Hard Requirement

A hard requirement is a non-negotiable must-have, typically a feature or capability. If a CMS can't meet a hard requirement, no amount of other strengths makes up for it.

The value of naming hard requirements up front is clarity: when you're comparing options, the ability to meet hard requirements will pass or fail a project. They're the counterpart to a soft requirement, the nice-to-have features you'd welcome but can live without. Be honest about which is which, because calling everything a hard requirement leaves you no room to choose.