When preparing for the testing process, one of the most important parts is determining the best tools for your specific project. The process of actually selecting any software testing tools is one which requires a lot of hands-on experience with both testing in general and in your specific niche, but unfortunately the decision is often made by people who don’t have either. So whether you’re looking for only one tool or a whole set, here are three tips from our test engineers here at QualiTest that you should keep in mind when going through the selection process.
Following these tips will show that you are devoted to the testing effort your team is undergoing and are willing to put the time into providing them with the best tools for their particular purpose.
For many organizations, it’s tempting to go to a vendor you already work with and use whatever testing tool they happen to represent. However, it’s far better to do in-depth research into the tools that would be suitable for your products’ needs, making sure that the solution is as tailored as possible for your particular situation. Just because you bought a great hammer from a particular company doesn’t mean their saw is the best on the market, or that it’s the best choice for the type of wood you’re using or what you’re doing with said wood.
Don’t leave important decisions like this to someone who’ll look at it only from a business standpoint. While of course those fiscal concerns are important, this needs to be an informed decision based on extensive testing experience. A lot of times the tool may be more expensive initially, but if it increases your team’s efficiency and cuts down on your total testing time it could save be a huge money saver in the end. Conversely, a cheap tool that doesn’t match your system’s needs will hinder the testing process, lengthening it and potentially costing even more than the pricier tool.
You know who probably has an opinion on this tool? The people who will be using it. In these situations, it’s important to create a company culture where the decision-makers can reach out to testers and project leaders who already work for them as a resource. These individuals probably have years of experience and may prove to be an amazing resource for making decisions like these. Utilize them- everyone in the company will thank you for it. That’s to say nothing of the respect you would be showing for them by asking their opinions on something they’ll use every day.
These tips may seem obvious to some, and completely absurd to others. They probably don’t sound as reliable or cost-effective as going with a vendor you already have a relationship with who you know provides consistent support, or finding something on Google that has a couple great reviews. However, following these tips will show that you are devoted to the testing effort your team is undergoing and are willing to put the time into providing them with the best tools for their particular purpose. Not only will that positively affect your team, they’ll also lead to a product that is better suited for your environment, organization, and testing methodology.
