The Synergy Method
Have you heard of the the Synergy Method? Probably not, because we just formulated it here at QAForce.co.uk and are finally ready to share it with everyone.
The Synergy Method – the testing method of automatically creating re-usable test scripts during an Exploratory Phase resulting in a reduction in test preparation for later Testing Phases (e.g. End to End) and enabling quicker to market developments within an Agile Development environment.
The Synergy Method requires an automation process to be used to create Test Cases. There are a number of platforms that will provide this as part of their Test Management Tool and can adopt a session-based testing approach.
Creating Test Scripts and documenting Test Results is a time consuming process and although both have value, tight project deadlines and a Agile-like methodology means that you need to evaluate where you are spending your time and effort.
A typical approach to a project timeline may look like the below with a number of iterations and phases.
However, the Synergy Method uses only Exploratory Testing for any Agile Development, meaning that the completion of testing and time to market is minimal. No manual scripting, no preparation* just Test Execution. The speed at which execution will take place will be almost double that of a standard approach. It is also possible to time-box your Test Execution by use of Testing Session (Session-based Testing) should there be budgetary constraints on your project.
*A walkthrough of any new developments with a Developer or a Tech Lead is always advisable to fully understand what they are trying to achieve.
Now, what about User Stories and/or Requirements? These (if available) should form the bases of your scripting for the End to End / System Testing Phase of the Synergy Method.
The approach to the End to End / System Testing should follow the standard process of creating Manual Test Scripts from the Requirement to be executed during the phase. However, by using the Synergy Method, you have already created a Regression Pack that can be run using Test Automation Software throughout the End to End Phase be it daily, after any subsequent fixes being deployed to the Environment/Org or at specified intervals throughout the phase. This ensures that not only the newly developed functionality is working as expected, but also will quickly identify any fundamental issues early on in the phase. There is also a further benefit that these reusable automated scripts will form part of your Regression Pack for any future developments.
There are a number of Quality Assurance/Test Management Tools that are available in order to apply the Synergy Method, and we thoroughly recommend that you take the time to review each of them prior to signing any license agreement.
Feel free to contact us about the Synergy Method and how it can reduce your time-to-market test execution phases and assist with creating automated regression testing packs.
A Certified Salesforce Administrator, Salesforce Einstein Analytics and Discovery Consultant, ISTQB® Certified Tester Advanced Level, Jitterbit Foundations and Jitterbit Core Certified QA Test Automation Manager who is also an experienced creative all-rounder with enthusiasm and the proven ability to understand client needs and deliver satisfying solutions. A thirst for new technology and modern Quality Assurance and Testing techniques keeps me aspiring to learn at every opportunity. My current role is at Publicis Sapient who are an official Salesforce Platinum Partner. Publicis Sapient provide Salesforce expertise and strategic thinking that enables organisations to transform their business to Cloud-based technology.
