12 Ways I Measured the Quality of Software Products in My Past Role as a Business Analyst

In my past role as a Business Analyst, I was tasked with ensuring that the software products we delivered met the highest standards of quality. Working closely with software testers, web and app developers, and other stakeholders, I developed a comprehensive approach to measuring and maintaining software quality. Here are ten key methods I used, and a story of how one colleague’s misguided advice almost jeopardized our standards.

1.?? Functional Requirements:

Correctness and Completeness were my first priorities. I collaborated with software testers like Sarah and developers such as Tom to verify that the software performed its intended functions correctly. We utilized functional testing methods, including unit tests, integration tests, system tests, and acceptance tests. I remember a project where we were integrating a new payment gateway. Through rigorous testing, we uncovered several issues that needed to be addressed. Ensuring all specified requirements and use cases were implemented was crucial for the project's success.

2.?? Non-Functional Requirements:

Performance and Scalability were equally important. Using performance testing tools like JMeter and LoadRunner, we measured response times, throughput, and resource utilization under different conditions. I worked with our lead developer, Jason, to ensure the software could handle increased loads without degradation. Reliability testing, including fault tolerance and failure recovery, helped us evaluate the software’s ability to perform consistently over time. Usability was another critical aspect. We conducted usability testing using surveys and user interviews to ensure the software was easy to use. Tools like UserTesting provided invaluable feedback.

3.?? Code Quality:

Maintaining high Code Quality was essential. We used static code analysis tools such as SonarQube and ESLint to check for code smells, complexity, and adherence to coding standards. Reviewing code for clarity and consistency ensured it was well-documented and followed naming conventions. Modularity was another key factor. By assessing the degree to which the software was composed of discrete components, we ensured it could be independently modified or replaced. This made maintenance and updates much more manageable.

4.?? Security:

Security was a top priority. We conducted vulnerability testing using tools like OWASP ZAP, Burp Suite, and Nessus to identify potential vulnerabilities. Additionally, we performed manual and automated penetration tests to simulate attacks and identify security weaknesses. This proactive approach helped us mitigate risks and protect both the client and end-users from potential threats.

5.?? User Experience (UX):

User Satisfaction and Accessibility were crucial for the software’s success. Gathering user feedback through surveys, interviews, and usability testing helped us gauge satisfaction and identify areas for improvement. Ensuring the software met accessibility standards, such as WCAG, was vital for inclusivity. One project required developing a healthcare application that had to be user-friendly and accessible to people with disabilities. Extensive usability testing and adjustments ensured the application was effective and inclusive.

?6.?? Process and Workflow:

Agility and Documentation Quality were indicators of our process efficiency. We measured the team’s ability to respond to changes and the efficiency of our development process using Agile metrics like sprint velocity and burn-down charts. Evaluating the completeness, accuracy, and clarity of documentation for both users and developers ensured everyone had the necessary information to use and maintain the software effectively.

7.?? Defect Metrics:

Defect Density, Severity, and Resolution Time provided insights into software quality. Calculating the number of defects per size of the software helped us identify areas needing improvement. Categorizing defects by severity and tracking their impact on functionality and user experience was crucial. Measuring the average time taken to resolve reported defects ensured we addressed issues promptly.

8.?? Compliance:

Ensuring Standards Compliance was non-negotiable. We integrated compliance checks into our development process to ensure the software adhered to relevant industry standards and regulations like ISO, IEC, and GDPR. This was essential for maintaining legal and regulatory requirements.

9.?? Deployment and Maintenance:

Deployment Success Rate, Time to Market, and Update Frequency were important metrics. Tracking the success rate of software deployments and the frequency of rollbacks provided insights into our release process. Measuring the time taken to deliver new features or updates and monitoring the regularity of updates and patches ensured the software remained current and functional.

10. Customer Support:

Support Response Time and Issue Resolution Rate were critical for customer satisfaction. Measuring the time taken to respond to customer inquiries and support tickets, and tracking the percentage of issues resolved on the first attempt, helped maintain high levels of customer satisfaction.

11. The Ethical Dilemma:

One of the most challenging moments in my career came when Mark, a fellow analyst, tried to convince me to deliver a defective product to meet a tight deadline. He argued that the client wouldn’t notice the issues immediately, and we could fix them later. However, I knew that compromising on quality would damage our reputation and erode the client’s trust.

12. Standing Firm:

Despite the pressure, I stood firm on my commitment to quality. I explained to Mark that delivering a subpar product would be detrimental in the long run. Instead, I advocated for transparency with the client, requesting a short extension to address the defects properly. Fortunately, the client appreciated our honesty and granted us additional time. This decision not only upheld our standards but also strengthened our relationship with the client.

Tools and Techniques

Throughout these processes, we used various tools and techniques to ensure comprehensive quality assessment. Automated testing tools like Selenium, TestNG, and JUnit were instrumental in functional and regression testing. Implementing CI/CD pipelines with Jenkins and GitLab CI ensured consistent and reliable software builds and deployments. Application performance monitoring tools like New Relic, AppDynamics, and Dynatrace continuously monitored software performance in production.

Conclusion

By combining these measures, we comprehensively assessed the quality of software products, ensuring they met user needs and performed reliably in different environments. This approach not only delivered high-quality software but also built strong, trust-based relationships with our clients.

Thank you for taking the time to read my article. I am eager to leverage my expertise to contribute meaningfully to impactful projects and deliver significant value.

?????? ?????? ?????????? ???? ?????? ????

E????????: [email protected], or

Mobile Phone: +234 803 897 0994

Nelson O. Umendu

(Lead Business Analyst/Chartered Project Manager/QA Software Tester/Data Analyst/Business Freelance Writer).

·? Accenture ·? Amazon ·? Apple ·? Automattic ·? Capgemini ·? Cisco ·? Citrix ·? Cognizant · Dell Technologies ·? Deloitte ·? Dropbox ·? EPAM Systems ·? Facebook ·? GitHub ·? Google ·? HP Inc. ·? IBM ·? Infosys ·? Intuit ·? KPMG ·? LinkedIn ·? Microsoft ·? NVIDIA ·? Oracle ·? PayPal ·? PwC ·? Red Hat ·?? Salesforce ·? SAP ·? ServiceNow ·? Shopify ·? Slack ·? Splunk · CEI · Shift ·? Stripe ·? Symantec ·? Tata Consultancy Services ·? Tesla ·? Twitter ·? Uber ·? VMware ·? Workday ·? Xerox · Yelp ·? Zendesk · Zoom ·? ZS Associates ·? HCL Technologies ·? Wipro ·? Cognizant

#10WaysIMeasuredQuality, #BusinessAnalyst, #SoftwareTesting, #WebDevelopment, #AppDevelopment, #StakeholderManagement, #FunctionalRequirements, #NonFunctionalRequirements, #PerformanceTesting, #Scalability, #CodeQuality, #SecurityTesting, #UserExperience, #UX, #ProcessWorkflow, #AgileMetrics, #DefectMetrics, #Compliance, #Deployment, #CustomerSupport, #EthicalDilemma, #QualityStandards, #AutomatedTesting, #CICD, #APM, #SoftwareDevelopment, #Transparency, #ContinuousImprovement, #UserSatisfaction, #SoftwareQuality