A strong QA testing team is important for smooth-running applications - that’s a fact! However, recent years have seen a decrease in budget allocation for this crucial work worldwide.

Therefore, bug-filled software can significantly impact client onboarding and business success. In 2016, over 3.5 Billion people had smartphones. Now, imagine 34% of them abandoning an app because they encounter a bug or a glitch.

To put things into perspective, that’s a lot of people who could potentially become long-term users of a certain app. And it’s clear that these apps weren’t thoroughly checked for bugs.

So, today, we’ll explore four common mistakes in Software Quality Assurance, providing insights to help QA teams excel in their essential role.

Quality assurance

Four Mistakes in Software Quality Assurance and How to Avoid Them

Maintaining top-notch quality is a must for every app. Yet, common mistakes in Software Quality Assurance (SQA) can threaten this.

Let’s explore four pitfalls and learn how to avoid them for a solid and reliable development process.

1. Undefined Scope of Work

Failing to define the testing scope is a common pitfall in software testing. Testers often overlook the complexity of their role, which covers various tasks such as functional, performance, and security testing.

Quality assurance

Less time for testing, especially until the end of development, increases the likelihood of overlooking critical issues. On the other hand, code quality and tasks like regression testing must be prioritized to prevent the introduction of bugs and safeguard existing features.

To avoid the mistake of failing to define the testing scope, we at Tech Tailors do the following:

  1. Early involvement in development: Integrate QA testing early in the development process to understand the project’s scope from the outset.
  2. Test planning: Develop a detailed test plan that explicitly outlines the testing scope, including functional, performance, and security aspects.
  3. Prioritize time effectively: Allocate time for testing tasks, avoiding the common pitfall of last-minute testing. Prioritize critical testing areas, such as code quality and regression testing, to address potential issues early in the development cycle and prevent the rush that can lead to oversight.
  4. Regular regression testing: Implement a routine of regular regression testing, even when introducing new features.
2. Lack of Documentation

The lack of documentation is a common mistake during the testing process that can undermine quality assurance efforts. Comprehensive documentation is crucial for tracking progress, clarifying tasks, and ensuring efficient collaboration within the QA team.

In case you didn’t know, the Windows 95 manual is 1520 pages long. Now that shows the commitment that we at Tech Tailors like to mirror.

Quality assurance

So, to avoid this mistake:

  • Outsource documentation experts: Consider outsourcing documentation tasks to professionals. Similar to outsourcing other services for top-tier results, external expertise ensures a strong foundation for the QA team.
  • Create clear project documentation: Before testing begins, document each project’s overall requirements and functionalities. This documentation will most likely serve as a reference point.
  • Record progress on specific tasks: Maintain detailed progress records on specific testing tasks. This ensures that every feature is properly tested, reducing the chances of bugs.
  • Improve bug reporting: Know the importance of clear and helpful bug reports. QA professionals should provide comprehensive details about identified issues, fostering smooth communication with development teams.
3. Improper Use of Tools and Software

Using tools improperly, especially automation, is a common misstep in QA testing that can compromise efficiency and incur unnecessary costs. While automation is valuable for tasks like regression, load, and performance testing, it’s vital to recognize its limitations.

Automated tests might miss some important details or not work well if some basic things change. Additionally, there are different types of automation tools, and choosing the right one is crucial.

It’s not just about the cost of the tool; changing tools or fixing tests can add more expenses. To avoid overlooking issues and keep costs in check, it’s recommended to find a balance between using automation and doing things manually.

And to do so:

  1. Check task complexity: See if the testing task is repetitive or needs a careful look. If it’s repetitive, use automation. If it needs a closer look, go manual.
  2. Think about time: Automation is quick, but manual testing is deeper. Choose based on your project’s timing.
  3. Look for critical parts: Identify crucial features that need special attention. Manual testing is better for important or risky stuff where human judgment matters.
  4. Check your team’s skills: See what your team is good at. If they know automation well, use it. If not, manual testing might be simpler.
4. Poor Communication within Development Teams

Poor communication within development teams is a common issue that can lead to misunderstandings, delays, and compromised software quality. When team members don’t communicate effectively, it can impact the success of a project.

Quality assurance

To avoid this:

  • Establish clear channels: Set up clear communication channels within the team, ensuring everyone knows how and when to share updates, concerns, or questions.
  • Regular meetings: Conduct regular team meetings to discuss progress, challenges, and upcoming tasks. This helps maintain transparency and ensures everyone is on the same page.
  • Use collaboration tools: Leverage collaboration tools like messaging platforms and project management software to facilitate quick and efficient communication, especially in remote or distributed teams.
  • Clarify roles and responsibilities: Clearly define roles and responsibilities within the team. This reduces the chances of tasks being overlooked or duplicated, promoting a smoother workflow.
  • Encourage open dialogue: Create an environment where team members feel comfortable expressing ideas, raising concerns, or seeking clarification. Open dialogue fosters a culture of collaboration.

Conclusion

Quality Assurance (QA) work is crucial for software development, and challenges can be overcome by approaching it with care, understanding your role, choosing the right tools, and collaborating well with colleagues. Companies like Tech Tailors, a notable SQA company, demonstrate the value of expertise in this field when you follow simple rules and check on each step along the way.

Addressing common issues, such as defining testing scope and maintaining proper documentation, is key. Despite budget constraints, troubleshooting these challenges empowers QA professionals to perform their roles effectively and deliver reliable, high-quality software