What are the most effective ways to document test results?

In my professional career in Dynamics AX/D365, for documenting test results, I always use a simple format that captures the most important details such as the test date, environment version, input and output, and the result of course. Also, specify the test type if it is for testing functionality or performance. Also mention, if the test has to be manually run or can be automated partially or fully. In case, if a manual intervention isn't needed, consider automating it at some point in the future. Specify if you need any specific tools to perform the testing and if yes, all parameters, and inputs for the tool should also be captured.

The purpose of test documentation is to systematically plan, design, execute, and evaluate tests during software development. It serves to ensure the quality and reliability of the software by providing a structured approach to testing. The scope includes detailing test objectives, strategies, resources, schedules, and criteria for success. It encompasses various documents such as test plans, test cases, test scripts, and test reports, aiming to facilitate effective communication, traceability, and future maintenance of the testing process.

Document must cover below things: 1. Scope of the testing 2. Agreed Methodology for the testing 3. Tools used for testing 4. Test cases received or used for testing 5. Input parameters used for testing 6. Output and results to be documented 7. Signatory approvals from all stakeholders

#1. Define your objectives #2. Use a consistent format #3. Keep it concise #4. Review and update regularly #5. Collaborate #6. Use automation tools #7. Include visuals

In the realm of mechatronic system development, test documentation is more than a process – it's a key to quality enhancement and proof of compliance. ???? Before you begin documenting, remember: The purpose and scope of your test documentation should always align with project objectives and stakeholder expectations. ?? From validation to compliance – each testing phase demands precise documentation for various purposes. Define the level of detail, types of tests, cases, and data to maximize efficiency. ?? By doing so, you avoid unnecessary work and focus on the essentials, creating the highest value. #Mechatronics #QualityManagement #TestDocumentation

Utilisation of test case management tools like Zephyre, TestRail etc Test Automation Reports: if using automated testing this can include detailed logs, screenshots, and summary reports.

Use a formal description for each test case. Each test case must contain step-by-step instructions for execution and the expected result. If possible, try to automate test execution, as is common in software testing.

You should think about who it's for and why when writing test notes. An example of a test plan in a tool like TestRail would show the plan and timeline, which is excellent for project management. On the other hand, testers need clear test cases in JIRA that list the exact steps and expected outcomes. Using tools like Allure Reports to make a visually appealing test report can help stakeholders understand the results and numbers. Choose forms that are easy to understand and use the tools that work best for your project and your audience.

Testing software these days really helps this area immensely. The right format and level can depend on so many factors. Don't blindly follow templates that say you 'should' do x steps etc. Work out what works as a balance of time and effort against the scope of the work.

La base principal para documentar los resultados son los propios planes. Aparte de lo obvio, es necesario un estudio de los planes en su conjunto. Detectar pasos y casos comunes, reutilizar pruebas realizadas en otros planes, organizarlas de manera efectiva y separar las evidencias funcionales de las técnicas optimiza su ejecución y ayuda al entendimiento y revisión de las evidencias.

Test automation software is essential for consistent testing at scale across multiple testors. But without automated test generation standards and oversight there can still be a lot of variability and risk. Ensuring there's a QA process that reviews test automation design and setup is also important.

While standardized templates and tools undeniably enhance consistency and efficiency in test documentation, an often overlooked powerhouse is Robotic Process Automation (RPA). Integrating RPA into the testing framework automates repetitive documentation tasks, ensuring not only accuracy but also a significant reduction in manual effort. RPA seamlessly generates and updates documentation, allowing testers to focus on strategic aspects, thus amplifying productivity. This transformative synergy between standardized tools and RPA not only streamlines the documentation process but also future-proofs testing methodologies in an era where automation is paramount.

Le plugin Zephyr de JIRA vaut ce qu'il vaut mais permet de lister de quoi est fait un test, et personnellement me sert à tracer mes résultats de tests pour savoir où j'en suis, les résultats (ou anomalies rencontrées) et permet de revenir une fois les problèmes corrigés. Assez pratique comme outil mais si l'ergonomie pourrait être améliorée pour avoir plus de place pour la lisibilité des commentaires

Comprehensive documentation that include test strategies, test environments and defined test roles are crucial to avoid flow impediments. Even in an Agile environment.

The goal of UAT is to test the new application or last feature in a realistic setting. In my experience what really makes the difference is the preparation of good TEST CASES (!) A test case specifies the entire procedure and the logical steps (for every feature to be tested), expected results and the conditions that a tester needs to verify. It is just a must have. If not updated: worse than not having them..

In the private sector, based on my experience, automatically generated test results are routinely shared as part of the continuous development and deployment process. These results undergo regular reviews by relevant stakeholders, though the customer may be excluded from this process. Additionally, more formal reports are prepared at regular intervals or predefined milestone points within projects. This second category of reports is evaluated not only by internal teams but also by external managers, such as security and risk managers. Furthermore, customers and other stakeholders may participate in the evaluation process. The extent of involvement depends on the organization's policies and contractual requirements.

As part of any change to the software an exercise to confirm that any test scripts either manual or automated are still valid is vital. Too many times if you let this principle slip bugs will get through or cause avoidable issues

Test cases, test plans and test documentation can become obsolete very quickly over time. A stabilization sprint usually assigned to a team can be leveraged to keep the docs up to date. This makes the QA future proof.

En la construcción de un sistema y obviamente en sus pruebas es de vital importancia considerar la participación activa del Usuario. Quienes desarrollamos software tendemos a pensar que estamos ofreciendo la mejor solución pero cuando nuestro desarrollo sale a producción nos encontramos con sorpresas no muy agradables debido a que no se hicieron las pruebas requeridas. Es necesario escribir con el Usuario el guión de las pruebas y los resultados esperados. Yo agradezco que, producto de unas pruebas estrictas, aparezcan todos los errores posibles los cuales se deben corregir de inmediato.

In my view, as it is important to have a good tool for test documentation, it is even more important to use it effectively with the tool getting used and updating continuously and correctly at all stages.

Un punto importante en esta etapa es contar con la mayor cantidad de información y casuísticas para garantizar la salida del producto y tener menor impacto durante el periodo de marcha blanca o salida en vivo. Automatizar este etapa de pruebas con resultados bien documentados permitirá eficientar estos costos asociados, donde regularmente genera mayor impacto en costos en los proyectos de software.

Document them in a way that is reasonably easy to understand. "It must be correct because I can't find a problem" is not a good state to be in; "it is correct because I can confirm the results are correct and no tests are missing" is the goal.

Establishing the quality qoals is key from different perspective. The test first approach helps one to establish and break down different aspects like usability , accebility , security, performance , easy to use , intuitive etc..etc once the quality objectives are clear. You need to use the right methodologies fit for purpose.use the right tools and framework to implement the tests unit , functional , component level , integrations , end to end , usability , security etc...The key is to have the right level is test , fast running tests yo help reduce the mean time to repair , get safety net to enable fast changes etc..etc... ability to run the tests on demand across environments is key.

Establish clear documentation standards within your organization. Consistent documentation practices make it easier for team members to understand and interpret test results.

User Stories Mapping to Critical Requirement and Prioritization technique needs to be established in entire testing and validation phases. These traceability matrices and recorded test results against them gives an insight upfront during testing phases to plan for mitigation.

Its typical for results of very large automated tests, as in the range above 200 functional suites, there exists situations where multiple test validations have failed and most were rerun successfully but some accepted as 'No impact' to pass over the quality gate. No-impact Failures are mostly about incorrect, immature test processes that skews data or results only because of test parameters or environment and will require Senior QA and Product manager to agree. Test result documentation should cover sections explaining failure, cause and justification to pass clearly. Test results also should be documented in summary along with details. Summary columns would capture rerun count, state and test validation state as pass or pass-approved.

This is just boiler plate of secondary importance. To be an effective writer, one needs to know who the audience will be and report in a way that resonates with the audience members. And, there will different functional groups within the audience. With that in mind, then follow the steps listed in the article.

User Acceptance Testing is not just doing the System test again. If you are not able to get the right buy in from an accurate representation of the users make sure you use a third party with the right knowledge to assist.

An essential step in software development is the practice of documenting test results. To do this, comprehensive reports that include the steps, outcomes, and scenarios may be written. Screen grabs and videos can also be included as visual aids. Facilitating the monitoring and management of results is further made easier by the use of automated documentation, traceability matrices, and test management tools. While the addition of annotations and comments allows for a more thorough explanation, error reporting enables effective problem management. An executive summary provides an overall perspective, and regular reviews are held to discuss issues and potential improvements with the development team and relevant stakeholders.