Technology » The Right Technology

The SQA and Testing process begins at the point where the dimensions of the change are being defined.  This is normally at scoping and high level requirements.  The capture and documentation of requirements, whether in narrative form or as screen prototypes, user stories, use cases, wireframes etc. and their development into more detailed definitions is the initial phase where quality assurance and testing can influence future results. The formal capture in standard form and the retention of these artefacts is very important. The lifecycle continues through planning, preparation, execution, defect management and test exit.  The level to which these phases in particular are supported and enabled by an integrated suite of tools operating in an integrated test environment has a significant impact on the overall efficiency and effectiveness of testing. 

It facilitates measurement and reporting which inform projects reviews and supports identifying the lessons that can be learnt from the project delivery and can be used to improve software quality and testing practice in the future. 

This includes changes to process, tooling, templates, software development practice, unit and functional testing, job roles etc.  These can only be successfully identified from a base of consistent and accurate QA and testing data.

There are two interlinked dimensions to the technology support for SQA and Testing, the toolset being used to support the cycle and the test environment in which the SQA and Testing stakeholders operate.