Test Management Process – A Beginner Basic Guide

A proper test management system is necessary to ensure high-quality software delivery and to ensure all-inclusive and high-end testing. It guarantees that the testing procedure is followed correctly.

Let’s understand the basics of Test Management.

What Does It Mean By The Term Test Management?

The process of controlling the testing process is referred to as test management. Test management is accomplished using a variety of tools. They aid in the administration of both automated and manual tests that have already been defined by a test methodology.

What Is The Need For Test Management?

Test management guarantees that high-quality goods are delivered that meet all of the needs of customers.

It aids in the delivery of software within tight timeframes by allowing developers and testers to collaborate.

In a nutshell, utilizing the test management process effectively improves:

• Its a must to have customer satisfaction
• Projects that run more smoothly and consistently
• Product delivery on time

Who is in charge of test management?

Despite the fact that the entire testing team, as well as the developers, play an important role in the process, the test manager/lead is in charge. He provides test support and is involved in resource planning and management, as well as resolving issues that obstruct the testing process.

The Test Lead / Manager is in charge of:

Test Management Process 

The importance of test management in the software development and delivery process cannot be overstated. However, the advantages can only be obtained if the entire process is completed in a proper and organized manner.

The entire test management procedure can be broken down into two parts:

• Planning 
• Execution

They are further subdivided into sub-processes:

Planning

1. Risk analysis – Risks are the potential issues that may arise during the SDLC.

It’s the initial step in the test management process.

2. Test planning – Test planning is critical for ensuring that all testing operations are completed easily and efficiently. The fundamental goal of test planning is to create a test plan.
3. Test organisation – When all of the planning is complete and everything is in its proper position, it’s time to put together a capable testing team. To carry out testing properly, you’ll need a well-trained staff.
4. Test estimation- A test estimate calculates the time and effort required to execute any task. It is one of the most crucial responsibilities in the field of test management.

Execution

1. Issue management – Unexpected difficulties are common in software development. However, the problems must be resolved quickly. They might cost your company a lot of money if they aren’t properly catered for. The problems could be caused by tight deadlines, insufficient resources, and so on. Ensure that your project’s concerns are properly managed.
2. Test monitoring and controlling – Test Monitoring and Control monitors test metrics to ensure that the project is on schedule, on budget, and on track.
3. Test Report and evaluation – When you’re all satisfied that your project is finished, set aside some time to produce a test report and analyze the test data.

Test Management Responsibilities

There are a few chores that must be completed, including the following:

• The most crucial duty and task is to increase the software’s quality.
• It’s also in charge of creating and maintaining product metrics.
• It allows developers to verify that the code contains fewer design or coding flaws.

Test Management Tools

• Testlink 
• JIRA
• qTest
• Zephyr
• TestRail 

What are the Test Management Challenges?

• Insufficient testing time
• Resources for testing are few.
• Time and Budget restrictions
• There aren’t enough test documents.
• The complexity of the test and validation requirements

Best Behaviours in Test Management

• Ensure that you begin testing activities as soon as possible:

It is quite useful to begin testing from the beginning of the SDLC. However, even after being aware of it, many of us do not adhere to it. As a result, bugs are discovered later in the development process, resulting in higher costs to fix them. This slows down the entire process because it takes longer to fix the problem and retest it.

Execute Iterative Tests: Iterative testing methods are quite useful and highly recommended. Such methods aid in the generation of testing assets while also saving time.

• Assets from previous tests can be reused

Reusing test assets such as test automation scripts, test processes, and test cases, for example, can save a significant amount of time and work. So, whenever possible, attempt to reuse test assets. You can use these abilities to predict which assets can be reused and which cannot.

• Attempt to Reduce Time Spent

 Always be on the lookout for methods to increase product quality and team efficiency. It can help you save a significant amount of time and work.

• Implement Requirement-Based Testing and Testing Strategies

Different testing methods necessitate different test approaches. Using a test approach based on your test needs is always recommended.

These methods can help you acquire better testing results and ensure speedier delivery of a high-quality product that improves your customer’s experience. This method also cuts down on testing time and effort.

• Ensure that co-located testing resources are coordinated

Ensure that the testing resources that are co-located are well-coordinated. This coordination aids in the management of testing resources, productivity, and timeliness, resulting in a higher return on investment.

• Make use of malleable testing methods

Every project has its own set of criteria, which necessitates testing in a unique way. To establish an automated workflow, a flexible test management approach is required.

This procedure should be repeatable, and it should also allow for the optimization and adjustment of the current workflow as needed.

• Use DevOps

As the business world becomes more competitive, new testing techniques are gaining traction. DevOps is a methodology that emphasizes strong communication between developers, testers, and the operations team.

This technique aids in the maintenance of consistency in future releases, the reduction of faults, the rapid and iterative development of software, the acceleration of corporate growth, and so on.

• The key to successful test management is communication

Proper test management also necessitates the timely and adequate transmission of all relevant data to stakeholders, such as goals, status, and so on.

• Wise automation has a lot of advantages

These jobs take a lot of time and effort to complete. Using automated management solutions can save you a lot of time and work while also ensuring that your test findings are effective and efficient.

Conclusion

Test management is an essential part of the software testing process. It ensures more accurate testing and quick delivery of the final product. Ensure that you use the best test management methods and that your customers are completely satisfied.

Author Biography

Sakshi Baid works as a Product Associate at Refrens.com – Online Invoice Generator & India’s most powerful platform for freelancer growth. She has worked for some renowned companies as a Brand and Digital marketing associate. You can follow Refrens.com on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram.