Testing software before it is put to live is an important phase to ensure that your software is safe and user-friendly. Testing software properly can help you to utilise your resources efficiently to lower the costs significantly. Testing an application to detect defects during the early stages of software development. It ensures quality, effectiveness, and efficiency before the software is launched. With the increase in the size of the product, the size and cost of the test phase also increase. It is important to be careful and consider making decisions to plan intelligently throughout the process. The time and cost spent on testing the software may impact the overall cost and schedule of thesoftware development stage. Hence it is essential to effectively control the efforts and costs of testing while ensuring there is no compromise on quality coverage.
Two key factors which can aid an organisation on this front are Test Automation and Test Outsourcing
Automation
Software test automation needs specialised tools to control test execution and compare actual results with projected ones much faster, and with high accuracy. There are plenty of repetitive actions that are undertaken while running software tests. The tests are automated with specialised testing tools, which help in leveraging data configuration, installing products, GUI interactions, logging defects, and many more. An organization establishes a powerful QA program cost-effectively by leveraging test automation. Test automation is a leap from manual testing, which has a substantial impact on test automation ROI.
**Benefits of Automation:
Lowers operating costs**
Automation reduces the requirement for a dedicated workforce based on the task. It is an energy-saving activity that lowers the heating requirement as well. It also minimizes operation waste.
Increases ROI Due to its lower operating costs, automation solutions can take care of your unique needs and goals. It reduces lead times, increases output and more.
Competitiveness Automation allows you to stay in the competition, globally by decreasing cycle times and cost-per-piece and improving quality.
Improves production output Automation increases production output as it can work at a constant speed, unattended, 24/7. New products can be introduced faster in the production process.
Ensures the product quality Automation results in greater control and consistency of product quality.
Organizes process A well-planned process and production stage can determine the time frame and required cost. It is best for projects that have time and budget restrictions.
Seamless and easy integration Automation improves your productivity as it can be easily integrated with your hardware, and software allowing you to take control of your process.
Outsourcing
The companies now benefit from outsourcing the development and testing processes like test case executions, test script automation, and test case development tasks to offshore-based companies, independent contractors, niche QA companies, and system integrators. However, there are variations like some companies outsource manual testing needs, while other companies outsource testing tasks.
Benefits of Outsourcing Testing
Here are a few points that establish why outsourcing testing is beneficial for organisations:
Expansion and Delegation Not all companies have adequate time size, the expertise of the existing testing team and the bandwidth to conduct ad hoc testing for software based on requirements. When there is an increase in demand for ad hoc testing, an outsourcing company can handle the abrupt surge and provide practical solutions with its large pool of diverse skillsets on various domains and platforms that businesses by themselves cannot support.
Automation Often companies that invest in advanced test tools struggle to implement them. Because of the lack of training and expertise to handle these tools test, automation may fail to get off the ground. In a few scenarios, the test tools may not be suitable for their intended environment. A few of the test tools may be resistant to changes compelling many companies to conduct their regression and functional tests manually. Understanding the need and the process of testing automation, the outsourcing firms are well-equipped in providing consistent test results by avoiding errors.
Cost-efficiency When it comes to cost-saving, companies always look out for options that would be economical as well as time-saving. The option of choosing a testing firm that has the right testing tools and an experienced testing team who knows how to use the testing tools is far more beneficial than hiring in-house testers which could be an expensive and time-consuming effort. Outsourcing firms ensure testing solutions that can leverage all other testing needs at a lowered cost.
Specific testing needs Sometimes meeting the testing needs of a company is beyond the ability of their existing testing team. Under the scenario, a company would rely on an outsourcing firm to meet its testing needs. The outsourcing firms specialize in testing requirements for multiple industries.
Reliable results The excessive pressure from the development team may compel the testing team to sign off on the testing of an application so that the offering can be launched on time. The problem may arise if the application fails to function the way it is expected to, as there would be no reliable results. For a reliable result, one may seek help from an individual or outsourcing firm with qualified testers.
Lack of experienced tester Companies may not completely depend on their testing team as not all the members in the testing time have equal expertise to resolve complex test issues. For precise and faithful test results, companies may seek assistance from outsourcing firms, as the expert testing team would most likely deliver reliable test results.
Conclusion
Outsourcing firms can use their large workforce and help a company meet their tight deadlines. As companies need to cater to multiple clients at many different locations, it is ideal to have an offshore testing team with adequate headcounts. If a team in an organisation is not experienced enough to interact directly with SMEs, test managers, and end-users, it is a perfect idea to stretch the project to an outsourcing firm.
It is highly beneficial for a company to outsource their projects to a firm. Apart from lowered testing costs, a company would also obtain independent testing results, increased testing expertise, and enhance test results. Many companies will rely on outsourcing to gain a competitive edge in the market. As outsourcing testing projects to a specialised firm is slowly going to upsurge, it would most likely transform the software testing efforts of many organisations.