate all the requirement inputs and outputs for a system or program, mapping all potential actions. Many companies use this document in the Planning phase but fail or fall short in the efficient incorporation of the Document into their requirements management software. 


This kind of document also takes A LONG TIME TO CREATE!


Cradle solves this issue by allowing you to create this document. As you fill out the required parameters through your management planning, you create the necessary pieces to eventually build the ICD.


If you prefer to do it yourself on Microsoft Word,  download our free document. You could also get a 14-day Free trial of Cradle to see how you can make better use of your time by allowing it to create these documents for you.

What is an Interface Control Document?

In case you are new to requirements management or need a refresher, an Interface Control Document is a crucial planning step in most systems engineering and software engineering. It provides a record of all interface information involved in a project. These could be diagrams, tables, drawings or simply typed information.


It tends to contain three major areas of focus:

  • The inputs and outputs of the system
  • The interface between systems
  • The full protocol of interfacing from the lowest to highest logical levels


What makes a GOOD Interface Control Document?

One that gets used for it's purpose- control! Simply writing an ICD and checking that box as complete is a waste of time. The interface control document is a pivotal part of your requirements management and should be references on a regular basis.


These are not small documents and cross-referencing them can be difficult and time consuming. This is why many companies turn to requirements management software. 


An advantage of our software Cradle is that documents, like an ICD in Microsoft Word, can be imported and implemented into a larger network of documentation. Try it for yourself!