How can you measure and monitor quality attributes during system lifecycle?

1 Define quality attributes

The first step to measure and monitor quality attributes is to define them clearly and explicitly. You need to identify the relevant quality attributes for your system, based on the business goals, user needs, and technical constraints. You also need to specify the criteria and metrics that will be used to evaluate and quantify the quality attributes. For example, you can use response time, throughput, error rate, or availability percentage as metrics for performance and availability. You can use scenarios, use cases, or user stories to describe the situations and conditions under which the quality attributes will be tested and measured.

2 Measure quality attributes

The next step is to measure the quality attributes using different methods and tools. You can use both quantitative and qualitative methods to collect data and evidence about the quality attributes. Quantitative methods involve measuring the metrics using tools such as benchmarks, tests, simulations, or monitoring systems. Qualitative methods involve gathering feedback from users, customers, or experts using tools such as surveys, interviews, or reviews. You can use both methods to complement each other and provide a holistic view of the quality attributes.

3 Monitor quality attributes

The final step is to monitor the quality attributes continuously and consistently throughout the system lifecycle. You need to establish a baseline and a target for each quality attribute, and compare the actual measurements with them. You also need to track the changes and trends in the quality attributes over time, and identify any deviations or anomalies. You can use tools such as dashboards, reports, or alerts to visualize and communicate the status and progress of the quality attributes. You can also use tools such as logs, audits, or diagnostics to troubleshoot and resolve any issues or problems.

4 Apply quality attributes

Measuring and monitoring quality attributes is not enough to ensure the quality of the system. You also need to apply the quality attributes in the design, development, and deployment of the system. You need to use best practices, standards, and guidelines to incorporate the quality attributes in the system architecture, components, and interfaces. You also need to use quality assurance techniques such as reviews, inspections, or audits to verify and validate the quality attributes in the system artifacts, code, or configuration. You also need to use quality improvement techniques such as refactoring, testing, or optimization to enhance and maintain the quality attributes in the system evolution.

5 Learn from quality attributes

Measuring and monitoring quality attributes is also an opportunity to learn from them and improve your system and your skills. You need to analyze the data and feedback from the quality attributes, and identify the strengths and weaknesses of your system. You also need to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of your methods and tools for measuring and monitoring the quality attributes, and identify the gaps and opportunities for improvement. You also need to share and disseminate the knowledge and lessons learned from the quality attributes, and seek feedback and collaboration from other stakeholders, users, or experts.

6 Adapt to quality attributes

Measuring and monitoring quality attributes is not a static or fixed process. You need to adapt to the changing needs and expectations of the stakeholders, users, and customers, and the evolving context and environment of the system. You need to review and update the definition, measurement, and monitoring of the quality attributes regularly and periodically, and align them with the current and future goals and requirements of the system. You also need to anticipate and respond to the risks and challenges that may affect the quality attributes, and plan and implement the necessary actions and strategies to mitigate or overcome them.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?