SQA and Test Tool Usage Today Topics

SQA and Test Tool Usage Today

Topics of Discussion l Traditional and New Roles of QA l Examples of QA Best Practices l Benefits of a QA program l Criteria for Success

QA Practices - Traditional Roles and New Emphases 1. Assess Standards and Procedures 1. Importance of Performance Standards 2. Assess Application/Software Quality 1. Increase focus on Web-site performance/quality 3. Provide Technical Advice (i. e. Test techniques, Defect Management) 1. Process, Requirements and Test Tools 4. Analyze and Track Errors (defect management and quality metrics)

l Testing Standards The methods and procedures programmers, testers, Users and architecture support will follow in the planning, design, execution and reporting of testing l Control Standards The methods by which computer systems and programs will be controlled (i. e. change and version control) l Performance Standards The level or criteria achieved in doing work (i. e. response times, Usage models, server capacity, etc) l Requirements Standards The completeness, clarity and testability of Functional and Performance Requirements

l Review the system for: · Verification that it meets specifications · Adequacy of internal controls · Satisfying needs of users l Determine that the system makes efficient and economic use of organization’s hardware, software and other resources l Determine that ALL types of Testing is adequate as new coverage and Testing criteria changes for Speed-to-Market environment

Examples of QA Best Practices 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Incorporate Requirements into Test Processes Improve Test Management, Scheduling and Reporting - Iterative Development calls for creative test scheduling Establish Meaningful Metrics to measure progress/improvements Advise Business Analysts, Development and Test teams on evaluation, selection and implementation of Tools Insert QA and Post Implementation Reviews into lifecycle

Benefits of QA l Improve the methods of scheduling, measuring, testing and reporting software quality l Balance the Speed to Market and Software Quality l Align these Best Practices and Capabilities with Current and Potential Customers

Criteria for Successful implementation of changes rely on l l l upper management support consistent and effective communication training in SQM practices hiring QA, QC and Automated Test resources proper allocation per Development project procurement and implementation of tools