Test Management is a complex task, we know that! But, with multitude of tasks running at the same time, there is no time to rely on mainstream tools when we can use other more productive ways to get the job done right. If your QA team is still stuck on spreadsheets, then it’s time you upgrade yourself before you’re left behind in the race.
Spreadsheets are convenient for basic reporting, simple documentation, making everyday folders, as well as managing databases on manual basis. Considering spreadsheet in your test management projects is useless when it doesn’t serve the purpose. It takes ages to record test results.
Even though, a spreadsheet or Excel is a free, always available, and easy-to-use tool, but to maintain cybersecurity infrastructure and quality in QA, it is just not enough. Then, why spend ages using an outdated version of recording when you can shift to modern tools for increased productivity?
It’s about time that QA teams switch to an up-to-the-minute Test Management Tool because a spreadsheet cannot provide the following facilities:
It is not made for Test Management!
Here is a thought for you: Using a spreadsheet as a test management tool is killing your productivity!
Spreadsheets or MS Excel has nothing to do with test management, especially when it comes to trends such as scrum workflow, CI, and Agile Computing, etc.
Automated testing is a complex run and requires some well-planned implementations.
But with spreadsheets, you cannot define customized rules, decide layouts or plan according to the requirements, and detect errors, while creating test scenarios and cases is nearly impossible on the sheet.
Though, some might argue that Excel can be molded according to the requirements, but it won’t ever detect a bug for you, right?
No Roles and Rules Defined
In spreadsheets, you can never know who assigns a task and who work on it. Consequently, no one is a customized admin or manager of a specific folder; in short, just creating a mess out of it. Spreadsheets work best with Teamwork, but when it comes to getting your QA tasks managed efficiently, you definitely need a test management tool.
However, a proficient test management tool can help a QA Manager in managing the task with ease and precision. Every test case is pre-decided and pre-scripted on a test management tool that works in real-time.
Forget about Test Execution Status
As we have mentioned earlier, spreadsheets are not created for automated testing processes. It is difficult to know the stats or values for areas such as Test Execution status. Spreadsheets won’t ever provide end-values like Passed vs. Failed or Unexpected vs. No Run. Moreover, a tester will never be able to check on the test results.
A test management tool helps a tester see all the tests running and could expect some automated results while a spreadsheet would only calculate end-results for the already frustrated tester.
Reaching a Traceability Matrix
While a test is running, it is crucial to make sure every step is checked along and scrutinized thoroughly. Moreover, it should be cross-checked that there are no loopholes that would bother the users later – that’s referred to as traceability matrix. Performing a test case is time-consuming and very complex.
A spreadsheet is not built for testing and traceability matrix, in fact, it is not even close to it.
By now it should be clear to testers that a spreadsheet is only going to make test management cumbersome for them. So, it’s best to choose what is actually meant for test management. With options in tools like Kualitee, Redmine, etc. save your time as well as effort in getting the job done right.
It’s time to ditch the spreadsheets and bring in a Test Management Tool because being old school in the IT world can leave you standing last in the contest for being the best tester.
Good luck handling your new test management tool!
