Why Test Case Management?
We all know that quality assurance plays a vital role when it comes to success of software applications in the market. Testers need to understand which features or functions of an application are more meaningful or important than the others and require more focus. Software testing companies need to invest in test case management systems. This helps companies achieve both their short and long term goals with quality products that effectively address customer needs. Effective test management processes help in increasing customer satisfaction over products but also aid in smooth delivery of projects.
How Does Test Case Management Make a Difference to Quality Assurance Specialists?
Test case management assists quality assurance specialists in:
- Scheduling test processes
- Performing functional testing solutions
- Analyzing requirements with clients or business analysts
- Creating scenarios to test
- Identifying key problem areas
- Finding solutions to fix any problem areas by collaborating with developers
Tips for Efficient Test Case Management:
Due to growing markets, deadlines of new software project releases have shortened to almost a week. This means that testing teams need efficient tools to deliver their projects in time. At times, test case management systems hinder processes instead of speeding them up. What can a team possibly when such an incident occurs? The following tips allow software testers to achieve better results:
1. Creating Powerful Test Cases:
Testers should utilize different test case management techniques to identify underlying issues in software. They can use the following approaches:
- Domain Testing – This approach focuses on different ways in which a user can make changes to data
- Scenario Testing – This approach helps testers create different scenarios similar to what a real user might do
- Risk-based Testing – Using this approach, testers check different ways a product may fail to perform the way it should
Testers are unable to achieve their desired results by writing typical test cases. This is because of the fact that testers end up following old instructions instead of adjusting to new information. When testers create powerful test cases, they either omit detailed steps or use their own skills to develop solutions (instead of relying on tools and technologies). Testers, therefore, should only add minimal details so that there is variation in results when different persons perform the same test. This helps in identifying new bugs and issues within software.
2. Going Beyond ‘Specifications’:
When testers rely only on certain specifications, software causes problems. For instance, if tester has set a specification where text field can only accept six characters, then issues occur when users need to enter more characters or leave the field with no value. Thus, testers need to understand and make specifications clear and complete in all terms.
3. Improving Test Case Management:
Testers use different test case management tools but this approach can often have an adverse effect. Sometimes, testers might not be able to add notes to a supplement test case. Or these tools may only be designed to manage test cases. Thus, teams need to have a strategy to use techniques that help testing processes. Testers should explore different tools that help them share information regarding their test – what they tested, and what were the outcomes of their test.
4. Aligning Test Scope:
Software testing involves risks and testers have to make critical decisions. When a new feature is introduced to an app, it can make an existing customer happy, and refrain customers from cancelling their contract. Teams, therefore, have to make wise decisions when choosing new features. Testers must adjust their testing scope depending upon the nature of each test. Moreover, testers who take time constraints seriously and consider taking risks can make better choices with test cases.
5. Automating Tests at Various Levels:
Testers automate testing of different various software components e.g. user interface. This might not be the best option because there are many different types of user interfaces. For instance, if there is difficulty in creating tests that give accurate results, testers should change the UI automation tool. Moreover, programmers should develop better products by automating tests at various levels for better results.
Future of Test Case Management:
Time is of the essence in today’s fast-growing software development age, and testers cannot risk it. With powerful test case management tools, testers can easily realize the benefits of creating test scenarios and test cases that match the best interest of users.
