We’ve developed several QA process optimization methods and built a set of best practices that help our customers accomplish their quality goals in our years of QA outsourcing and consulting experience. We have compiled a list containing some of the best practices that you can use to speed up the testing process, increase product quality, and reduce QA-related labor and costs. In this post, Hanna Shnaider describes the best practices used by the QA team of FortySeven development company to ensure that our clients receive high-quality software on time.
Goal 1: Speed up the testing process
In Agile
The key involved in speeding up the testing process in Agile projects is to optimize regression testing, which can require up to 70% of the sprint testing work. We use the following best practices to achieve this:
Prioritization is being tested using a risk-based approach
Prepare two regression test suites: a partial regression test suite with test cases verifying high-risk software functionality and a complete regression test suite with all test cases developed during the project. To determine which test cases should be included in the partial regression test suite, identify the risks each software module faces, and analyze the likelihood and impact of those risks. The test cases covering high-risk software modules are included in the partial regression test suite by FortySeven’s QA team and run at the end of each iteration. In turn, only before major releases and key project milestones do we perform a comprehensive regression test suite.
A regression test outfit that is automated
Test automation can cut the time it takes to execute a regression test suite from days to hours. However, such a result should be preceded by a significant amount of time spent planning, implementing, and maintaining test scripts and setting up and maintaining a test environment. As a result, custom software development companies only use test automation if the effort required to set up the automation project is less than that required to execute manual regression testing over time.
In Waterfall
Software development companies recommend commencing testing operations before the development phase is completed to speed up the testing process in Waterfall and hence lower the overall project duration. To avoid regression, a software development company ensures that the percentage of test cases conducted during implementation validates isolated, high-risk software modules that the addition of new features will not impact.
Goal 2: Improve software quality
An unstructured quality assurance approach, poor test coverage, and testing in an improper environment can all lead to software quality difficulties. The FortySeven IT or QA team recommends the following recommended practices to address these issues:
Creating a well-organized quality assurance procedure
Define your QA maturity level, for example, using maturity models like TMMi and TPI, to achieve an effective QA process. Identify areas for improvement based on the QA process assessment results and make the necessary modifications. Modifications should be implemented in small steps, and the impact of the changes on the overall status of QA should be closely monitored.
Furthermore, development companies ensure that the quality assurance process is in sync with the custom software development process, and we set up project management so that this is possible. Defects may be easily mapped to test cases, and test cases to custom software development business and technical requirements, thanks to well-integrated QA and development processes, which improve defect traceability and foster the quality of the custom software under test. When we work with a customer on an outsourcing basis, we set up effective horizontal communication between FortySeven’s QA and the customer’s internal development team to ensure that the QA and mobile app development processes are in sync.
QA operations should be planned with potential risks in mind
We recommend organizing, planning, developing, and executing testing operations based on software risks to avoid quality concerns. Analyze the functional modules of the program under test based on the likelihood and impact of flaws and classify them accordingly. FortySeven focuses its efforts on high-risk software modules validated early in the SDLC by experienced, domain-trained test engineers using optimal testing methodologies, such as decision table over equivalence partitioning.
Performing testing in a realistic setting
A custom software development firm conducts testing activities in an environment that meets the objectives of each test process stage for better quality results. For example, functional testing of an enterprise app could be done on a device similar in hardware and software features to the bulk of target devices but is rarely used in real life. Performance testing of an application with stringent stability requirements, on the other hand, must be done in the production environment or a near copy of it.
Goal 3: Reduce QA-related efforts
We optimize testing of low-risk software functionality by validating it indirectly or merely covering such functionality with unit tests to decrease QA efforts and costs. In the first scenario, a test engineer or custom software developer decides a specific feature based on testing for related features. The development team merely validates the newly developed functionality at the unit level in the second example.
Change your QA procedure for the better
With a little effort, FortySeven’s best practices can help you enhance software quality and speed up the testing process. We are ready to help you in achieving your QA goals in three ways:
- Consulting on quality assurance: We review and restructure your current QA process to ensure that it meets the needs of your project and product, allowing you to enjoy quality at a faster pace.
- Test automation: To speed up releases and improve test coverage, we automate your application’s functional, API, and performance testing.
- Outsourcing of quality assurance: To allow you to release quality software in frequent iterations, a custom software agency self-managed QA team takes over planning, designing, and executing the entire scope or a portion of your QA activities.
If you require expert QA support but are unsure which solution is ideal for you, don’t hesitate to contact one of our QA consultants or FortySeven software professionals to discuss your requirements.
