Why should businesses focus on Software Testing and Quality Assurance?

Software underpins the success or failure of any digital transformation initiative. In a world increasingly driven by computers and automation, software stays at the heart of a system executing things that were unthinkable in the past. It has helped create a human machine interface thereby reducing the human effort to a large extent. The customers of today have become the biggest beneficiaries of machines (read computers, tablets and smartphones) that are run by software wherein a host of activities gets done. These include paying utility bills, shopping from eCommerce stores, watching movies, booking hotels, cabs, trains, and airlines among others. However, executing these activities in a seamless manner can only happen when the software behind them works optimally. If not, the customer experience can eventually go for a toss. Thus, software testing and quality assurance have become important cogs in the wheels of software development and delivery.

What is quality assurance?

Quality assurance is a series of activities that check if the software, and processes based on that, deliver outcomes that conform to the business objectives. It checks and validates the requirements and standards for a software in the entire SDLC. Quality assurance thus identifies the bugs or glitches present in a software before its eventual deployment for customer use.

With growing competition, providing the best customer experience has become the primary objective of businesses to achieve ROI. And a glitch prone software application would be a detriment to realize that objective. Thus, software quality assurance testing has taken the centre stage in any organization’s scheme of things. The software application testing activity reveals inconsistencies, glitches, and redundancies in a newly developed software. It ensures the same are flagged off and removed (by the developers) to provide a better customer experience and longevity.

Where does software quality assurance services come in SDLC?

Traditionally, QA used to come after the development of software and before its eventual deployment. Since this approach was found inadequate to meet challenges like accelerating the time to market, testing the software across devices, platforms, devices, and networks, and offering a robust customer experience, it was discarded in favour of Agile-DevOps method of software development, testing and delivery. Thus, in the Agile-DevOps methodology, QA is part of the development sprint instead of operating in a silo.

Reasons to apply software application testing

#1. Enhance the quality of software: A bug filled software can impact the customer experience by not functioning to its optimum or as per expectations. It may lead to latency, downtime or render the features ineffective. As a software is supposed to reduce human effort and offer specific services, the presence of glitches can put paid to everything. And in the competitive business environment where customers have a range of choices, a glitch prone software can spell trouble for the business. For the customers will not have second thoughts in discarding the software and moving to the competitors.

#2. Prevent security issues: The software application testing exercise, especially security testing, can identify (and later eliminate with the help of developers) malware, trojans and viruses present in the software. This prevents hackers from siphoning off sensitive business and customer information or even money. For example, eCommerce or banking apps make use of network banking, credit and debit cards to make payments. However, if these apps are affected by malware, it can result in customers losing money.

1. Performance: Quality Assurance tests the performance of software by conducting load test, stress test etc. These tests ensure the software runs to its optimum when the workload increases. For example, eCommerce stores experience a rush of customers during holidays or Sundays. So, if the online stores are not tested beforehand for their performance, they can suffer from latency, downtime or even server crashes. Needless to say, such outcomes can hit the customer experience and bottom lines really hard.
2. Saves time and money: It is better to identify and fix glitches early on in the SDLC rather than going through an elaborate exercise later. As the saying goes, ‘a stitch in time saves nine,’ carrying out software testing in the initial phase of software development can save time and money.

Conclusion

The quality of software is arguably the most important attribute to garner customer approval. It is important for any business engaged in the development of software to validate the latter’s quality before delivery. By making a software quality compliant, the company can boost its brand, market, and ROI.