How do you check stress test documentation and reporting against actual system performance?

1 Define the scope and objectives

The first step to check stress test documentation and reporting is to define the scope and objectives of the test. You should have a clear understanding of what you want to achieve, what are the expected outcomes, and what are the criteria for success or failure. You should also identify the key performance indicators (KPIs) that will measure the system's response to stress, such as throughput, latency, error rate, availability, etc. The scope and objectives of the test should be aligned with the system's requirements, specifications, and business goals.

2 Review the test plan and strategy

The next step is to review the test plan and strategy that outlines how the test will be conducted, what tools and resources will be used, what scenarios and workloads will be simulated, and how the data will be collected and analyzed. You should check if the test plan and strategy are consistent with the scope and objectives of the test, and if they cover all the relevant aspects of the system's functionality, architecture, and environment. You should also verify if the test plan and strategy comply with the best practices and standards for stress testing, such as IEEE 829 or ISO 29119.

3 Execute the test and monitor the results

The third step is to execute the test and monitor the results in real-time. You should follow the test plan and strategy and use the appropriate tools and methods to generate and apply stress to the system. You should also use the predefined KPIs and metrics to track and record the system's performance, behavior, and status during the test. You should look for any signs of degradation, failure, or anomaly that could indicate a problem or a risk. You should also document any issues, errors, or deviations that occur during the test execution.

4 Analyze the data and evaluate the performance

The fourth step is to analyze the data and evaluate the performance of the system under stress. You should use the appropriate tools and techniques to process, visualize, and interpret the data collected during the test. You should compare the actual results with the expected outcomes and the success or failure criteria. You should identify and quantify the impact of stress on the system's performance, reliability, and stability. You should also determine the root causes and the contributing factors of any issues, errors, or deviations that occurred during the test.

5 Generate the report and recommendations

The fifth step is to generate the report and recommendations based on the data analysis and performance evaluation. You should use a clear, concise, and consistent format and language to present the test results, assumptions, methodologies, and findings. You should highlight the main achievements, challenges, and lessons learned from the test. You should also provide actionable and realistic recommendations for improving the system's performance, reliability, and stability under stress. You should also include any limitations, risks, or assumptions that could affect the validity or reliability of the test results or recommendations.

6 Validate the report and feedback

The final step is to validate the report and feedback with the relevant stakeholders, such as the system owners, developers, users, or managers. You should share the report and recommendations with them and solicit their feedback and opinions. You should check if they agree with the test results, findings, and recommendations, and if they have any questions, comments, or suggestions. You should also verify if the report and recommendations meet their expectations and needs, and if they are feasible and applicable to their context. You should also document and address any feedback or changes that are requested or required by the stakeholders.

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?