Optimizing Testing Through Test Management Software

One would be hard pressed to find someone who would argue against the need for better quality in software development. In fact, most users of computers have even come to expect certain faults, flaws and lags. As software development and test management processes continue to evolve and mature, however, we now have the potential to create more robust and secure systems than ever before.

What Is Test Management?

Test management can be defined as the practice of one organizing and controlling the artefacts and process required for any testing effort. Until recently, the tools of the test management trade would include:

• A pen and pad of paper
• Word processing software

• Spreadsheets

This archaic form of testing, however, has largely been replaced by test management solutions like the test management software from QAbook.com. Systems such as these allow teams to better plan, execute and interpret their testing activities within the grand scheme of any software development effort. Those involved in the testing at any phase are better able to coordinate:

• All testing efforts
• Track dependencies and relationships amongst assets

• Define, measure, and track quality goals

The Different Aspects of Test Management

Test management can usually be broken into stages:

• The organizing phase
• The planning phase
• The authoring phase
• The execution phase

• The reporting phase

1. The Organizing Phase

The organization phase involves creating an inventory of all items that will be tested as well as various systems or items that will be used to perform the testing. This allows organizations to track dependencies and relationships among test assets, such as:

• Test data
• Test hardware
• Test software

• Test scripts

2. The Planning Phase

The test planning phase is all about answering the important questions of:

• What are we testing?
• Why are we testing it?
• Where are we testing it?

• When are we testing it?

The answers to these questions allow teams to arrive at the “test motivator” or the reason why they’re performing the test.

3. The Authoring Phase

This phase is all about keeping track of the specific steps that are required to complete a given test, outlining exactly how a test will be done.

4. The Execution Phase

Typically a sequence of test scripts will be assembled into a suite of different tests which are then used to conduct the testing.

5. The Reporting Phase

The reporting phase defines how the various results received from the test will be analysed and then communicated to others involved. A series of metrics will be extracted that help define, measure and track quality goals for the testing project. Another important discovery that this type of testing involves is “defects.” Defects continually change and should be tracked over time by testing and development teams.

Other Considerations Related to Test Management

The other important piece of the test management puzzle is managing the actual team. It is the responsibility of test management to coordinate all of the efforts of each member of the project team, including those who may be in different geographical locations. This involves organizing site and team coordination, as well as controlling the user security and permissions for all artefacts and testing members.

Obstacles Often Faced in Test Management

Testing isn’t always easy, nor is it always convenient. Some of the most common challenges that organizations face include:

• Not Enough Time to Conduct The Test

Most software projects do not allow enough time for sufficient testing to ensure a high-quality product. To make matters worse, software projects are notoriously delayed, putting an even greater time crunch on having software implemented before being fully tested.

• Not Enough Resources to Conduct the Test

Aligning the necessary resources to perform testing can be difficult. Without the right kind of test management software, project managers require a lot of human and hardware resources in order to conduct these tests.

• Testing Teams in Different Locations

Testing teams can be located all over the globe, meaning teams are challenged with sharing artefacts and staying on the same page with their teammates on different continents. This issue can be resolved by choosing to invest in test management software. High-end software programs give managers the ability to not only collaborate with their worldwideteammates, but also maximize efficiency and effort.

The Benefit of Using Test Management Tools

Organizations now have the benefit of using state of the art testing tools that help streamline the entire test management process. Below are just some of the benefits that come from choosing a high-quality test management software solution:

• Traceability of All Test Cases

Never has it been easier to keep a track record or history of all testing performed by the organization. Tests can be categorized and in-depth information about each test is available, including defects, concerns, and other artefacts.

• Easy Graphical Metrics Reporting

Reading information off of a spreadsheet does not do any testing effort justice. By being presented with a graphical metrics report, users can quickly spot the information that they need to be aware of or data which may be a cause of curiosity or concern.

• Simple Manual and Automated Test Management

Test management software allows users to automate their test scheduling and the running of any test cases, including capturing defects from any failed test cases. These tools also give users the option of running manual tests at any time and in a variety of formats

• Effective Cross-Relationship Management

Test management software gives users the opportunity to combine a matrix of tools, allowing users to easily spot and find relationships between different aspects. This helps not only with traceability, but it also helps with micro-level process automation

• Standardized Best Practice Procedures

Individuals involved in the testing process are encouraged to follow the same set of best practice procedures throughout the testing process when using test management software. This increases the validity and reliability of test outcomes.