Software development is a long, involved process, and issues in it can make or break companies. All the software startup failures in the field are proof of that.
The truth of the matter is, small mistakes that slip through the QA process can lead to big losses for the company later down the road, so good QA is important as it nips problems in the bud before they escalate, ensuring that the software the team puts out is the best that it can possibly be.
Here are a few ways to improve the software testing process.
Planning the QA and testing processes
Just as how the development process needs to be thought through, planned, and documented, the testing and QA processes need to be done so as well. This ensures that everyone is on the same page; that everyone knows what they’re all working towards and how to get there.
Test policy
Test policy is the organizational level QA document; in simple terms, it’s the testing principles that the company as a whole has adopted. Basically a rundown of how the whole company should handle testing and what they should be aiming for with testing, there’s no standard approach to this due among software testing companies due to the difference in each company.
Quality management plan
A document that defines a level of product quality that’s “acceptable” and how to get there, it basically outlines how the project will meet customer needs and expectations. This one’s not mandatory, but it defines roles, responsibilities, and quality standards, so it’s worth making.
Ensure that the QA team has a suitable work environment
No plan works well without the people to realize it. In the case of QA, that’s the QA team. Of course, they’re people too, so they need the right work conditions to be happy and engaged which will, in turn, make them productive.
Define roles
Testing requires several activities handled by different specialties, so defining what roles are needed at specific steps helps a lot. Each role has its set of skills, responsibilities, and tools, so assigning them to the right task can smooth things along greatly.
Encourage communication
Communication is a key part of any development process. QA testing works best when members are openly talking about things that they feel might become problems down the road. They should also be willing to share ideas that can improve how the QA team operates.
Improve bug reporting effectiveness
A good bug report system is key for any software testing companies, as bug reports clearly identify problems that developers need to address. With how many bugs can pop up in a single project, it’s paramount that a company or team get their bug reporting system to be efficient as possible. Everyone needs to be on the same page; how it works, what is its scope, and the like.
Have solutions whenever possible
The documentation of a bug isn’t just there to report a bug. While yes, that is undoubtedly its most important purpose, it’s also a chance for tester to show and creativity and initiative and figure out the truth.
