How to Select A Test Case Management Tool

TechsPlace | There are quite a few test management tool in the market for you to choose from. Therefore, you should step your game in selecting the tool that will surely meet your requirements. You should also look into various factors, such as efficiency, cost, system support, etc. when selecting your tool.

Why is it vital to understand how to select a test case management tool? Let us put it this way. Knowing how to choose your test case management tool will allow you to efficiently and effectively handle your software testing life cycle (STLC).

Why is Test Management Tool A Must-Have?

A test management tool is a critical factor in monitoring the entire testing cycle, document how the testing happened, organize test cases, and generate reports on the results. Some tools can manage and track manual testing, automated testing, and a combination of both.

Typically, these testing tools have bug tracking systems, incident reporting, test ware management, test scheduling and reporting, and many more. They come with various modules that will allow you to keep track of a multi-level STLC.

The main goal of utilizing a test management tool is to assist manual testing, efficiently gather execution data through automated tests, run RTM (requirement traceability matrix), manage multi-platform environments, and collect data on bugs and errors that cause problems in the software.

According to studies, more than half of the software development project cost goes to software quality. Plus, critical software QA even costs more. Therefore, it is crucial to employ a test case management tool to enhance your testing process handling and help control the expenses of software development and testing.

Moreover, experts pointed out the importance of using an automated test management tool over manual monitoring because of various factors.

• Because of the high intricacy of a multi-level testing process, proficient and measurable test management software is a requirement for any organization.
• Testing tools help give you a clearer understanding of the status of your SUT (system under test. It can also correlate other testing activities while monitoring the overall process.
• Test case management tools help to fulfill the vision of transforming the testing process for better data analysis, integration tools, and prompt communication between various project teams.
• One software can monitor errors and project activities, which increases the simplification of the entire process.

The Difference Between Open-Source and Commercial Test Management Tools

Choosing a test case management tool needs informed decision-making. It is best to take time and determine your project requirements. Open source may be your initial choice, but a commercial tool might be what you need for a fast and effective testing process. Here are some differences between a commercial and open source testing tool to help you pick which one will best fit your needs.

• Open source tools allow customization, but it will require a technically trained person to perform it. Commercial tools offer user-friendly, easy to understand interactive UI, which allows some flexibility in some of its features.
• Commercial tools have faster performance in problem detection than open-source tools, making open-source a lesser choice for large organizations.
• Open source provides ample support. However, commercial tools offer better assistance in troubleshooting, training, and most companies also offer user manuals.
• Almost all commercial test management tools allow integration with other testing tools like bug trackers, test automation boosters, etc. But, they work more efficiently when in tandem with software development tools.
• Open source tools are relatively cheaper than commercial tools. A licensed commercial tool is pricey, and its maintenance cost is quite high too. To employ a commercial tool, an organization has to have an exceptional project to justify the purchase of one.

If you have a small or start-up company, investing in commercial tools might not be smart for your organization. You may opt to try open-source. If your organization needs a more elaborate test environment, where audits and lawsuits might be involved, you might want to use commercial tools.

However, are you aware that there are also all-in-one cost-effective test case management tools that cater to your needs? These tools also offer promising test results, so you might want to check them out today.

Criteria to Help You Select the Best

Below are the top criteria that you must consider when selecting your test management tool.

1. Cost

Make a list of your prospect tools from all that are available in the market. Mark all the tools that fit your project budget. You should also check the amount of licensing cost that you are ready to spend on, which will be based on the length of time that you need to utilize the tool.

2. Efficiency

The software you will select should boost the efficiency of the testing process and the testing team’s productivity. It should enhance the following aspects of the test:

• The Granularity of Test Data: The test case management tool that you will select must give you a detailed data report on the different phases of the testing process. The report must show the information where an error occurred, which will save you time tracking the error. Moreover, the tool’s ability for documentation should be able to record test defects, correlate stories, upload data like images or videos, and run test execution tasks.
• Tracking Documentation and Release Reporting: Your tool should closely monitor the modules used, tested, and released, then update the list while in the process. Moreover, it must have a repository that shows a unified report to all stakeholders without the risk of being tampered with.
• Agile Support: Most projects now, including the management of software development and testing, are under the agile methodology. Therefore, your tool of choice must support agile, including story creation, charts, reporting, sprints, and scrum.

3. Integration with Other Tools

The test case management tool must provide continuous and secure integration with other tools. It should have swift incorporation with automation tools to allow a fast and easy testing process.

4. Mobile Compatibility

The tool that you will select should be compatible with various mobile devices and operating systems. This approach will allow you to easily coordinate with other team members who might be in multiple locations, especially during this time. It will also assist managers in monitoring the testing process 24/7.

5. Excellent Support System

User support should help answer questions and troubleshooting. There should be various communication channels, including phone calls, live chat, email, help desk, ticketing, FAQs, user manual, and many more.

5 Steps on Evaluating Various Tools Available in the Market

There are a considerable number of test case management tools available for you to choose from. To evaluate the best while using the criteria above as a guide to select the best, you may want to check these five essential steps.

Step 1: Identify and understand the requirements of the project. Jumping into the tool selection without understanding what you need will hinder you from choosing the tool to be your partner to a successful testing process.

Step 2: When you have determined your project requirements, begin evaluating the products within your budget range. Ensure that those that will be included in the list offer the features you need for the project.

Step 3: Understand your development environment. When checking the tool’s features, look into specifics related to hosting, maintenance cost, privacy and security coverage, and administration support.

Step 4: Check if all basic features are offered and if these features can do an integration with other testing tools, such as test automation tools, bug tracking tools, reporting tools, communication tools, and many more.

Step 5: Analyze if the tool can perfectly build a connection between the test cases and the project’s functional requirement.

You may also quickly go through these sets of questions to help you take your pick.

• How big is the project?
• Should I purchase or lease the tool?
• Will the tool be available on my mobile device?
• Can it monitor tests done in batches?
• Can the test be paused while running?
• Can the test be restarted in case of errors and glitches?
• Can it do auto-notification of any vital alerts on the test system?
• Does it reinforce the exploratory approach?

Final Thought: Only Go For The Best

Selecting a test case management tool is a complex task that can either make or break your software development. You must be able to understand how to compare the products available in the market. Keep in mind that there specific parameters to help you pick the best, including:

• Flexibility to Different Development Environment and Approaches
• Cost
• Ramp-up Time (the amount of time that the tool will be incorporated within the organization)
• Integration and Compatibility (with other testing tools, platforms, operating systems, etc.)
• Version Controlling
• Scheduling Capacity
• Support and Maintenance
• Security and Data Protection

Whatever you choose, make sure to purchase and run one before the production and release of the product software. Also, did you know that the cheapest isn’t always the best choice? You have to check all the features and how it can be beneficial to your team and your project.

Guest Author

This article is contributed by guest author on techsplace.com.