How Test Automation Reporting is Essential for QA

The process of QA of software is the complex process to say the least. This is because in today's times, software applications are becoming more and more complex because of the introduction of various features and functionalities that one could never imagine even a few years ago. If that was not enough, the highly competitive market scenario today calls for faster software development to pave the way for frequent releases and application updates.

In such a scenario, implementation of automation testing is the only way to go if a QA team wants to be successful and achieve their testing goals. This has made test automation the approach of choice for advanced software testing, and it has revolutionized the way we look at QA of software applications. This has been possible with the introduction of the new age test automation tools like QARA Enterprise, KatalonStudio and TestComplete, among others. These tools have advanced features, and test automation reporting is one of them.

Test automation reporting is the process of automated report generation through automation tools. The reports generated are graphical and colourful, and they make it easy to understand various facts about the entire QA process. Many types of test automation reporting existsand given below are the key types of reporting and their purpose.

1] Test Matrix Report

The purpose of the test matrix report is to showcase a detailed analysis of common parameters concerning the QA process. Some of these parameters include Daily test case execution progress, test case executions by QA professional, duration of QA process and more. The purpose is basically allowing the QA team to understand the minute details of the QA process over a period of 15, 25, 30 or 60 days, as required.

2] Test Summary Report

The purpose of this report is to provide or create a summary of the results of the creation and execution of test cases during a fixed time period of 15 days, 30 days, 60 days, etc.

3] Traceability Report

The purpose of the traceability report is to trace linkages between release to bug. This type of report can be useful in bringing improvements in the entire process of test case management. Another benefit of the traceability report is the 'Simplified Defects Triage' for huge defect backlogs.

The three types of reports mentioned above are essential components of the test automation reporting functionality that is available with the advanced QA automation tools that we have today.

As the QA process continues to become more and more complex because of the rise in competition and the need for faster time to market, the significance of test automation reporting will continue to grow. After all, the reporting feature is something that was alien to QA professionals before the advent of automation, and it has enormous scope to increase the efficiency and performance of the QA team and help them keep a track on the effectiveness of their QA approach and how close they to attaining their goals and objectives. To consider the bigger perspective, a higher level of efficiency of the QA process only brings in the possibility of developing software products of high quality standards that are able to meet the expectations of the users and help the organisation gain a competitive edge.