Professional Testing & Software Quality Management
To prevent the scenario described above from happening to you, test management is an integral part of every e-commerce project. This applies both to initial projects and to projects during ongoing operation, e.g. for the integration of updates and new software components. For this reason, the team of test and quality managers already keeps an eye on the IT infrastructure in the conception phase and when drawing up the specifications. This allows us to identify possible sources of error at an early stage and to sustainably increase the quality of the entire project. In this step we also define and describe the non-functional requirements with you. We also clarify the following questions: How fast should your website load? Which browser versions and devices are the main focus? Do we have to comply with certain DIN standards for web design (applies to public websites, for example)?
The advantages for companies are clear:
- We test all software developments, releases and upgrades for functionality and compatibility before they go live. This way you can avoid failures and malfunctions.
- By detecting software errors, non-functioning interfaces or technical settings that affect your online shop at an early stage, you reduce costs.
- Based on further tests (such as load or security tests), the test managers can identify development potentials of your online solution. This way you will continuously receive recommendations for possible improvements.
The test concept
On the basis of the requirements specification, we develop test concepts together with our customers, which are based on the DIN standard IEEE 829.
The test concept includes which systems we check and which data we need in advance. For example, it describes what unit tests we run and what to look for in static code analysis. At the same time, we exclude all systems that are not to be tested. We will also work with you to define the communication hierarchies within the project. There are two approaches to this: 1) the test managers contact the respective external contacts directly or 2) all communication goes through the project manager. In this way, it is also clear who checks the interfaces to third-party systems and ensures their functionality. The test concept thus acts as a guideline for the cooperation with our customers. Transparent and comprehensible processes are also important. For this reason, our test managers work with the established tools Jira and Confluence.
The different test methods
Professional testing can be implemented with different methods and tools.
Components test
This test takes place at code level or at the level of individual modules of a software. Based on defined criteria, the software developer checks whether he has written the respective component completely and correctly with regard to functional and technical specifications. These tests are mapped automatically in the form of unit tests.
Integration test
Test management examines whether a new feature or function is compatible with all components when it is integrated into the existing system architecture. The main focus is on the interfaces between the individual software modules.
Performance Test
The focus is on the front end of the e-commerce solution. The test managers check, for example, whether the page sizes are suitable for the various devices and whether the caching and server settings are set correctly. In addition, an analysis of the security settings as well as a check for SEO-relevant topics and other quality features (such as browser rendering, loading time, etc.) is carried out.
System Test
Here, the e-commerce project is tested as a whole. This means evaluating both frontend and backend settings, interface functionalities and the general performance of the online shop in relation to the defined customer requirements. These tests are usually performed directly before going live.
Test Automation
Test automation is used in the first step to support system testing. For this purpose, we jointly create our own test concept. Based on this, the most important business workflows of an online shop such as registration and check-out, search, purchase as well as defined special functions are automatically controlled after each code change. In addition, the team uses test automation to test the e-commerce solution on different devices and in different browsers (cross-browser check).
Load and stress test
Together with our internal IT department or with your external hoster, the test management team checks how a single component of the e-commerce system reacts under load. This is done on the basis of scalable traffic scenarios. With a parallel performance test, the team makes an exact statement about how many users can use this module at the same time. You will also provide information on what needs to be done to ensure smooth operation. The stress test is in a way the continuation of the load test. Under extreme conditions, we examine the robustness of the entire software solution. With the help of a high number of simulated accesses to applications and databases, the test managers determine at which load not only individual features, but the entire online shop no longer functions.
“For me, good quality assurance is based on early involvement of the testing team. The later a fault is detected, the more expensive it becomes. The sooner it is found, the easier and faster it can be fixed. With our intensive quality and test management, we offer our customers real added value.”
Daniel Böhm, Team Leader Test Management
ISTQB
Our testers are certified according to ISTQB guidelines. The International Software Testing Qualifications Board is an association whose mission is to define international standards for software testing. The Board not only wants to create a generally valid knowledge base, but also to train test managers on this basis.
