A Comprehensive Guide to Choose The Best Test Management Software

Purchaser’s Guide for Test Management Software:

This lecture will act as a resource for assessing test management instruments. It gives a synopsis of test management and highlights the procedure to adhere to while settling on the most effective test management software.

This lecture offers a comprehensive summary of test management, its definition, relevance, parameters, and characteristics. It additionally presents a catalog of the prominent test management tools obtainable in the industry, described in layman’s terms for simple comprehension.

Introduction To Test Management

When selecting a test management platform, it’s crucial to be vigilant. Take into account elements such as cost, efficiency, and mobile support. Test management encompasses the orchestrating and managing of test procedures, assets, and artifacts for both manual and automated testing projects. The objective is to boost test success and upgrade software quality.

Test management comprises the following duties and tasks:

• Formulation of test cases.
• Planning of test execution.
• Observation of test execution.
• Making test result reports.
• Analyzing test results.
• Confirming the completion of testing tasks and test results.
• Identifying junctures for application testing improvement.
• Directing the testing team.
• Management of outer and inner relationships.
• Creation of documentation linked to testing activities.
• Estimation of test efforts.
• Scheduling of tests.
• Measuring and tracing test cycles.
• Organizing test cases.
• Managing test assets and artifacts.

What Is A Test Management Tool?

A test management device keeps track of testing activities, generates reports on QA status, and arranges test assets in a systematic way. These platforms are employed for controlling and keeping track of both manual and automated software testing. They frequently come with features like incident management, problem management, test ware management, bug tracking, test scheduling and monitoring, logging of results, and test reporting. Test case management tools have modules for each phase of the software testing life cycle (STLC).

Need For Test Management Tools

Studies show that software quality assurance counts for more than half of the total software cost, which rises for critical software. Test management tools are essential to enhance testing procedures and regulate testing costs.

The requirement for test management tools can be outlined as follows:

• Due to the complexity of testing tasks, a proficient and scalable test management software is vital for organizations.
• Test management tools synchronize testing tasks, ensuring the wellbeing of the system under test (SUT) and keeping the overall testing operation on track.
• These instruments aid the rationalization and enhancement of the testing procedure, affording instant access to data analysis, collaborative tools, and effective communication among project teams.
• Many tools encompass requirements management abilities to align test case design with requirements.
• Test management tools streamline the testing operation by merging defect tracking and project task management in a singular application.

List Of Test Management Tools

There are various commercial and open source test management tools accessible in the market. Refer to our catalog of the top test management systems to find the one that matches your needs.

Recommended Tools:

#1) PractiTest

PractiTest is a one-stop-shop Application Lifecycle Management (ALM) solution that consolidates all testing elements in one platform. It permits for improved decision-making and swifter product rollouts.

PractiTest enables teams to run and handle automation, manual, and exploratory testing. It integrates with bug trackers and test automation platforms. It supports various software development and testing methodologies, including Waterfall, Agile, and DevOps.

PractiTest is highly adaptable and customizable, catering to the unique requirements of businesses across various industries. It is appropriate for software providers, gaming, financial services, education, government organizations, pharmaceuticals, and more.

Register For A Free Trial Of PractiTest Today!

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#2) TestCaseLab

TestCaseLab aids with effortless test case management and integration with bug trackers.

TestCaseLab allows you to conduct various testing operations, including creating test cases, categorizing them, collecting them in test plans, and reporting results to Jira. It offers an affordable solution with no extra charges per user.

TestCaseLab is easy to utilize and user-friendly, making it ideal for CEOs, CTOs, PMs, or QA leads. It aids in enhancing testing efficiency and saving time. It supports integration with Jira, Redmine, Pivotal Tracker, Asana, YouTrack, and Trello.

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For more top tools, refer to our list of the finest test management tools.

Open Source Vs. Feature-laden Commercial Tools

Before delving into the details of each instrument, it’s crucial to contemplate whether to select an open-source or commercial test management tool.

Open-source choices encompass:

• QATraq
• Redmine
• TestLink
• Tarantula (for agile test management)

Commercial choices encompass:

• TestRail
• QTest
• PractiTest
• Zephyr
• Test Collab
• HP Quality Center
• QMetry and TestFLO for JIRA

Reflect on the following disparities:

• Open-source tools can perform tasks effectively, but customization necessitates technical skills. They may be slower and lack support, training, and robust manuals.
• Commercial tools offer user-friendly interfaces and support integration with other test management, bug tracking, and test automation tools. They come at a higher price but provide comprehensive support and extra features.
• In small firms, open-source or lower-cost options may be sufficient, while larger organizations may advantage from feature-laden commercial tools for auditing and legal purposes.

Parameters While Choosing The Optimum Tool

Reflect on the following parameters when selecting a test management software:

#1) Cost

Filter tools based on your project budget. Commercial tools are recommended for large organizations with higher budgets. Consider licensing expenses and duration. Customized licenses may be available.

#2) Productivity

Choose a platform that boosts productivity, including:

• Detailed test information
• Detailed test reports
• Tracking of release management
• Support for agile methodologies

#3) Association with External Tools

Ensure that the tool supports integration with other test management, bug tracking, and test automation tools for streamlined testing processes.

#4) Mobile Support

Consider whether a fully-featured mobile version of the platform is available for remote teams and round-the-clock monitoring.

#5) Preferred Assistance Channel

Look out for tools that provide dependable assistance through live chat, phone calls, ticket raising, help desks, knowledge bases, and FAQs.

9 Quality Requirements For The Finest Test Management Product

Reflect on the following quality requirements:

1. Functionality
2. Usability
3. Efficiency
4. Portability
5. Reliability
6. Maintainability
7. General vendor qualifications
8. Vendor support
9. Licensing & Pricing

Essential Features

The top test management tools should encompass the following high-level features:

• Scheduling, controlling, and planning of tests
• Gathering of test-related metrics
• Logging of execution information
• Monitoring capabilities
• Management of test assets and artifacts
• Representation of relationships between test assets
• Support for reporting

Practical Tips And Metrics For Evaluating & Comparing Different Instruments

Choosing the right test management tool can be challenging due to the numerous options available. Consider the following steps for tool evaluation:

#1) Understand the project requirements before evaluating tools.

#2) Evaluate tools that fit your budget and feature set.

#3) Consider using multiple compatible tools if they together provide a complete test management solution.

#4) Address technical considerations and ensure compatibility with your development environment.

#5) Evaluate the test management features and integration with defect management tools, if applicable.

Ask the following questions to evaluate a tool:

• Are my project requirements clear?
• Should I choose a single powerful tool or multiple tools together?
• Which tool design fits my organization and project?
• Should I buy or lease the tool?
• Should I self-host or lease a service?
• How will the tool integrate with other support tools?
• Do I need an API or open design?
• Is the tool available for mobile platforms?
• Does the tool provide detailed test information?
• Can test runs be done in batch jobs?
• Can tests be organized in hierarchies?
• Can test runs be monitored, paused, and restarted?
• Does the tool support integration with test automation solutions?
• Do I need features like audit trail, versioning, change control, or auto notification? Does the tool support these features?
• Does the tool support test result analysis and reporting?
• Does the tool support exploratory testing?
• Does the tool offer a common interface for requirement management, test management, release management, and defect management?

Parameters For Tool Comparison

Compare tools based on the following parameters:

• Adaptability to various development methodologies
• Ramp-up time
• Integration capabilities
• Version control
• Scheduling capabilities
• Cost
• Security

Tool Comparison Framework And Charts

Utilize tool comparison matrixes and charts for better comprehension:

• Matrix 1:

(Click on the image for an enlarged view)

<img class=”alignnone wp-image-15589″ src=”https://iptvassist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Tool-Comparison-Matrix.jpg” alt=’Tool Comparison Matrix’ width=”740″ height=”304″ srcset=”https://iptvassist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Tool-Comparison-M

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