Testing and quality assurance (QA) in Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) are very crucial activities that are non-negotiable if the standard for a product that suits market demand is to be met. As simple as testing and quality assurance may sound, underneath are rigorous tasks to be performed at different phases to deliver a quality product or service.
In this age of technological advancement and digital transformation, stakeholders are concerned with how business processes are optimised to achieve the best result. Test management is the process of managing testing activities, usually by a test manager, to ensure high-quality testing of software application.
With test management, test activities can be prioritized thereby, reducing the time spent on solving software problems. Interestingly, modern tools have been developed for test management against traditional tools such as spreadsheets, word processors, and/or pen and paper.
Test Management Tool: What It Is
“A test management tool is a tool that provides support to the test management and control part of a test process.” It has the capability to manage testware, schedule tests, track progress, log in results, and give test reports. Test management tools enhance productivity and give better visibility that help to handle and control quality assurance processes. They reduce duplication of data that can occur when testing, correct defects, and are also crucial at the requirement gathering stage. Test management tools have played significant roles in the Software Testing Life Cycle. Below is the list of some test management tools:
- Spiratest
- JIRA
- Qase
- QAComplete
- Testpad
- QMetry
- TestCollab
- TestBench
- Kaulitee
Why Test Management Tools Are Crucial
The following are some of the reasons test management tools are important:
- Test Prioritization
A test management tools makes it easier to detect risk areas, allowing for easy grading and prioritization of the risk factors. This helps to save time and gives preference to the test with a higher risk to be executed.
- Reduction in Data Duplication
As test management tools give comprehensive view of performed tests and any defects found, teams can have access and have the same view of test output reducing data duplication.
- Assigning and Tracking of Test
Test management tools can help team members to assign specific tasks to individuals and also track how they perform the tasks.
- Tracking of Test
With test management tools, every aspect of the application can be traced within a test management system. This can result in better accountability and better test plan in the future.
- Assists in Regulatory Compliance
A test management tool can automatically keep a log of details for different tests run at different times, making it easy for documentation in regulated industries.
- Improving Coverage of Manual Tests
Running a manual test through different data sets is often challenging and unproductive as it involves manually trying different sets of data for specific test steps. A test management process can make the process of iterating an existing manual test through a variety of data set easy, thereby increasing the coverage of existing manual tests.
- Increases Collaboration
Test management tool ensures that developers and QA teams are on the same page, as different testing assets can be viewed when added. It helps the silos of information that exist between different teams and gives individuals the same information whenever they need it.
Test Management Tool – An Underrated Asset
Despite the undeniable and beneficial impact of test management tool in Software Development Life Cycle, it is still underrated among developers and QA teams. Some are oblivious of the value and difference it can create and make in their test management system within the Software Development Life Cycle. A majority of teams still use Excel spreadsheets to organize and manage test cases. The reasons for this may not be far-fetched.
Many testers are comfortable with their familiarity with Excel and its versatility when it comes to test case management. Although change is constant, organizational change is not instantaneous and individuals may be reluctant to adapt to technological changes. Also, an organization may not have the capacity to recruit, retrain and re-equip staff with the new technologies.
Considering the many advantages of test management tools, it is worth having among software development testing teams. Test management tools can contribute to the development of software applications and help the team produce effective results. Undoubtedly, the value of test management tools is yet to be appreciated by testers within the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC).
Tezza: A Good Option to Consider
Tezza is an IT company that is well-equipped with the resources and technologies to cater for every software testing and quality assurance need. It has multi-skilled resources and tools for test management. Tezza can help with staff augmentation and training with efficient cost. You can reach out for more information right away.
Written by:
Ngozi Ogudu