The number of organizations implementing formal software testing strategies is gradually increasing. Also, most companies today prefer to automate their testing efforts to save time and cost. But every organization must remember that it cannot fully automate the process. Therefore, the software testing strategy should focus on identifying and addressing the main challenges seen in manual testing.
The main goal of manual testing is to make the software defect-free and to ensure that it works in accordance with the requirements specification document. But testers must perform manual testing without using test scripts or test automation tools. Therefore, they must address a number of significant challenges for the manual testing process to be effective.
Main challenges associated with manual testing
Test the entire application
QA professionals cannot manually test the entire software application. It is impossible to manually run the large number of test cases required to test the entire application. As they are required to complete the process within a stipulated time frame, it is important that the organization clearly defines the specific combinations to be tested.
Clearly understand customer needs
As noted above, QA professionals must ensure that the software application meets the specific needs of the customer. Therefore, they must have a clear understanding of the customer’s requirements. At the same time, it is also important for them to clearly communicate customer needs to developers in a clear and unambiguous way. Before starting the process, QA professionals must pay full attention to the needs of the customer.
Decide the skills required
Manual testing requires QA professionals who possess a variety of skills such as communication, analysis, and problem solving. Once the professional starts working on the application, he will continue to find more defects or errors. Therefore, he must correct the errors to continue with the tests. This is why most testers find it a daunting challenge to perform regression tests manually. When they have good communication, analysis, and problem-solving skills, they can keep running test cases by fixing bugs without delay.
Choosing the right testers
The experience and skills of individual quality control professionals vary. Since manual testing requires good communication, analytical and problem-solving skills, it becomes essential for the organization to deploy the right staff on the job. The manager must build an efficient team, focusing on the experience and skills of each individual, to handle the pressure and stress associated with manually performing the exhaustive process.
Creation of accurate test layouts
The outcome of a manual test project will be affected by the quality and accuracy of the test designs. But complex software design and accompanying risks make it difficult for QA professionals to create accurate designs. Also, to create the most precise designs; the professional should have test design skills along with adequate domain knowledge.
Prioritization of test case execution
While testing a software application manually, QA professionals must run a variety of tests without using any tools. At the same time, they must also prioritize test cases and decide which ones to run first. But practitioners often have to modify the test case execution sequence in case something goes wrong in the middle of the testing phase.
Meet the deadline
Time is one of the most important constraints in software development and testing today. Just like the developers, the testers must also perform all the tests within a stipulated time frame. Since they cannot execute all the test cases within the stipulated time, they focus mainly on completing the tasks. The emphasis on completing your tasks on time affects the overall quality of manual testing.
Tests without Tools and Script
The use of test automation tools makes and streamlines the software testing process. Although they must complete the project within a predefined period of time, manual testers cannot use any test tools or scripts. Therefore, they often find it more difficult to run the test cases manually. Also, running the test case manually requires additional time and effort.
An organization must remember that the same process can be done manually or using automation tools. Therefore, the strategy must clearly identify the tests that will be performed manually. Most companies prefer to use manual testing for test cases that do not need to be run repeatedly. Although cost effective, the process is time consuming. Therefore, the overall strategy must address these significant challenges to deliver a flawless software application.