How do you set and track quality goals for QA?

1 Define quality criteria

The first step is to define the quality criteria that will guide your QA activities and measure your quality performance. Quality criteria are the specific attributes or characteristics that your software should have, such as functionality, usability, security, performance, compatibility, and maintainability. You can use various sources to identify and prioritize the quality criteria, such as user stories, business requirements, industry standards, customer feedback, and best practices.

2 Set quality metrics

The next step is to set quality metrics that will quantify and evaluate the quality criteria. Quality metrics are the numerical indicators or measures that show how well your software meets the quality criteria, such as defect density, test coverage, customer satisfaction, defect resolution time, and reliability. You can use different types of quality metrics, such as process metrics, product metrics, and project metrics, depending on the scope and level of your QA. You should also define the target values and thresholds for each metric, as well as the data collection and analysis methods.

3 Establish quality baselines

The third step is to establish quality baselines that will serve as the reference points for your quality goals. Quality baselines are the current or historical values of your quality metrics that reflect the quality status or performance of your software at a given point in time, such as at the start, end, or milestone of a project. You can use quality baselines to compare and contrast your quality results, identify gaps and trends, and determine the improvement potential and direction of your QA.

4 Set quality goals

The fourth step is to set quality goals that will specify the desired outcomes or achievements of your QA. Quality goals are the SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) statements that express what you want to accomplish in terms of quality improvement, enhancement, or assurance. You can use quality goals to align your QA efforts with the project objectives and the quality standards of your organization, as well as to motivate and inspire your QA team and stakeholders.

5 Track quality progress

The fifth step is to track quality progress that will monitor and report the status and performance of your QA. Quality progress is the ongoing measurement and evaluation of your quality metrics against your quality baselines and goals, as well as the identification and communication of any issues, risks, or changes that affect your QA. You can use various tools and techniques to track quality progress, such as dashboards, charts, reports, reviews, audits, and feedback.

6 Adjust quality actions

The final step is to adjust quality actions that will optimize and improve your QA. Quality actions are the specific tasks or activities that you perform to implement, maintain, or enhance your QA, such as planning, testing, debugging, reviewing, documenting, and delivering. You can use the insights and feedback from your quality progress to adjust quality actions, such as by revising your quality criteria, metrics, baselines, or goals, or by applying corrective or preventive actions, or by implementing best practices or lessons learned.

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?