6 Common QA Challenges for Software Testers

Software testing and quality assurance (QA) are two fields that are constantly evolving. As our current online environment continues to grow, it also opens new challenges for software testing companies across the globe. With increasing pressures to get products to market and scaling objectives, development teams are struggling to keep up with the fast-paced demand of the software industry. For businesses to efficiently keep up-to-speed with the growing demands of the industry, they need to understand that QA is not a choice. It is, in fact, a necessity. 

QA not only streamlines the business, but it also offers numerous benefits such as: 

  • Cost-efficiency 
  • Improved product delivery 
  • Customer satisfaction 
  • Improved user experience 
  • Customer loyalty 
  • Team collaboration and communication 

Technology has paved the way for new and advanced tools which have reduced the monotony found in QA processes. However, it has also opened them up to new vulnerabilities. In this short read, we will be exploring some of the common challenges faced by modern software testing companies across the globe. We will also give you an insight into the many QA servicesAlphaBOLD offers! 

Cloud integration and Software as a Service (SaaS) model 

Initially, security testing was done using stand-alone applications that did not support a lot of integrations. However, the scenario is quite different today as most modern-day systems are created using cloud integration or Software as a Service, aka SaaS model. So naturally, with systems evolving, software testers too need to upgrade their skill set and remain up to date with the latest developments regarding tools, integrations, versions, etc.  

Compatibility with multiple devices. 

The modern world has no shortage of devices and browsers. Therefore, applications need to be compatible with many different versions and Software of these same devices and browsers. Despite having various simulators, emulators, and cross-browser testing tools, device compatibility is a growing challenge for software testers. While most testing can be done in simulated environments, sometimes the testing needs to be done on real devices. This means that the QA team needs to set up hardware and ensure that the latest versions are installed into the device. If this is not done right, QA team will not be able to successfully perform compatibility tests or perform cross-browser testing.  

Testing environment and test data 

Simulating a test environment that mimics a real environment is not an easy job for QA testers. It involves multiple development efforts, third-party integrations for sandbox, and even integration assistance. Furthermore, global data regulations also increase the challenges associated with the creation of test data. 

For example, if we go back a few years, testers could use an entire data dump from production and copy it to their test environment. Now, they need to put in place data protection masking before moving any confidential data. This makes it harder for testers to produce data that mirrors the actual real-time data. 

Continuous testing, Agile and DevOps frameworks 

The software testing industry has seen a gradual shift in development methodologies. Companies have transitioned from the Waterfall model to the more recent and resourceful Agile and DevOps approaches. Agile and DevOps have also been rumoured to make software testers obsolete as it automates pretty much everything. However, this is far from true. There will always be a dire need for testers in the industry. However, the approach to software testing will evolve. Testers need to evolve and develop new skills with the changing methodology. For example, let’s look at Agile; Agile breaks down modules into user stories tested for each sprint. The tester needs to understand the overall objective of the test and plan accordingly. 

Additionally, Agile also offers a faster development life cycle and a predictable sprint schedule. This customer-focused methodology is flexible and allows for higher customer satisfaction. Such new approaches need to be adopted by testers to keep up with the growing trends, challenges, and competition in the industry. 

UX/UI and Design Testing 

Modern-day applications target a wide range of audiences. Therefore, a great deal of attention needs to be paid to the visuals and user experience of the product. It is common to hire design agencies and consultants to ensure that the application is aesthetically pleasing. While previously, the QA team was only focused on the functional testing aspect of the product, it must be proficient in design aspects. Testers need to be 100% sure that the final product offers a good user experience and does not have any UX flaws as the product’s performance depends on these two factors. 

Team Dependencies 

Software testing is not a stand-alone job which means that testers often wait on schedules or go-ahead from the development and deployment teams. Additionally, products sometimes have features that have multiple dependencies between teams. Therefore, teams need to identify these dependencies and coordinate with the development and testing teams. 

AlphaBOLD as your QA solution provider: 

Are you looking to improve your software testing efforts and meet the ever-changing  business landscape’s demands? Is your QA team struggling to uphold collaboration, communication, and alignment with your DevOps teams? Unfortunately, you are not alone; many businesses cannot adapt their QA to the modern business era’s new and rapidly evolving demands.  

As a longstanding quality assurance company, AlphaBOLD has assembled a team of highly talented and innovative QA engineers who can reshape project processes to ensure that clients have a competitive edge in the software market. In addition, our years of expertise and credibility have empowered us to create a client-centric methodology for achieving customer goals. As a result, our QA services are not only fast and scalable, but they are also adaptive, flexible, and focused on our client’s business objectives. 

QA solutions we offer: 

As a trusted Quality Assurance company, AlphaBOLD constantly focuses on enhancing its software quality assurance services. Our QA experts concentrate on creating modern QA solutions that help our clients achieve their goals and move towards unprecedented success.  

We can help companies benefit from a wide range of quality assurance services that focus on product lifecycle management. AlphaBOLD’s time-bound methods and customizable QA solutions have allowed customers to enjoy lowered costs, improved efficiency, and quality deliverables. Contact us today to find out how we can help you as well!