Quality Assurance (QA) is a critical component of the software development lifecycle, aiming to ensure that software products meet specified quality standards before release. QA encompasses a systematic and strategic approach to identifying, preventing and resolving issues throughout the development process.
However, various challenges arise in the QA domain that affect test case inventory, test case automation, and defect volume. Managing test case inventory can become problematic due to the sheer volume of cases, which lead to inefficiencies and resource constraints. Test case automation, while beneficial, can pose challenges in terms of selecting appropriate cases, safeguarding proper maintenance, and achieving comprehensive coverage. Defect volume is a perpetual concern, impacting software quality and release timelines.
Overcoming these challenges demands a thoughtful and proactive approach to streamline test cases, optimize automation effectiveness, and minimize the volume of defects in the QA process. Balancing these aspects is crucial for delivering high-quality software products that meet user expectations and industry standards.
How IBM helps
To reduce test case volume, it’s essential to focus on test case optimization. This process involves identifying redundant or overlapping test cases and consolidating them to cover multiple scenarios. Prioritizing test cases based on critical functionalities and potential risks to streamline the testing effort is also important. Additionally, leveraging risk-based testing allows teams to allocate resources where they are most needed, optimizing coverage without compromising quality. Test case automation effectiveness can be enhanced through careful planning and continuous maintenance.
Another way is to choose the test cases wisely for automation, focusing on repetitive, time-consuming, and critical scenarios. It is also necessary to regularly update automated test scripts to adapt to changes in the application, making sure they remain relevant and reliable. A proactive approach for defects involves implementing robust testing methodologies, such as shift-left testing, where testing activities are initiated earlier in the development process. Conducting thorough code reviews, employing static analysis tools, and emphasizing collaboration between development and testing teams to catch and address defects early.
IBM® brings in all this through The IBM IGNITE Quality Platform (IQP), which is a DevOps-enabled single sign-on platform that leverages AI capabilities and patented methods to optimize tests. The platform brings in shift left methodologies that promote faster automation with healing capabilities and predict and prevent defects, which in turn drive high-quality delivery that supports the end-to-end testing lifecycle of an organization.
It consists of the following pillars:
Administer:
Supported through an Integrated Platform that manages multiple tenants, users, applications, projects, and all necessary functional and technical configurations needed across the testing journey, centrally at one place. Likewise, it supports quality plan journey that aims to reduce defects. It is also integrated with quality recommendations that flow in from other components and multiple third-party integrations, which include leading git-based repositories, test and defect tools, and cloud-based web and mobile testing tools.
Optimize:
Aimed towards creating the optimal set of test cases with 100% coverage and bring in a shift left in surfacing defects early.
Automate:
Aimed to quickly generate, automate, and execute multiple tests unattended on various data, environments, and platforms.
Analyze:
Trained in understanding a client’s defect patterns—cognitive test components drive quicker resolution, provide insight, and make predictions around defects, which in turn give preventive recommendations across Agile and traditional engagements. It also supports in better planning and reduced test cycles using defect prediction capability.
Our differentiated automation approaches
Prioritizing optimization over automation: This is our strategy to mitigate waste snowball effect by adopting multiple shift-left methodologies. We leverage a modern framework that is Behavior-Driven Development (BDD) enabled and incorporates low-code practices. Our approach extends to comprehensive automation covering Web, Mobile, API, and SOAP-based applications, seamlessly integrated with performance testing.
Embracing a philosophy of continuous testing, our strategy is to intricately weave all functions into the DevOps pipeline, promoting a cohesive and efficient development lifecycle. Beyond this, our commitment extends to cloud deployment and Software as a Service (SaaS) offerings, driving scalability, flexibility, and accessibility in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
Evidence of success of usage of IGNITE Quality and Test
Our primary focus is on driving tangible value to our clients through a strategic approach that involves reducing testing efforts while concurrently instilling confidence in our clients. Our proficiency extends across multiple technologies, which puts in place a comprehensive and adaptable solution that aligns with the diverse needs of our clients. By consistently delivering results and earning the trust of our clients, we have established ourselves as leaders in the industry, dedicated to providing solutions that make a meaningful impact.
Email Amit Singh, Global Sales Leader, Quality Engineering and Testing, for more
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