How do you test and validate the deliverables of a waterfall project before launching or handing over?

2 Perform quality assurance

The second step to test and validate the deliverables of a waterfall project is to perform quality assurance, which is the process of ensuring that the project processes and activities are following the quality standards and best practices. Quality assurance helps to prevent defects and errors from occurring in the deliverables, and to identify and resolve any issues or risks that could affect the quality. Quality assurance can be done by conducting audits, reviews, inspections, or tests on the project processes, documents, resources, or deliverables.

3 Conduct quality control

The third step to test and validate the deliverables of a waterfall project is to conduct quality control, which is the process of verifying that the deliverables meet the acceptance criteria and the quality standards. Quality control helps to detect and correct any defects or errors in the deliverables, and to ensure that they are ready for launch or handover. Quality control can be done by performing various types of tests on the deliverables, such as functional tests, usability tests, performance tests, security tests, or compatibility tests.

4 Collect feedback and approval

The fourth step to test and validate the deliverables of a waterfall project is to collect feedback and approval from the stakeholders, who are the people or groups that have an interest or influence on the project. Feedback and approval help to confirm that the deliverables meet the expectations and needs of the stakeholders, and that they are satisfied with the project outcome. Feedback and approval can be collected by conducting surveys, interviews, demonstrations, or reviews with the stakeholders, and by obtaining formal sign-off or acceptance documents.

5 Implement changes and corrections

The fifth step to test and validate the deliverables of a waterfall project is to implement any changes or corrections that are required or requested by the stakeholders, based on the feedback and approval. Changes and corrections help to improve the quality and functionality of the deliverables, and to address any issues or gaps that were identified during the testing and validation process. Changes and corrections can be implemented by following the change management process, which includes documenting, analyzing, approving, and communicating the changes, and by updating the project plan and deliverables accordingly.

6 Document and archive the results

The sixth and final step to test and validate the deliverables of a waterfall project is to document and archive the results, which are the records and evidence of the testing and validation process. Documenting and archiving the results help to provide transparency and accountability for the project, and to support future projects or audits. The results can include test plans, test cases, test results, defect reports, feedback forms, approval documents, change requests, change logs, or lessons learned reports.