Discussion On Beyond Numbers: From Reports to Insight with Hrishi Potdar | Testμ 2024

In today’s data-driven world, transforming raw test data into actionable insights is crucial for driving key decisions and ensuring top-notch quality in software development. Discover how to effectively use test reporting to answer critical questions like “Are we ready to release?” and “What are our risk areas?” Learn how to overcome challenges in visibility and make data work for you in mid to large organizations.

Don’t miss out—register now and join the ongoing live session​:movie_camera::sparkles:

Got questions? Drop them in the thread below! :speech_balloon::point_down:

Hi there,

If you couldn’t catch the session live, don’t worry! You can watch the recording here:

Here are some of the Q&As from this session:

How can QA teams move beyond just generating reports to deriving actionable insights from testing data?

Hrishi: QA teams can derive actionable insights by analyzing test data for patterns and trends, using visualization tools to highlight key metrics and correlating test results with business outcomes. Implement dashboards and reporting tools that provide real-time insights and actionable recommendations, enabling teams to make informed decisions and prioritize improvements.

How can we differentiate between valuable knowledge and mere information in the context of software development?

Hrishi: Valuable knowledge is actionable and contextually relevant, enabling you to make informed decisions or solve specific problems. It often comes from experience, practical insights, and proven strategies. Mere information, on the other hand, might be factual but lacks the depth needed to apply it effectively. To differentiate, evaluate if the information can be used to solve a problem, improve a process, or drive strategic decisions, and if it has been validated through practical use.

What would be the best tools for us to get the insights to make better decisions as QA

Hrishi: Tools like JIRA for issue tracking, TestRail for test management, Grafana or Kibana for visualizing test results and metrics, and SonarQube for code quality analysis can provide valuable insights. CI/CD platforms like Jenkins or GitHub Actions, along with test automation frameworks like Selenium, Playwright, or Cypress, can offer real-time feedback and analytics to improve decision-making.

Now, let us look into a few unanswered questions.

How do you ensure that data-driven insights are effectively communicated to non-technical stakeholders?

What does the future for us QA hold with AI and our own independent skills ?

How QA team can make data driven decision to improve product?

Do we need to strike a balance between the automated processes and human (and AI-powered) insights needed after submitting a testing report?

How can we turn test reports into actionable insights? What’s the best way to analyze and use the data effectively?

How can we differentiate between merely reporting data and deriving actionable insights? What are some key indicators that a report is providing true value?

What strategies can be employed to ensure that data generated from tests, processes, and practices is effectively transformed into actionable insights?

AI can help with reducing the amount of the reporting and make decisions easier?

How can machine learning and AI be leveraged to make sense of the vast amounts of data produced in software development?

What role does data governance play in ensuring the quality and security of the data generated in software development?

How can teams transform raw data and metrics into actionable insights that drive decision-making?

Hey there!

To ensure that data-driven insights are effectively communicated to non-technical stakeholders, it’s crucial to tailor the information to their perspective. Using visual aids like dashboards or infographics can make complex data more digestible. During the session, we discussed how simplifying the language and focusing on the impact of data helps bridge the gap between technical jargon and business objectives.

Hope this helps! :blush:

Hi!

As for the future of QA with AI, I believe it presents both opportunities and challenges. The session highlighted how AI can enhance our skills rather than replace them, allowing us to focus on higher-level analysis and strategy. It’s essential to adapt and learn how to leverage AI tools while maintaining our core testing expertise. Take care! :blush:

What strategies can we use to identify and communicate risk areas more effectively through test reports to ensure all stakeholders are aligned?

Hello!

Being a QA, I say that identifying and communicating risk areas effectively through test reports, I found that collaboration and transparency are key. The talk emphasized using clear metrics and visuals that align with stakeholders’ concerns, ensuring everyone understands the risks involved and can make informed decisions. Hope that gives you some insight! :blush: