At DeCare Systems Ireland (DSI) our software test team is benefitting from the newly released [tag]Microsoft Visual Studio Team System (VSTS) 2008 Test Edition[/tag] which they are using in conjunction with the [tag]Visual Studio Team System 2008 Test Load Agent[/tag] software to web test and load test their [tag].NET[/tag] and [tag]Java[/tag] web-based applications.

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The DSI Test team attended the latest IT@Cork event hoping to gain some ‘Tricks or Treats’ that they could use to improve their automated test process and they weren’t disappointed. In addition to ‘Tricks and Treats’ Ken Brennock from Insight Test Services also offered some extremely helpful advice and some ‘Tips’, not least, that test automation can be in-valuable in supporting the delivery of quality software BUT only if used strategically.
It seems that even if not used strategically there are some quick wins to be made from test automation as follows:

• Time and cost savings through improved efficiency,
• Repeatability and accuracy of execution,
• Improved test coverage through automated regression test execution,
• Better visibility and control of the test process,

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We are always on the look-out to improve our testing process so we were delighted to learn that Fran O’Hara from Insight was giving some informative testing tips at the latest it@cork event. Fran’s tips, 10 in total, were aimed in such a way that they provided practical advice to the lay tester so that they could gain high benefit from a low cost input. Fran from Insight outlined some of the reasons that organisations might review their testing process and often when a project has not met expectation or customer commitments then a formal review is performed. A bit of a “too little too late approach”. Those organisations that are pro-active and forward thinking might prefer to have a defined standard for testing or a continuous improvement program that is constantly evolving to meet both their needs and the customer’s needs. Of course there’s very little point reviewing your testing process if the basics are not in place to begin with, but if you are looking for a place to start then some of Insight’s top 10 tips are a must.

Planning Ahead - Ensure at the very least that the organisation has a basic test process in place as it helps to clarify testing responsibilities, overall approach and leads to less headaches. Although you’ll have room for improvement it’s a good start.

Early Days - Getting testers involved at the earliest stage i.e. at requirements gathering stage or even before hand has proven to be beneficial as it’s cheaper to find and correct defects at this stage of the project.

Risky Business - Consider running a Risk Workshop so that the high risk areas are at least identified at the outset. The ‘old Risk versus Reward’ theory comes to mind here.

Focus the Mind - A test strategy will identify what’s to be tested and focuses the mind on what the testers are trying to achieve.

Buy In - Ensure that your Project Managers buy into your testing process.

Communication is Key - Don’t forget to have regular meetings with all of the stakeholders so that items don’t get de-railed.

Overall - We came away feeling that we can use some of the above in our own process. Our Tip #11: Attend more of these presentations for more ‘quick wins’. Were certainly looking forward to the next it@cork presentation entitled ‘Opportunities and Strategies for Test Automation on the 30th October.