As an integral part of the software development process, Software Quality Assurance (SQA) has become increasingly important in ensuring the success of websites and apps. With the growing complexity of these digital products, the QA process has become more time-consuming. To effectively track and measure the performance of QA activities, the use of appropriate metrics is essential. This article will discuss some essential QA metrics that should be established and monitored throughout the process to assess its effectiveness.
1. Understanding QA Metrics
Software testing and quality assurance metrics are quantitative measures used to evaluate and assess the quality and effectiveness of software development processes, products, and testing activities. These metrics provide valuable insights into various aspects of software quality and can help gauge the efficiency, reliability, and overall performance of development and testing efforts. By tracking these metrics, organizations can identify areas for improvement, make data-driven decisions, and ensure that the software meets the desired quality standards.
2. Importance of QA Benchmark
QA benchmarking involves comparing the metrics and results obtained from the current project or organization with established benchmarks or industry best practices. It provides a reference point for evaluating and improving software quality. By comparing performance metrics against benchmarks, organizations can identify gaps, set quality goals based on industry standards, track progress, and measure the effectiveness of quality improvement initiatives. Benchmarking can also help assess a company’s standing in the market and identify areas for improvement or competition.
3. Determining QA Metrics
Before selecting QA metrics, it is important to define the questions they are meant to answer. Some key questions to consider include:
3.1. Test Execution Metrics
- How long will the test take?
- How much money does the test require?
3.2. Bug Metrics
- What is the level of bug severity?
- How many bugs have been resolved?
- What is the status of each bug – closed, reopened, postponed?
3.3. Test Coverage Metrics
- How much of the software has been tested?
- Can tests be completed within the given timeline?
- Has the test effort been adequate?
4. Derived QA Testing Metrics
Absolute metrics alone may not provide a comprehensive understanding of the QA process. Derived QA metrics offer deeper insights into the daily efforts and challenges faced by testers. Some important derived metrics include:
4.1. Test Effort Metrics
- Number of tests in a certain time period
- Test design efficiency
- Test review efficiency
- Number of bugs per test
4.2. Test Effectiveness Metrics
- Percentage of bugs detected by a certain test case
- Test case maintenance effort
4.3. Test Coverage Metrics
- Test coverage percentage
- Requirements coverage
4.4. Test Economy Metrics
- Total allocated cost
- Actual cost
- Budget variance
- Time variance
- Cost per bug fix
- Cost of not testing
4.5. Test Team Metrics
- Number of defects returned per team member
- Number of open bugs to be retested by each team member
- Number of test cases allocated and executed by each team member
4.6. Defect Distribution Metrics
- Defect distribution by cause, feature/functional area, severity, priority, and type
- Defect distribution by tester type (Dev, QA, UAT, or End-user)
Conclusion
Selecting and using the right QA metrics is crucial for planning and executing an effective QA process. By establishing appropriate metrics, organizations can assess the performance and quality of their software development efforts, identify areas for improvement, and make informed decisions. Additionally, incorporating real device testing ensures comprehensive bug detection and accurate metrics. By leveraging these metrics and practices, organizations can enhance their software quality, optimize resource utilization.
