Software development is a multi-stage process that is fundamentally difficult to predict, plan, and execute. In addition, by its very nature, the software is intangible and generally involves many stakeholders. This combination of factors often creates several risks that might result in unforeseen challenges for business.
Risk-based testing (RBT) is an essential technique carried out by software testers to identify and prioritize risks and manage the probability of unpleasant events. This type of testing is mainly used as an agile-based approach to deliver quality software that runs accurately without critical problems. Let’s learn more about when and how your organization should adopt it.
What is Risk-based Testing?
Risk-based testing (RBT) is a type of testing that considers specific parameters like criticality of features, the complication of events, rate of occurrence, etc., which could directly impact the project. After finding the possible risks beforehand, the software testers can design and execute testing events surrounding areas of an application that are more prone to bugs.
Risk based testing could involve technical testing (environment/integration testing), functional testing (features/functionalities/modules/programs), and non-functional testing ( performance/load/configuration/security testing).
When to Use Risk-Based Testing?
Software testing market size surpassed USD 40 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at over 7% CAGR from 2021 to 2027. Undoubtedly, risk-free software fosters high-quality user experiences and income streams. However, you need to ensure first whether risk-based testing is perfect for pulling off your testing goals. It would be best if you adopt risk-based testing when
- The project runs on restricted resource allocation, budget, schedule, etc.
- The program is more complex, and the team is adopting new technologies and lacks proper skills
- There is the use of iterative, incremental, agile, and DevOps project methodologies
- It is an R&D project, the first of its kind with unknown risks
Benefits of Risk-Based Testing
A risk-based testing strategy considers “risk” as the criterion in all stages of the testing cycle, including design, planning, implementation, execution, and reporting. Here are the advantages:
- Precise information on test coverage and on-time delivery
- Advance knowledge of the most effective way of project implementation
- Increased productivity and performance
- Understanding of the changes required in a software or application
- Enhanced market opportunity and cost reduction
- Efficient use of test resources and QA resources
- Informed decisions before the release of any digital project
Strategy to Implement Risk-Based Testing in your Organisation
Risk management cannot happen at the project start. Instead, it has to be ongoing throughout the project lifecycle. Meanwhile, the nature of risks keeps changing based on which test phase you are in.
Though there is no standard template or process to carry out the risk analysis in software testing, here’s how you should approach various stages like risk identification, risk analysis, risk, response, and so on.
- Evaluate and classify the problems
- Prepare a detailed register of risks through interviews, checklists, workshops, expert opinions, root cause analysis, etc.
- List down all risks with potential root causes and responses.
- Prepare test cases, test documentation, test data involving each risk.
- Evaluate the accuracy of the tests and applications by considering software testing, cost, time, and document dependencies
- Assign more testing resources to high-risk areas
- Have active participation of all the technical staff and stakeholders to monitor risks
- Dedicate the roles and responsibilities to the team. And decide the scope of the testing with the test objectives, assumptions, and dependencies for every stage.
- Execute test cases into one single format
- Keep updating the risk register and test coverage plan as the project progresses.
- Monitor regularly with different risk assessments, trend analysis, audits, status meetings, etc.
Conclusion
A software application can deliver high-quality user experiences when it’s secure and works effortlessly in various environments. So, if you want successful software that generates revenue streams, you must carry out comprehensive risk-based testing. And it is best to consult skilled software testing services who can perform a rigorous and well-structured analysis and execute an efficient testing plan.
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