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Defect management in software testing: Pros and Cons

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Akil Natchimuthu
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Mar 31, 2022
Defect management in software testing: Pros and Cons

Defect in Software Testing

Defectscan occur when there is a discrepancy or unexpected result from the output of asoftware program and what the original product requirements called for. Adefect might be present if, for example, while executing test cases on asoftware file, there was an incorrect output.

 

What is Defect Reporting?

DefectReporting is a process by which you can report any defects that you find inyour software. This will help to improve the quality of the software and makeit more reliable for users.

 

There aredifferent types of defects that can be reported, including:

 

• Bugs –These are errors or problems that occur while using the software.

•Security issues – These are issues that could allow unauthorized access to yourdata or information.

•Performance issues – These are problems with how the software performs when itis used.

•Interface issues – These are problems with how the user interface works.

 

What is Defect Management?

DefectManagement is a process that helps to manage and track defects. This will helpto ensure that the software is reliable and meets the needs of users.

 

Defectmanagement may include:

• Findingand fixing defects – This involves identifying any problems with the software,including bugs, security issues, performance issues, and interface issues.

•Tracking progress – This helps to keep track of which defect has been fixed andin what order .

•Reporting progress – This helps to ensure that defects are reported and trackedin a consistent manner.

 

What is the Process of Defect Management?

Theprocess of defect management begins by identifying any problems with thesoftware. This includes identifying bugs, security issues, performance issues,and interface issues.

 

Discovery

Once theproblems with the software have been identified, they need to be fixed. Thisinvolves finding and fixing any defects that have been found.

 

Defect categorization

Once thedefects have been fixed, they need to be categorised. This will help to ensurethat the correct defect is identified and tracked.

 

Fixing Defects

Once adefect has been fixed, it needs to be tracked in order to ensure that it iscorrected and not re-occurred. This includes tracking which defect was fixed,when it was fixed, and whether or not it was reported correctly.

 

Reporting

Oncedefects have been fixed, it is important to report the progress of the defectmanagement process in a consistent manner. This helps to ensure that allstakeholders are aware of how the software is being managed.

 

The Objective of Defect Management Process

Defectmanagement is a process that ensures the effective and efficient handling ofdefects. This process has been designed to ensure that defects are identified,managed, tracked and finally corrected. The main goal of defect management isto increase product quality by eliminating all the defects from your productsin order to gain maximum customer satisfaction.

 

The mainobjective of Defect Management Process:

 

-Informcustomers about what they can expect from your product or service and how itcan improve their lives;

-Makesure you have enough information on the current status of any issues reportedby customers so you can react quickly;

-Find outhow to resolve any problems reported by customers;

-Avoidfuture incidents by learning from past mistakes made by companies that havefailed in defect management processes;

-Recognizewhere there are areas for improvement with respect to some process withindefect management processes;

-Identifyopportunities for improvements in other aspects of your business such ascustomer service, market research etc.;

 

In orderfor defects to be successfully fixed, some additional measures should be taken.These include:

  • proper documentation for     design documents and work instructions;
  • checklists for quality     assurance; use of procedures such as testing methods;
  • creation of a defect     database; training on identifying, preventing and correcting defects;
  • creating a documented     inspection program which ensures that all inspections are conducted within     defined time periods and provides feedback on these activities;
  • periodic auditing of     processes for all critical areas including any new changes implemented     since last audit etc.

 

Defect Workflow and States

DefectWorkflow and States is a software development process that helps ensure thatdefects are corrected as soon as they are found.

 

Thedefect workflow is divided into two stages: the diagnosis stage and thecorrection stage.

 

Duringthe diagnosis stage, the developer automatically searches for defects byexecuting specific tests. If a defect is found, the developer enters the defectinformation into a defect tracking system.

 

In thecorrection stage, the developer corrects the defect and updates the defectinformation in the defect tracking system. The correction stage also providesinformation about the status of the defect, such as whether it has been fixedor is still open.

 

Advantages of Defect Management Process

A defectmanagement process helps to improve the quality of products and services byreducing the number of defects. It also helps to ensure that the products andservices are delivered on time and within budget.

 

Thefollowing are some of the advantages of a defect management process:

 

1.Reduced costs: A defect management process can help to reduce the number ofdefects and related costs. This includes costs associated with product recalls,product damage, and lost customer productivity.

 

2. Highercustomer satisfaction: A defect management process can help to improve customersatisfaction by reducing the number of complaints and lost business. Thisresults in greater loyalty and repeat business.

 

3.Improved quality: A defect management process can help to improve the qualityof products and services by reducing the number of defects. This leads toreduced customer dissatisfaction and increased customer loyalty.

 

Disadvantages of Defect Management Process

There area few disadvantages of a defect management process. The first disadvantage isthat it can be time-consuming and costly. This is because it requires you totrack all the defects, understand their causes, and take appropriate action toaddress them.

 

Anotherdisadvantage is that it can be difficult to communicate with suppliers andcustomers about the status of defects. This can lead to misunderstandings orhostility.

 

Last butnot least, a defect management process can also lead to quality problems if itis not implemented correctly.

 

Closing Thoughts

A defectmanagement process is essential for ensuring the quality of products andservices. It can help to reduce costs, improve customer satisfaction, andensure that the products are delivered on time and within budget. However, agood defect management process is time-consuming and expensive to implement,can be difficult to communicate with suppliers and customers about the statusof defects, and may lead to quality problems if it is not implementedcorrectly.

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