A Thorough Analysis of the Zephyr Enterprise Test Management Tool:
Historically, corporate quality assurance groups have utilized the waterfall model. Still, the evolution of agile has incentivized some teams to make a shift. They grapple with the task of identifying the right tool and implementing the correct migration procedure. In this analysis, we will delve into Zephyr Enterprise Edition and its capacity to repurpose waterfall assets for an agile tool. We will also examine pivotal points to bear in mind when assessing test management solutions.
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Zephyr Enterprise is a potent test management framework that encapsulates every facet of the testing lifecycle. It can be hosted in-house or delivered as a SaaS model. Zephyr is flexible enough to accommodate diverse testing methodologies, incorporating waterfall, agile, V-Model, and combined methods.
The structured workflow starting from departments to projects, rollouts, or iterations, alongside its multifaceted applications, positions Zephyr as an adaptive tool with a defined process. This flexibility renders it optimal for introducing changes in the software development process.
The Waterfall strategy in software development exhibits these key traits:
- Implementation follows a structured, well-documented, and disciplined protocol.
- Its non-repetitive nature allows multiple projects to coincide.
- Waterfall is predictive, often employed for steadier projects.
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The Agile strategy in software development encompasses these crucial features:
- Agile is adaptive, brisk and less stringent.
- It encompasses multiple iterations (1-4 weeks), with each cycle representing a complete software project that yields functional elements.
- Continuous communication, reusability and final launch are focus areas.
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Commonly, firms implement a mixed method merging waterfall and agile strategies that fits best with their environment. This combination may involve teams adopting various methodologies simultaneously, transitioning from one system to another or employing a specific procedure based on client or partner needs. An integration of these combined models is facilitated through Zephyr.
Navigating Zephyr Enterprise User Interface
Preview of Zephyr Enterprise:
Effects-free Contextual Release Spaces:
Zephyr organizes all testing assets using contextual release spaces, supporting fluid workflows. Assets are bundled into projects and further divided into launches, rotations or sprints. Every contextual space contains applications to manage prerequisites, test conditions, organization, tasks, outcomes, reports, measures, and documents particular to that given testing lifecycle. Test cases can be utilized across different projects and releases through the Global Tree mechanism.
Role-Specific Customized Testing Desktops:
Zephyr assigns a role to every user and provides them with a tailored testing desktop showcasing the relevant applications. This configuration allows users to perform their tasks effectively. Data transfer is enabled via a shared repository on the Zephyr server, while communication is made possible through a cooperative backbone. Real-time dashboards keep the company in the loop regarding testing progress and product quality.
Contextual View for Efficient Navigation:
Zephyr’s contextual view permits users to toggle between launches and open up various applications within a single rollout. For instance, users can simultaneously work on Release Setup and Requirements Management or transition to another launch with individual applications. The tab structure at the top of the user interface ensures efficient navigation within the tool. In addition, users can access search functions and help resources from the top right corner of the screen.
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Rollout Setup Application:
The Rollout Setup application helps users initiate new launches or clone existing ones. Cloning enables the selection of particular applications to duplicate, such as test case inventories, requirement repositories, attachments and mappings, execution records, and defect mappings.
Requirements Management:
Prerequisites are a crucial component of the testing lifecycle. Zephyr permits importing of requirements from external sources like Excel or Atlassian’s JIRA, or they can be created directly within the UI. Test cases can be linked with requirements, and comprehensive reports can be generated to establish traceability from requirements to test cases to defects.
Repository Setup:
The Repository Setup feature of Zephyr permits users to set folder assignment restrictions for specific test folders (e.g., test suites or phases). Test cases can be added, cloned, or removed within each folder or subfolder, ensuring a nested folder structure. Linked test cases can be managed within releases.
Structuring Test Case Execution and Assignment:
The Test Case EAS application allows users in charge of assigning and scheduling cycles and phases to build overall execution cycles or sprints. Phases or areas of testing are defined within each sprint. Zephyr provides options to incorporate existing phases created during Test Case Creation or create custom phases via search, folder structure navigation, or past sprints.
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Execute Manual and Automated Test Cases:
Zephyr offers an intuitive screen that allows for access and execution of both manual and automated test cases. Test cases created in the Test Case Creation application and assigned in the Test Case EAS application can be executed at the step level as well as the overall test case level. Automation can be set off using Zephyr’s ZBot and ZIPs technology, integrating seamlessly with various automation frameworks.
Defects Management and Integration:
As test cases are executed, defects can be managed within Zephyr or integrated with external defect tracking platforms such as Atlassian’s JIRA. The integration of Zephyr with JIRA is unmatched, allowing seamless integration of a single Zephyr project with multiple JIRA projects and providing metrics within the Zephyr Enterprise UI.
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Metrics and Reporting:
Zephyr’s Metrics and Reporting application enables users to monitor distribution, execution, defect, and requirements-based metrics, as well as trend charts. These metrics provide real-time insight into testing progress and can be drilled down for more detailed views. In addition, metrics can be displayed on project dashboards which are accessible to all project members and dashboard users.
Key Features
- Effective management of testing launches and rotations
- Capability to add and monitor requirements
- Organized test repositories
- Creation and recycling of manual tests
- Scheduling and running of automation scripts
- Integration with leading defect tracking solutions (JIRA & Bugzilla) and over 400 automation platforms
- Real-time collaboration
- Custom real-time metrics and dashboards
- Unlimited API availability
- Enterprise-ready test management
- Available as SaaS or on-premise
Positives:
- Smooth transition to agile
- Rated #1 for HPQC replacement
- Integration with JIRA and Bugzilla
- Centralized testing
- Automation capability
- Improved visibility and traceability
- Open access to APIs
- Flexible pricing models
- Simplified migration process
- Free metrics and dashboards
Negatives:
- Lacks integration with TFS or Rally
- Not cost competitive against smaller test management tools
- Does not include a test recorder application
- Only three UI skins available
Boost Your Agile Testing with Zephyr Enterprise
Zephyr Enterprise Edition distinguishes itself as a test management tool, offering extensive functionality that enables QA groups and testers to build and execute test conditions with minimal struggle. This leaves them more time for actual testing, diminishing time-consuming steps. Zephyr also features project management traits, including real-time push-based metrics for educated decision-making and free project dashboards.
Zephyr can be implemented as either a SaaS model or an in-house deployment with robust security protocols. It presents industrial-scale scalability, documented APIs, and regular maintenance and upgrades.
Register for a complimentary 1-year trial of Zephyr’s agile solution here.
Are you currently implementing Zephyr as your test management tool? What features have you found to be the most helpful, and have you encountered any issues using the tool? Please share your insights in the comments section below.