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The software quality assurance industry’s most prevalent bug is deploying untested or malfunctioning code. HackerRank reports that this type of bug makes up roughly 60% of all software defects. However, by selecting an appropriate test management tool, this percentage can be reduced to zero. In this article, the Zebrunner team shares their knowledge of the essential features that a robust test management system should offer.
Top reasons why we need test management tools
A test management tool is an application designed to help manage and organize the testing process in software development. It provides a centralized platform for planning, executing, and tracking test cases and managing test data, defects, and reports. Test management tools streamline the testing process and improve the quality of software products. They are used by software quality assurance teams of all sizes, from small startups to large enterprises.
An advanced test case management tool allows testers to create and manage test cases, plans, and test suites. They also provide a way to track test results and defects, enabling teams to identify and resolve issues efficiently. Some test management tools also give advanced features such as integration with automated testing frameworks, test case versioning, traceability matrix, and collaboration tools.
A test management tool is a must-have solution for most QA teams because of three key reasons.
Testing workflow control
Without a test management tool, testing becomes disorganized, chaotic, and difficult to manage. A suitable solution provides you with a 360-degree view of your testing process. You easily build a standardized workflow for test case creation, editing, management, and execution. A test management tool ensures that all tests are conducted consistently and accurately.
Test management tools centralize all testing-related activities, including test planning, execution, and reporting, in one place. This enables better coordination and communication among team members, as well as provides better visibility into the status of testing activities.
Speed
The right test management tool speeds up significantly your testing workflow. With such a solution, you boost up test case creation and maintenance through a unified format and process. In addition, test management tools accumulate all information about your QA activities and provide automated reporting and analysis capabilities. So testers save time on test report creation.
Moreover, test management tools speed up team collaboration. These solutions reduce misunderstandings and delays caused by miscommunication. The QA team gets all testing information in one place, can share these data, and discuss issues.
Quality increasing
Test management tools improve the efficiency and effectiveness of testing activities. These solutions help to ensure that all features and functionalities of the software are tested thoroughly. With test coverage metrics, QA engineers identify areas that require additional testing, reducing the risk of defects and improving overall product quality. Also, test management tools often provide integration with automation frameworks and tools. This increases testing speed and efficiency and reduces the risk of human error. The result is a higher quality product with fewer defects and issues.
Crucial features of a good test management tool
There are several test management solutions available, both commercial and open-source. Selecting the right tool could be a time-consuming task, especially if you have never used such a solution before. Here is a list of the key features that reliable test management software should offer.
#1. Test case creation and execution
A good test management tool provides a user-friendly interface for creating and managing test cases. This includes the ability to create new test cases, copy or modify existing test cases, and organize test cases into test suites or test runs. The tool should also provide an easy way to execute test cases and record the results, with the ability to track pass/fail status and any defects that are identified during testing.
#2. Test data management
This feature involves creating test data sets and generating test data to simulate different scenarios that the application may encounter in real-world use. Users can specify parameters, such as data types, constraints, and rules, to generate test data that meets specific criteria. Additionally, the test data management feature also provides functionalities to store and organize test data securely and to maintain test data versions and backups.
#3. Good UI & intuitive design
A good test management tool has a well-designed user interface that is easy to navigate and understand. The interface should be intuitive and provide clear and concise information, making it easy for testers to manage their testing activities. This includes features such as drag-and-drop functionality, filtering and sorting capabilities, and customizable dashboards.
#4. Traceability
Traceability is a critical aspect of test management. A good test management tool enables traceability between requirements, test cases, and defects. This means that testers should be able to easily track the progress of their testing activities and identify any issues that arise. The advanced tool also provides features for linking test cases to requirements, defects to test cases, and other related items, to ensure that all aspects of the testing effort are tracked and recorded.
#5. Scalability
A test management tool should be scalable and allow for use across multiple projects. It should be able to handle large amounts of data and support collaboration between multiple teams. The good tool provides features for managing multiple projects, such as the ability to create separate workspaces or environments for each project, and the ability to easily switch between projects.
#6. Security and access control
A test management tool offers different levels of user permissions to ensure that only authorized users have access to sensitive information. It has robust security features to protect against unauthorized access such as password-protected user accounts, role-based access control, and secure data encryption.
#7. Project monitoring, reporting, and analytics
A good test management tool should provide comprehensive reporting capabilities, including the ability to generate reports on test results, defects, and project progress. The tool should also have project monitoring and tracking features to help testers stay on top of their testing activities and identify any issues that arise. Finally, it should have analytics capabilities to help testers analyze their testing activities and identify areas for improvement. This includes features such as data visualization tools, trend analysis, and predictive analytics.
