TESTING TOOLS FOR TEST EXECUTION / REPORTING NEEDS

Test execution is the process of running test scripts in a certain sequence and with certain specific input data to monitor the output of the software product. When the required output is obtained, then the test case is said to be successfully executed. Testing tools aid in speedy and accurate test execution of multiple cases. Using a robust test automation tool is important in producing a high quality software product.

Test reporting features like, test throughput, defects ratio, bug count, monthly reports, module wise reports etc needs to be provided by the testing tool. The test reports can aid the testing team to understand the current testing potential and develop a highly efficient software product. Also, the testing tool must be able to work with any of the QA methodologies.

TESTING TOOLS FOR TEST DOCUMENTATION NEEDS

Test documentation is an important part of the testing process. It is basically the activity of recording every testing activity carried out by the testing team. It is a vital testing document that needs to be stored securely, because it is required to be retained even after the project goes live.

This document helps trace the source of defects and bugs and can aid in preventing a major product failure. Today, there are many testing tools that provide test documentation and test resources management features. Such tools can be highly beneficial to all testing services in improving the operational efficiency of the software product.

TEST TOOLS FOR ACCURATE TEST PLANNING & EXECUTION

Test planning is the process of setting up test execution schedules and executing them as and when the development team releases a module for testing. During test planning all requirements provided by the client is taken into consideration and test cases are used to detect bugs and errors in the software. Each test case is recorded in test documentation sheets and the result is tracked and updated in it.

The entire process can now be executed by test automation tools. Though there are many test tools available in the market, it is important to choose ones that are scalable to the organization’s testing needs. Also, it must be able to efficiently address all test management activities like documentation, metrics etc.

Scalable Testing Tools – To Meet High Test Volume Demands

Testing tools can make a large difference when introduced to testing teams that are struggling to cope with large volumes of test data. In fact, planning for a testing tool must begin at the start of the project to ensure that the project deadlines are adhered. When this is done, the development and testing phases can progress parallel and ensure the product is delivered according to requirements.

Today there are many testing tools available in the market. But not all can cater to high volume test data. Therefore, it is important to ensure that it is scalable to the organization’s testing demands and be able to integrate into the existing software test management process. Also, ensure it caters to test resource management and test documentation needs too.

Why Use Test Automation Tools

A good test automation tool can provide the following benefits for the organization.

• Centralized control of test data and metrics generation. Provision of dashboards to ensure real time test metrics are available for the senior management.

• Seamless integration with existing testing tools and with the QA methodology used by the project team

• Effective test resource management. Provision to allocate team members to projects based on need basis.

By choosing the right test automation tool, the organization can be assured of timely deliveries and high quality software products.

Use Efficient Test Management Tools to Enhance Productivity

Effective test management depends on how efficient the testing tools perform. There are a number of testing tools like JIRA and BUGZILLA which are very famous for their efficient bug/defect tracking processes. When a new tool is introduced, to centrally handle all testing projects in the organization, then it should be ensured that it can be integrated with the already existing tools.

Also, it is important to ensure that it can work well with all the commonly used QA methodologies. This way, it can aid in gathering test information from all projects and help in the generation of common defect and quality metrics. This can eventually be utilized to analyze the throughput of the testing group.

Managing Test Teams Efficiently – With Test Automation Tools

Software test management includes the handling of test management processes and the testing resources. Testing resources are critical for project completion. When the project is not able to manage multiple projects, the team members may not be utilized properly. To ensure the team is utilized efficiently and to get the work done, it is best to use test automation tools.

Test automation tools not only cover basic test management activities, but also other activities like test documentation and metrics generation. This information can be used by the team to analyze its performance which in turn, can help the team to perform better in its weak areas.

Seamless Integration – The Main Criteria for Choosing Test Automation Tools

One of the main criteria for a new test automation tool is to merge with existing bug/defect tracking tools that are currently used by testing groups. Only if this is possible, the testing services can go ahead with the purchase of the tool. Such a provision can enable the testing group to continue its exiting activities without having to worry about integration issues.

There are many famous tools like JIRA and BUGZILLA that are used by many software organizations. When the new tool is able to integrate with these already existing tools, the organization can derive many test metrics to determine the quality and throughput of the testing group.

Growing Popularity of Test Automation

There is a growing trend among software organizations to procure test automation tools for their testing groups. These test automation tools cover every single testing activity like test scheduling, test execution, test documentation and test metrics. The tools provide the benefit of reducing overall testing cost and improving overall efficiency of the testing process.

Many popular QA methodologies also support these testing tools. In fact one of the main criteria for a test automation tool is to seamlessly integrate with the existing testing setup. Overall, test automation tools are a blessing in disguise for testing projects that are struggling to cope with multiple projects.

Use Test Automation Tools to Enhance ROI

Manual testing tools are capable of executing test cases for a single module or project only because they face limitations with regard to resources and speed of execution. Automated testing tools overcome all challenges faced by testing teams and offer high speed and accurate test execution. They are also capable of handling multiple testing projects thereby enabling the team to handle many assignments simultaneously.

A Test automation tool can usually integrate well with bug tracking tools like JIRA and BUGZILLA. They can handle test documentation, metrics and execution scheduling with ease. They can offer various defect tracking metrics that can be used to analyze the process work flow. Using a robust high tech test automation tool can improve product quality and keep the revenues flowing in steadily.