Pilot Testing In Software Testing – A Detailed Guide
The consumers of the digital world demand excellence – be it in terms of products, services, or online experiences. Every new software update rolled out in the market is only received well if it brings multiple benefits to the table. As such, the process of software testing has become of key importance. When done with precision, software testing enables developers to fix bugs, optimize applications, and bring an element of perfection to the final output.
To ensure that newly introduced or upgraded products are superior in quality as compared to their alternatives and previous counterparts, developers can now leverage different types of software testing, to name a few important ones – Unit Testing, Integration Testing (Black Box testing + White Box testing), Pilot Testing, Alpha Testing, Beta Testing, System Testing, Stress Testing, Regression testing, and more. In this blog, we will explore the importance of Pilot testing in software testing. What is the main purpose of Pilot testing? Let’s find out!
What Is Pilot Testing In Software Testing?
One of the main types of software testing, Pilot testing involves analyzing a key component or the final product in its entirety during the end stages of the development cycle. Generally, it is done between the UAT and Production stages. The pilot testing steps are planned meticulously. This testing is done under real-time settings to best verify the features and functionalities of the product in question. The goal of this kind of testing is to evaluate the costs, risks, feasibility, flexibility, performance, and time that the project demands.
Before the software product is launched in the market, a group of end users tries and tests it. Then, they provide feedback that can be used to further optimize the product before its final release. More often than not, Pilot testing proves to be a saving grace and ensures a seamless and successful deployment of the products. How so? This type of testing works wonders when it comes to detecting bugs early in the development phase, allowing developers to make necessary modifications.
Pilot Testing Examples
- Google leverages the Android Beta Program to test the Android Operating System for Nexus users.
- Microsoft manages the Windows Insider program for Windows 10 Pilot testing.
- HP conducts online pilot tests of its goods and services.
The Process Of Pilot Testing
1. Planning Test Processes:
Breaking down the entire process into multiple plans in an organized manner is the very first step of Pilot testing. All the following steps find their origin in these charted-out plans and are linked to them until the very end.
2. Pilot Test Preparation:
After the planning, comes the preparation. During this stage, the testers are expected to collate different attributes that can contribute to making the process easier. The group of end users who are supposed to test the product is chosen in this stage.
3. Deployment & Testing:
Once the group of end-users (who will verify the final product) is selected, they test the final product under real-time conditions and provide valuable insights that can help make the product better and more inviting to the target audiences.
4. Evaluation:
Once the feedback is received, the tests are given access to it. These insights are then evaluated by the testers. If the feedback is positive, then the product is released in the market. If the insights contain constructive feedback, then testers take further steps to improve the product.
5. Production Deployment:
Post the evaluation, testers do a final check of whether the software meets the prerequisites of the project. After confirming the same, the final product is released for use.
Key Requirements For Pilot Testing
For any type of testing to truly serve its purpose and give out accurate results, developers have to follow a checklist of the important requirements. It is one of the most effective ways of sailing through a complex process like Pilot testing.
1. An Expert Team Of Testers:
Before starting pilot testing, the most important task for a testing team manager is to assemble an expert team of testers. Each team member on board has to have in-depth knowledge of the subject, as well as the right set of skills to handle pilot testing for any particular project, no matter the challenges involved.
If there are gaps in the team, be it in terms of technical expertise or skills, it can lead to added costs and delayed deliveries. The group selected as potential target audiences also has to comprise experts so they can detect the bugs with accuracy. The testers should be given training in accordance with the nature of the project.
2. The Ideal Environment:
It is no secret that any type of testing can only meet success if the testing environment is chosen wisely. This applies to the art of pilot testing as well. Choosing an appropriate environment is one of the most crucial aspects that a testing manager needs to be mindful of during the planning stage.
With pilot testing, this task can be all the more tricky as the environment has to replicate real-time conditions in which the users will experience the product. In addition, the right hardware, gear, and complementary software have to be installed or integrated before testing starts.
3. Thorough Roadmap:
In order to ensure a smooth product development or testing cycle, proper planning is a must. During the pilot testing process, the test manager as well as all the other team members have to stay consistently updated on the progress of the project.
This can help verify whether the steps being taken are in line with the roadmap or not. Advanced planning also helps testing managers with determining the costs involved in the realization of the product, and setting up the timelines as per the finalized timeframe.
4. Detailed Documentation:
All team members should have a well-curated brief that contains all the information associated with the project. This brief should answer important questions like – what are the requirements, what are their immediate responsibilities, what are the timelines, and so on.
The team has to be provided with test scripts along with a list of functions to be run. The installation process also has to be documented properly before testing begins. In addition, a list of bugs should be provided to the testers.
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Software testing is no longer simply about detecting bugs and fixing them. Today, it is more about making the software or the product superior, and delivering it as per the requirements and in a way that best fulfills customer expectations. To ace this role, the right training is a prerequisite. This is where Cyber Success comes to your rescue. Our course comprises Manual Testing, Selenium, SQL, PL/SQL, Advanced Manual, ISTQB, Web Security, and Agile. It is designed to help refine your skillset and to help you keep pace with the latest industry standards.
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