What are the most common system testing pitfalls and how can you avoid them?

The biggest pit fall to testing is not starting with requirements (functional/performance) that are driving the testing and that have been reviewed and validated to be the correct requirements. The point of testing is to prove the implementation functions correctly with regard to some defined set of requirements. All to often the industry tests to the implementation and feels great about themselves because they "covered" the implementation with the tests they ran, with no knowledge of "What the expected functionality" should be. without starting with reviewed and validated requirements, there is no testing, its just implementation coverage which does not tell you if the implementation is correct, just that you covered it with a test.

To ensure proper testing, defining "adequate" is the first step. This includes considering key factors like: - Functional Testing: It's imperative to validate the system's core functionality, for example, every employees must be able to request leaves in an HRMS system. - Security Considerations: Tailor security to unique cases. For instance, not all employees in an HRMS system should have leave approval privileges. - Code Coverage: Maintaining a robust code coverage standard, such as 90-95%, in unit testing is crucial. This ensures thorough code assessment. - Performance and load testing for system stability Additionally, exploring methodologies like Test Driven Development (TDD) within agile frameworks can help reduce load on planning.

- Don't assume that the end users will follow the "happy path". Test the abnormal or unlikely processes and what should not be done even though the system will allow entry of it. Use characters instead of alpha-numeric on freeform entries. - If testing a data conversion, test that the source system value is different than what the target system expects. Is the value to be derived, defaulted or changed during the conversion process? Did it occur, does the converted value impact other relational fields?

System knowledge is key. Get the test team on the system in test facilities and involved early in requirements development. Also provide opportunities for [embedded] interaction with end users.

To ensure robust system testing and avoid common pitfalls, consider these strategies: 1. Create a comprehensive plan for complete test coverage. 2. Initiate early and continuous testing. 3. Use automation for speed and accuracy. 4. Employ realistic test data. 5. Include boundary and regression testing. 6. Maintain thorough documentation. 7. Conduct peer reviews. 8. Assess performance and security. 9. Prioritize user acceptance testing. 10. Continuously refine testing processes. Integrating unit testing and Behavior-Driven Development (BDD) principles enhances testing precision and software quality.

The top biggest pitfalls in system testing are:- 1) Lack of a systematic and mature test strategy: - Starting system testing with a draft/premature V&V strategy and plan thus leading to test coverage issues being detected very late in the test program (delays) - Starting system testing without an approved T&C certification process required to focus and coordinate all stakeholders on the path that efficiently achieves the ultimate goal - system certification and handover - Lack of clear definition and organization of system test deliverables into a hierarchy of tangible and progressive system maturity milestones required to support a phased opening of the railway

This is a huge problem that often forces the usage specific languages or tools, but in the end the solution really is test driven development in both software and firmware. Many times, the physical hardware is tested beyond the limits of the standard operating environment where the digital side of the system falls short.

2) Lack of/Poor Delivery Management - Lack of alignment and coordination of priorities between site and offshore support teams to mobilize the necessary resources to stabilize the system in the most efficient way (efficient bug fixing) - Lack of a concerted effort to coordinate SW delivery plans against progressive system test maturity milestones - Management's obsession with delivering commercial milestones at the expense of delivering tangible system maturity milestones required to achieve the ultimate goal - system certification and handover

3) Poor Test Preparation and Controls - Inadequacies in test scripts/procedures due to missing/incorrect coverage of the design, safety, quality, or RAM requirements - Poor onsite logistical test planning and preparation leading to poor test results and delays - Poor control of system configuration baseline (SW & HW) during system and sub-system testing leading to unreliable test results (fake pass/fail or dormant bugs) - Starting system testing before attaining acceptable maturity of sub-system/pre-requisite integration tests is a key factor in delaying system maturity

The test may be based on the wrong data. E.g., a spacecraft's telemetry should be compared to the data from the dynamic simulator . Once, I was testing S/C safing. The response included pointing the spacecraft tail and solar panels to the Sun. The mantra was to just look at the telemetered attitude error – where the spacecraft though it was pointing. As long as that approaches zero, all is well. Being the new guy, I also looked at the sim data, which showed the Sun would be shining not on the tail end, but straight down the instrument aperture. Well, we're testing the FSW, which includes verifying it's not lying. This test had been passing the FSW for years; fortunately the spacecraft had never gone into that particular safe mode.

To avoid these pitfalls, investing in:- 1) developing a solid and systematic test strategy and plan before starting any testing (sub-system or system tests) will significantly mitigate delays to the test program and give confidence to the test 2) an experienced Delivery Manager who is empowered to coordinate all key priorities, resources, and processes required to certify the system in the shortest timeline. The Delivery Manager must be based onsite and must be accountable for achieving the agreed system test maturity milestones. 3) expanding the review circle to include key stakeholders, and not be restricted to the T&C team only. Also, test readiness reviews should be undertaken at least 1 week in advance of the planned test.

The biggest factor in testing is not the approach, process or software - it is the strength of character of the people involved. Not just testers but leadership too. Testers - must have the ability to say something is not ready no matter how great the pressure to hit a deadline. Equally they need to understand when software can go ahead with minor defects rather than block everything. Leadership - need to have the experience and emotional intelligence to select good testers, and then the courage to listen to them. When both ends are strong, good results follow, but if either is weak then the results can be (for that read 'are usually') disastrous.

When it comes to testing, one of the biggest pitfalls is data. Simulated data is typically used or sections of data is used which potentially creates a big gap and calls into question the validity of the test result. A complete data set needs to be used as part of testing as usually a test case does not cover impact on supporting data, this typically only is realized in production. Part of this should also include all security controls, such as encryption, to the test data set accurately and to baseline expected outcomes.

In my opinion, late involvement of the test team is the biggest pitfall. Test team has to be involved from the beginning of the development as the requirements manager. It is generally too late, if the test team begins to consider test planning and write the test cases after the system design is concluded.

If the tester is also a designer and knows the inside of the code/sytem causes the test to be biased and inadequate. For effective testing: At each level of requirements testers other than the designer should write test procedures with a black box approach.

Another pitfall in system testing is inadequate timeline. Often times, a project needs to complete and be delivered to the customer which can cause a system testing to be rushed, or cut short, thus skipping critical paths that make up the full validation and verification testing. This pitfall can also cause issues for the end user which should have been caught during system testing.