SpecTRM features Intent Specifications, a new way to structure system and requirements specifications that supports system, safety, and software engineering tasks.

SpecTRM includes SpecTRM-RL, an executable requirements specification language. SpecTRM-RL is used in the construction of executable, analyzable models that are readable enough to act as the software specification as well. In fact, SpecTRM-RL is designed to be readable by domain experts with only minimal training. A unique feature of the Safeware Engineering approach is that analysis is performed directly on the system specification. Most approaches to formally evaluating systems require the extra and often difficult step of translating the system design into a mathematical modeling language. 

SpecTRM's user-friendly editor supports the development of system specifications. Tools for traceability linking and editing models make SpecTRM an environment for increasing productivity during specification development.

Because SpecTRM-RL requirements specifications are also executable models, system behavior can be simulated directly from the requirements. A graphical visualization of the system shows the state of the system during execution. Inputs are fed to the simulator to drive the system, and outputs are recorded for examination after the execution. Execution speed is variable, and the simulator can be single-stepped to examine system behavior in detail.

Most accidents involving computers can be traced back to omissions or errors in the requirements specification. A requirements document is incomplete if it contains insufficient information to distinguish between desired and undesired behavior. The SpecTRM toolset and SpecTRM-RL modeling language support the construction of complete requirements specifications, including some automated analysis for common omissions and mistakes.

SpecTRM is based on the Eclipse tool famework, which is designed to permit integration of tools in one seamless environment. Building SpecTRM on Eclipse means that SpecTRM can provide a full development environment and API for extending SpecTRM with custom plugins. This extensibility makes SpecTRM an excellent tool for research as well as industry.