This is for you if you are already using a test management tool that just doesn’t fulfill your requirements anymore, either because it’s too complicated, it requires too long to set up test runs, it’s hard to manage, or it doesn’t work well with your team’s other resources, or any other reason. Or maybe you’re just getting started. You realize you need a tool to write test cases and handle them, but you’re not sure what to search for or where to begin.
Nevertheless, you should know that integrating QA practices with a strong test management framework is important when it comes to directing test projects in the Agile discipline to promote the development and management of test cases with efficient monitoring and quicker turnover. However, the tension over-improved teamwork and coordination in the test projects have risen over and beyond speed and precision with businesses increasingly moving towards DevOps methodology. This is why, when assessing an optimal test management platform that suits the Agile & DevOps programs, it is advised to take a closer look at multiple alternatives.
In this article, we’ll look at some of the top features you should look for in a test management tool.
Straightforward & Quick Test Execution
The overhead needed to run a test run inside a tool is one of the challenges QA testers face with non-efficient test management tools. Ideally, QA testers do not want to do excessive clicking when executing a test run. A good test management tool should be able to run a test with a few clicks to save time and promote productivity.
Testing processes can be very boring, and it helps when a testing tool eases the whole process by mitigating unnecessary steps. It is unlikely that if a tester has performed a test several times, they would need to review each phase and the predicted outcome again and again. Sometimes, you just need to read, test, and continue with the next test case.
Ability To Run Custom Test Cases
A “test run” in a software testing process refers to a series of test cases intended to test a specific software, a specific function, or a planned launch of software that normally involves regression testing.
Generally, each test run would be different. If several modifications to an existing feature have been made or a new feature has been introduced, the test run could consist of mainly test cases for such features, plus other legacy test cases to guarantee that no features are disabled.
If it does not have the relevant scenarios, the test run is not going to achieve its function. To build the test run that is most customized for the application being evaluated, the tool must have the ability to conveniently select and choose test cases from the test repository. Plus, time is always essential-no one wants to run a lot of instances that are not required simply because the test run was so much work to customize. For efficacy, this customization is important. Look for a test management tool that is known for providing excellent customizations.
Reporting
In every QA agency, reporting test findings is important. As a consequence of their work, a significant distinction in production and research is that testers do not have a product to demonstrate. Typically, documents such as bug reports and test results are the “product” for QA.
Test results should be easily understandable because, after a test run, there is no need for a complex method to produce a report. You only need specific information, such as established flaws, pass/fail scores and a list of performed tests. It is also good to have a field for tester feedback or a test run description including version, browser, and system info.
The functionality of Import / Export
The import feature is unlikely to be first on your list if you are just getting started. That being said, if you have been tracking test cases in spreadsheets, simple docs, or another test case management tool for the past year, then it would be important to be able to import your previous test cases.
For a couple of significant factors, the opportunity to export cases is a necessary function. You would want to be able to export to a format that can then be migrated to the new tool if you do choose to change the software. You can also come into a situation in which you need to include a customer or a teammate who may not use the tool for any reason with the test schedule, like test cases.
Maintenance
Test case maintenance is the most overlooked element of test case management. A persistent need to manage test cases is generated by the speed at which software is built, modified, and iterated. If you look at the fact that specifications will change on an almost regular basis, they must be added to, deleted, and revised regularly. The volume of time and resources you’ll have to expend here defines how your test case management platform accommodates maintenance.
Search Function
It’s incredible how much testing can be needed for a basic application (from the viewpoint of an end-user). Anyone who has written test cases knows how fast the situations are stacking up. For this purpose, having the opportunity to scan the archive of test cases is an absolute necessity for this list. The code that has been modified can impact several different areas when constructing a test set. The tester does not need or want to test all cases in all places, because this sort of time is most definitely not available, so the tester should be able to scan for cases and attach them to a test run without filtering through dozens of lines of text to locate the right cases to add.
Simplicity
Is there an application for tools or applications where the end-user is NOT looking for easiness and simplicity? Probably not. You are always searching for the functions you need for any method, plus a straightforward interface. Yes, learning how to use a new method requires time, but it should not be excessively complex and time-consuming. Look for a test management tool that is advanced yet has simple functions attached to it.
Final Words
When you don’t know where to begin or what to look for, evaluating a test case management tool can be a little daunting. We hope this list of features will guide you in the correct direction. Each company has different needs, so keep the team’s needs in mind. If you are a single tester or part of a broad QA team, when testing a test case management method, these are the features for you to consider.