Testing is a crucial step in the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC). It ensures that a software product is free of bugs and errors, works well on the right devices and operating systems, is secure against cyber threats, and is user-friendly for the target audience.
Choosing the right testing strategy can be challenging due to the many ways to incorporate manual and automated testing into the SDLC. Most software development teams use a system to manage their testing procedures. They also have a dedicated test manager or test team lead to oversee the testing activities.
What is Test Management?
Test management is the practice of overseeing testing activities in the SDLC. It uses a test management platform to give the test manager and team an overview of all testing activities. The goal is to break down each testing process into manageable parts. This way, the test team knows what tests to run, when to run them, how to execute them, and how to compare results with the expected performance and functionality of the software.
What Does a Test Manager Do?
A test manager oversees the entire software testing process from start to finish. They determine the specific testing needs for a software product, choose the right test management platform, estimate the required time, labour, and resources for each test, and decide when to use manual or automated testing.
Test managers also establish the testing team. They create roles, assign team members, and manage the team like a traditional manager. They ensure that testing activities comply with company guidelines and industry standards, such as ISO/IEC/IEEE 29119-1:2022.
Is Test Management the Same as Quality Assurance (QA)?
No, they are not the same. Both test management and QA focus on quality control, but they have different processes and goals. Testing assesses the quality of the software product, while QA checks the quality of the methods and processes used to create the software. It’s like cooking: testing judges the meal’s quality, while QA evaluates the recipe and ingredients.
Do all projects need a Test Manager, QA Engineer, and QA Testers? It depends on the project’s scope and complexity. Smaller projects, like a single-use mobile app, may only need unit testing to ensure quality standards are met. Larger projects, such as an enterprise-level web application with many features, need both test management and QA systems. QA engineers and testers ensure activities meet stakeholder expectations, while test managers and testers find and fix software defects.
Advantages of Test Management within Agile Software Development
Test management offers many benefits in a software development project. These advantages benefit both the development team and the clients. When you hire a software team that fully uses test management, you’re more likely to get a high-quality software product. The software will work as intended and be delivered on time and within budget.
Minimise Data Duplication
When separate teams run tests, they might collect the same data. Duplicate data across databases creates clutter and makes it harder for developers to review results and make decisions. A test management process solves this by consolidating all test data into one reference point. This gives the team manager and test team a clear view of the testing environment, allowing them to monitor activities, review results, and create detailed reports.
Accurate Delivery Estimates
A test management process helps track progress, measure results, and make informed decisions. This allows the development team to assess how far along a project is and estimate when the software will be ready for release. The team can use the test manager’s time and budget estimates to propose a realistic and achievable deadline. This gives clients a clear view of the development cycle and confidence that their project will meet the deadline.
Standardized Testing Procedures and Compliance
Different industries have their own rules and regulations for software development. For instance, the Australian medical industry follows standards of the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for software-based medical devices. A well-organized test management process helps ensure the software meets all compliance requirements.
What Does the Test Management Process Look Like?
Here is a simple breakdown of a typical test management pipeline. This pipeline shows the steps that test managers and the test team follow to meet all testing requirements in a software development project.
Plan
The test manager begins by planning for the project ahead. This includes conducting Risk Analysis, Test Estimation, Test Planning, and Test Organization. Each of these steps is essential for developing a well-coordinated and effective test management process.
Risk Analysis
The test manager identifies potential risks such as bugs and errors that may arise during the SDLC. They proactively implement solutions to mitigate these issues before they impact progress, ensuring smoother development.
Test Estimation
The test manager determines the time and budget needed for all testing activities. This calculation covers individual test execution, result review, and team communication. These estimates ensure clarity on project deliverables, milestones, and deadlines for the software testing team.
Test Planning
The test plan details every aspect of the testing process, including scope, schedule, budget, team allocation, resource utilization, and objectives for each testing activity. It also specifies Entry, Exit, and Suspension criteria, outlining the conditions necessary to start, stop, or pause testing activities.
Test Organization
After finalizing the estimates and test plan, the test manager forms the team. They define roles, assign responsibilities, and select qualified staff suitable for the project’s needs. Contracts may also be prepared to formalize the team’s employment agreements.
Execution
During the Execution phase, the test manager implements the initial plan. They prepare and execute individual test cases, ensuring that all testing activities adhere to the specified time and budget estimates.
Test Monitoring and Control
During Test Monitoring and Control, the test manager closely oversees and manages testing activities. If any deviations in time, resources, or budget are identified, the testing team adjusts the activities to align with the initial estimates. They may also request additional teams and resources to better adapt to evolving project conditions.
Issue Management
During Issue Management, any unexpected or anticipated bugs, errors, or problems are addressed following the test plan. This guarantees a bug-free final software product and ensures the delivery process remains efficient, meeting both budget and timeline constraints effectively.
Test Report and Evaluation
After completing the project, the test manager and team review the results. They evaluate the effectiveness of staff, testing methods, frameworks, and systems used during testing. What was successful? What needs improvement? These questions guide their assessment and provide insights for refining processes in future projects. The test results serve as a blueprint for upcoming similar projects, optimizing future testing efforts and resource allocation.
Test Management: Key to Success
Testing is crucial throughout the SDLC. By integrating it across every phase, rather than as an afterthought, you significantly enhance the chances of achieving high-quality software. This approach simplifies bug identification, issue reporting, and timely resolution by the development team.
Moreover, leveraging test management tools provides a comprehensive view of the entire testing process and its outcomes. This transparency allows all development team departments to collaborate effectively, exchange insights, and collectively deliver optimal software solutions for you, our esteemed client.