When it comes to the technological world, software, mobile applications, and other platforms have been making processes more comfortable and faster than before. However, not every developed software or mobile app is free from errors and bugs.

Updates, fixes, and software patches are made to mitigate these on-going concerns. But, nothing beats the actual software testing before it is released for use. During this process, most organizations acknowledge the need for a test management tool to guide them.

As we discuss the importance of software testing and challenges an organization may encounter, we will also see what remedies people can adapt to address concerns and issues during software testing.

Software Testing: A Brief Explanation

Before a software becomes readily accessed by its intended users, software testing is done to evaluate its performance. During this period, a software undergoes numerous testing processes that aim to check whether it works up to the expectations of the end-users.

Software testing is done by a group of quality analysts within the organization or an outsourced company that provides an outside and fresh perspective. Without these people, the software may prove inadequate to the needs of the end-users.

Because software testing is a critical aspect of the timeline of software development, it is crucial to have this process accurately accomplished. But, there are challenges that a QA group will encounter, and we will discuss these concerns in the next portion of the article.

Challenges to Software Testing and Addressing Them

The QA group knows how much pressure is laid upon their shoulders as they are riddled with the end-users’ expectations and the developers’ hard work. This immense pressure is not the only thing that’s keeping a QA group from doing their responsibilities objectively and appropriately.

Let’s take a look at the numerous challenges that a QA group needs to address to have a successful software testing.

1. Unskilled and Unqualified QA Testers

There are QA testers that aren’t proficient in their work. There are a lot of factors that ride into these lapses, and one of those is being uncertified. As the technological world demands, QA testers must undergo training and must be certified before applying their skills as the industry demands. If not, the organization’s QA testers may be unaware of institutions and resources that offer top-notch training and certifications that provide formal training.

To combat this, the organization must pay attention to the KSA’s (knowledge, skills, and abilities) of its in-house QA testers by having them certified by an institution or letting them access training materials. Another source of learning and knowledge for software testers is conferences, articles, and books.

2. Lack of Testing Tools

Another challenge that QA testers will encounter is the lack of testing tools for the software. These tools must assess the requirements of the software. Moreover, these testing tools must determine the suitability of the software to the end-users’ expectations.

If there are testing tools available, there are instances where the software testers may not understand the proper utilization of these tools. In this case, adequate training must be conducted for the QA team to optimize these tools entirely.

When there aren’t available tools for use, the QA team must coordinate with the upper management for the acquisition of these valuable items. However, before purchasing these tools, there must be an evaluation as to which tool is suitable for the QA process.

Why do we need test management tool? Most of the time, there are assessments regarding the pros and cons of tools. Also, the QA team can conduct a case study regarding tool costs and benefits. The organization must know that these tools make it easier for them to fulfill their responsibilities.

3. Skeptical View of Software Testing

Often, upper management may disregard the need for software testing. They are agitated to see the results and often forbid the testing process. For them, this calls for an additional allocation of costs and manpower. However, this action shouldn’t be tolerated.

The process of software development must be integrated with software testing to assure quality. For the management to fully support this process, the QA team must persuade or present the pros and cons of having a comprehensive software testing. Also, cultural change is recommended.

4. Unbiased Relationship With Developers

It can be damaging to the process of software testing to have a “friendly” or a “lack of relationship” between the software developers and the QA team. Closeness beyond professional lines may cause the QA team to grow complacent about the results.

On the other hand, lack of closeness or established rapport may result in division and an “us versus them” mentality. Software testing is an independent yet interrelated process. Cooperation between software developers, in-house QA testers, and outsourced software testing team is needed to make the process accurate and effective.

The organization can also assign various roles to result in a collaborative effort. For example, software testers can focus on their independent testing. Users may partake in business-oriented testing, while management supports all testing activities.

5. Not Having Enough Time for Software Testing

We all know how QA testers and software testers can have too many tasks at their hands. Often, other projects may overlap with other tasks, and this can cause chaos to the timeline of the testers. If you are a QA analyst or an organization struggling with software testing, this is one of the main reasons why you need a test management tool.

A test management tool can allocate human resources, responsibilities, manage time, and more! Since software testing is a crucial aspect that all organizations must thoroughly complete, time must be on the QA and software testers’ side.

When time constraint becomes a problem, the organization and the QA testers must coincide with a software development schedule that allows ample time for completion and performance assessment.

Always keep in mind that even when the software is delivered to the client or end-user, it won’t matter if it does not meet expectations or perform poorly.

6. Relying Too Much on Testing Tools

Yes, test software and other test management tools make QA testers’ work easier. But, these tools should never replace the manual process of human testing. Tools can detect bugs, but the QA team does more than just checking for system errors and anomalies.

These people are responsible for the evaluation of the pros and cons, alternatives, and whether the software meets the needs of the end-users. To address this concern, the organization must have in-house testers that are proficient in their tasks.

Moreover, the value of quality control must be instilled among the members of both the software development team and the software testing team. From the point of the software’s creation up to the end of the process, quality should always be excellent.

7. Unable to Determine Which Test Must Be Conducted First

Trivial as it may seem, it can be a hindrance to the software testers if a testing process or sequence isn’t done correctly. There are software aspects that are considered as a top priority as its completion may affect other factors like performance, speed, or overall quality.

There are instances when one testing process is more important than the other, and taking the time to decide which process the QA testers should prioritize will delay the deliverables.

In addressing this concern, QA testers must have proficient knowledge and experience to understand the expected software and do their tasks under pressure.

8. No Understanding of Software Requirements

Aside from being proficient and knowledgeable about software processes, QA testers must have great communication skills. Why is this needed for their tasks? A comprehensive communication skill allows QA testers to bridge the gap between the software development team and the end-users.

With communication, the software testers will have an elaborate idea of what the end-users require from the software. These needs will guide the software development team in the creation of the software. Without a clear understanding between the two parties, the software development team won’t be able to create compelling software. On the other hand, the end-user will never be satisfied with the output delivered to them.

QA testers have the responsibility of understanding what the end-users require from the software and evaluate whether or not it answers the end-users’ needs.

9. Not Knowing When to Stop Testing

As we have mentioned earlier, there are instances when the QA team isn’t doing enough testing, and this is sabotaging the quality of the software. However, there are situations wherein the software testers can’t seem to decide when to stop testing.

If this is the case, the software development timeline might be ruined or resources, effort, and time go to waste because of excessive testing. The QA testers must have the core knowledge and sound ability to understand when software testing processes are already accomplished in order to correctly address this concern. 

In every aspect of software testing, challenges are a natural occurrence that stems from an organization’s desire to deliver quality and compelling software. A test management tool can be utilized to optimize processes to make software testing more convenient and more systematic.