We have reached the next step in our TMMi article series, which is the third level of maturity for testing processes. By reaching the first two steps, we have learned what factors organizations need to focus on to regulate testing activities, and what steps they need to take towards continuous improvement and standardization.
The third level of the TMMi model focuses on standardizing and formalizing software testing processes. At this level, organizations develop and standardize their testing processes, which become coordinated, consistent, and repeatable. In this blog post, we will delve into TMMi Level 3, the "Defined" level.
Dimensions of level 3
Before we delve into the building blocks of level 3, let's briefly summarize what reaching this level can offer an organization. Advancing to the third step of TMMi represents a significant progression for an organization in optimizing testing processes. The resulting structured and repeatable testing processes enable early detection of defects, reduce development costs, and thus more effectively aid in improving product quality. Additionally, with defined-level testing processes, the organization will be better equipped to manage project risks and increase customer satisfaction.
We will explore the third level of the testing process maturity model along the following dimensions: process improvement, process assessment, training and support, measurement and analysis, and integration of development processes.
Process improvement
Process improvement is a key element in enhancing the efficiency of testing processes. We mean that the organization precisely defines and documents its testing procedures. This involves identifying factors such as the roles and responsibilities in quality assurance, the strategies used by the quality assurance team, as well as the tools and testing environments, and the methodologies considered and applied. This serves not only to clarify concepts but also to promote their uniform application at the company level.
Such structured processes help both the organization and those responsible for testing to be aware of every step in the testing process, thereby reducing the chances of errors and misunderstandings slipping through. Moreover, formalized testing processes enable the organization to standardize and clearly define testing activities, thus ensuring the reliability of testing results and improving the efficiency of development cycles.
Process assessment
Under the TMMi model, process assessment refers to a continuous and dynamic activity where an organization regularly reviews and evaluates its established testing processes. The fundamental aim of this is to ensure that the processes accurately meet corporate goals and adapt to changes in market conditions.
In practice, this can be described as follows: analyses and feedback produced during process assessment provide a foundation for identifying potential problems. Moreover, these analyses can highlight other deficiencies and areas needing improvement in a retrospective manner. Through process assessment, the organization has the opportunity to enhance effectiveness, efficiency, and transparency of processes under planned conditions.
Organizations frequently use various measurement techniques and tools during the assessment to collect objective data about process performance. For example, a tool like TestNavigator, starting from multi-level coverage measurement to requirement coverage and through to functional specification and code coverage, provides an excellent overview of performance. Based on the information obtained and available KPIs, organizations can more easily decide on fine-tuning, reevaluating, and if necessary, restructuring processes to ensure continuous development and maintain market competitiveness.
Training and support
The third level of the TMMi model places special emphasis on the role of training and support in the effective execution of testing processes. The organization must take responsibility for providing its testers with the necessary training and support, which are essential for the professional execution of testing processes and the continuous improvement of results. Training is appropriate when it includes a comprehensive understanding of current testing techniques, tools, and methodologies, enabling testers to stay updated with the latest industry trends and technological advancements.
However, support in the TMMi model goes beyond just training. It should include mentoring and the promotion of professional development, which continuously enhances the skills of testers, contributing to the efficiency of testing processes. At TMMi Level 3, the organization must ensure that training programs are closely linked to testing processes and contribute to the improvement of testers' skills and performance. Support systems, such as regular feedback, continuous development opportunities, and improvement of working conditions, are also crucial for testers to fully utilize their learning and development opportunities. Collectively, these measures enable the provision of various career paths for testers, deepening their knowledge in specialized areas such as performance testing or security testing.
The third level of the maturity model requires an integrated approach that includes the development and implementation of training strategies by the organization, as well as continuous support and provision of resources for testers. This is undoubtedly beneficial for the company as it ensures high-level execution of testing processes and constant quality improvement.
Measurement and analysis
The third level of the TMMi model, like the second, places great emphasis on measurement and analysis, which are essential for the objective evaluation of testing processes and results. Thanks to this approach, the organization will be able to accurately measure and analyze the effectiveness and impact of testing activities, which is crucial for continuous improvement and achieving quality goals.
In practice, the measurement strategy includes the regular collection and assessment of performance indicators such as defect detection rate, test coverage, or the duration of testing processes. These data help identify the strengths and weaknesses of the testing processes, enabling the organization to take targeted actions to increase efficiency and proactively handle potential problems.
During the analysis phase, the organization must thoroughly evaluate the collected data to understand the operation and impact of the testing processes. Measurements thus can be reliable and valuable for decision-making. This continuous cycle of measurement and analysis ensures that the testing activities not only meet current standards but also contribute to the organization's long-term success.
Integration of development processes
The "Defined" level of the TMMi model pays special attention to the integration of development processes, ensuring that testing processes are an integral part of every phase of the software development lifecycle. The aim of this integration is to ensure the alignment of various processes, which is crucial for the success of projects and compliance with requirements.
Integration involves incorporating testing processes early in the project, from defining requirements through design and implementation to maintenance. This allows testers to actively participate in every step of development, contributing to the refinement of specifications, early detection of design flaws, and regular improvement of development processes.
Thus, testing strategies and plans are developed in harmony with the development processes, ensuring that every testing activity supports the project's objectives and meets the requirements arising at different stages of the project. Moreover, integrating testing processes enhances information flow among different members of the project team, increasing communication effectiveness and reducing the risk of errors and misunderstandings.
Close collaboration between the teams responsible for development and testing also allows testing results to serve as rapid feedback, thereby improving product quality and accelerating time-to-market. Such an integrated approach not only enhances the efficiency of software development processes but also contributes to reducing development costs, as earlier detection of defects significantly lowers repair costs.
Progress is the key
We have seen that the third level of the TMMi model focuses on standardizing and formalizing testing processes. At this level, organizations develop and document their testing strategies, processes, and methodologies, making them consistent and repeatable. This includes process improvement, process assessment, training and support, measurement and analysis, as well as integrating development processes with other stages of the software development lifecycle.
Implementing these activities within internal processes contributes to improving the efficiency of testing processes, which reduces errors and increases product quality. Additionally, repeatable and well-documented testing processes improve the transparency and predictability of projects, while formalized testing procedures facilitate knowledge transfer and continuous learning within the organization.
Organizations at the third maturity level of the TMMi model thus commit to formally and organized operation of testing processes, but this is not enough. In our next article, we will step up one level further. If you are still unsure about how to test at a high quality, read the next part of our series.