How do you document and review your test environment setup and change management processes?

1 Define your test environment requirements

The first step is to define your test environment requirements, based on your test objectives, scope, and strategy. You need to identify what hardware, software, network, data, and configuration settings you need to support your testing activities. You also need to consider the compatibility, security, and performance aspects of your test environment. You can use a test environment specification document to capture and communicate your test environment requirements to your stakeholders and vendors.

2 Establish your test environment setup process

The next step is to establish your test environment setup process, which describes how you will create, configure, and verify your test environment. You need to define the roles and responsibilities of the people involved in the setup process, the tools and methods you will use, the steps and tasks you will perform, and the checkpoints and criteria you will follow. You can use a test environment setup checklist or a test environment setup plan to document and guide your setup process.

3 Implement your test environment change management process

The third step is to implement your test environment change management process, which covers how you will handle any changes or updates to your test environment. You need to define the types and sources of changes, the impact and risk assessment of changes, the approval and notification procedures of changes, and the backup and rollback plans of changes. You can use a test environment change request form or a test environment change log to document and track your change management process.

4 Monitor and control your test environment status

The fourth step is to monitor and control your test environment status, which involves checking and reporting the availability, performance, and quality of your test environment. You need to define the metrics and indicators you will use, the tools and techniques you will apply, the frequency and schedule you will follow, and the actions and escalations you will take. You can use a test environment dashboard or a test environment report to monitor and control your test environment status.

5 Review and evaluate your test environment setup and change management processes

The final step is to review and evaluate your test environment setup and change management processes, which aims to identify and improve any issues or gaps in your test environment. You need to collect and analyze the feedback and data from your test environment users, stakeholders, and vendors, and compare them with your test environment requirements, expectations, and goals. You can use a test environment review checklist or a test environment evaluation report to review and evaluate your test environment setup and change management processes.

6 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?