The best alternative to Helix ALM, now Perforce ALM, for medical device and life science teams
Last updated Facts checked
Matrix Req is requirements management software built only for life sciences. It comes from a vendor that is independently certified to ISO 13485:2016 and ISO/IEC 27001:2022, and it turns your project data straight into the documents an auditor asks for.
Two way sync with Jira and Azure DevOps, Matrix Mind and the AI Compliance Checker included, and a typical rollout in 2 to 3 months. Trial every feature with no credit card.
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This comparison is based on publicly available information and user reviews as of 20 October 2026. Features and capabilities may change over time. For the most accurate information, refer to the official Perforce website.
Common frustrations with Helix ALM
What Helix ALM (Perforce ALM) reviewers report on G2 and Capterra (reviews read 16 October 2026).
Same product, new name
In March 2025 Perforce renamed Helix ALM to Perforce ALM. It began life as TestTrack and covers requirements, test case and issue management, on premises or in the cloud.
Built for regulated industries broadly
Perforce describes it as a fit for regulated industries with a strong focus on quality and safety, and it holds an ISO 26262 functional safety certification from the automotive world. It is well rated: 4.1 out of 5 from 102 reviews on G2.
Reports are hard to build
On Capterra, about 6 of the 25 reviews we read mention reports and Word export, with reviewers describing reports as hard to build.
Setup and configuration effort
On Capterra, about 4 of the 25 reviews we read mention setup and configuration effort, and that workflows are hard to change once they are in use. On G2, reviewers tag it as difficult to set up and customise.
Ease of use and cost
Capterra gives Perforce ALM 3.6 out of 5 for ease of use, and G2 reviewers tag the product as expensive.
No published price
Perforce does not publish an ALM price. You request a quote.
Requirements management made simple with Matrix Req
The challenge
Managing Requirements, Risk & Traceability across the product lifecycle
- Siloed RequirementsEngineering, quality, and regulatory teams store requirements in disconnected tools, making it hard to keep information consistent.
- Regulatory ComplexityMedical devices must meet multiple global standards (FDA QSR, EU MDR, ISO 13485, ISO 14971), each demanding rigorous documentation and audit evidence.
- Traceability BreakdownsMaintaining end-to-end traceability between design inputs, risks, tests, and outcomes is mandatory. Any missed connections can lead to non-conformities and deferred time to market.
- Time-Consuming Audit PreparationWithout automated traceability and centralised control, preparing for compliance audits is resource-intensive and stressful.
- Manual Risk ManagementRisk activities remain disconnected from requirements and tests, requiring manual effort to maintain alignment across the product lifecycle.
- Collaboration GapsCross-functional teams lack a shared workspace, creating miscommunication and delays between engineering, quality, and regulatory.
Our solution
Complete Traceability, Automated & AI-powered Compliance & Much more.
- Unified Requirements RepositoryCapture, manage, and organise all requirements, design artefacts, and test cases in one secure system. Every item is versioned, searchable, and auditable.
- Built-In ComplianceImport your standard, create your own regulatory checklist, and our AI Compliance checker will highlight all the gaps you may have and suggest modifications.
- True End-to-End TraceabilityLink requirements to design outputs, risks, and verification/validation tests. Live trace reports show exactly who did what, when, and why.
- Integrated Risk ManagementISO 14971-aligned risk management is built in, not bolted on. Link hazards, mitigations, and residual risks directly to your requirements.
- AI includedMatrix Mind drafts requirements, risks and test cases, and the AI Compliance Checker imports a standard, builds a checklist and shows your gaps. Both are included, not a paid add-on, and run under a zero data retention agreement with the AI provider.
- Ready-for-audit documentationGenerate technical documentation and trace tables directly from live project data, with red line comparison between any two versions and signed snapshots. Used for 510(k), PMA and CE Mark submissions.
See exactly how the two platforms stack up on the criteria that matter most to regulated product teams.
Comparison based on publicly available information and user reviews as of 20 October 2026. Features and capabilities may change over time. "Not assessed" means we have not verified the point for Helix ALM.
Watch: Why Matrix Req Is the Best Helix ALM Alternative in 2026
The best Helix ALM alternative in 2026 is Matrix Req.
Switching is easy
Migrate from Helix ALM in 4 simple steps
We analyse your Helix ALM setup and map it to Matrix Req's design control structure.
Your requirements, risks, tests and links are exported and mapped into Matrix Req, with traceability preserved.
Workflows, roles and document templates configured for your design control process, with Jira or Azure DevOps sync connected.
Regenerate your trace matrix and documents from the new project.
Stop fighting your requirements tool.
Start shipping safer devices.
Join more than 500 life science companies that use Matrix One products. Book a demo with one of our specialists today.