The design and delivery of software products is a prominent market in the current tech-savvy world. The demands are all-inclusive & perpetually escalating. Testing procedures have been swift and ideal for an error/ bug-free release to keep up with the ever-rising demand. However, managing multiple test cases, tracking progress, creating test reports, and sending feedback to software developers on testing outcomes can be tedious, time-consuming, and prone to bugs. This is where test management tools can assist in tracking test efforts and stay efficient and well-organized, leading to superior-quality output, better UX, and faster feedback.
Such frameworks can restructure and streamline the test procedure and efficiently decrease the no. of bugs that could have been ignored. Are you struggling with managing your test data efficiently? Let’s glance at the top 9 test data management tools accessible nowadays, with a breakdown of their advantages and features.
What are Test Data Management Tools?
Test data management (TDM) tools are software apps predominantly used in QA (quality assurance) to handle the data/ information needed to test apps. These tools help to generate, manipulate, and manage the data utilized in test scenarios. Test data management tools can produce test data sets, ensure test data is kept upgraded, and manage the different versions of data required for diverse testing environments.
Test data management tools can also automate the data conception and maintenance procedure and enable easy data sharing amongst QA team members. These tools are vital in confirming that testing is conducted efficiently and accurately and can help to reduce the resources and time required to test.
Why is the Role of Test Data Management Tools Important?
Test data management is an essential facet of software testing and QA. It plays a significant role in ensuring the quality of software apps. Here are some reasons why the role of test data management is important:
- Accuracy: Test data management tools confirm that the test data used is relevant and accurate. This helps detect bugs and defects in the software app, enhancing software quality.
- Data Privacy and Security: TDM tools can help guarantee that confidential or sensitive data is safe and used only for authorized tests purposes. This is significant for compliance with data protection regulations like CCPA, GDPR, and HIPAA.
- Efficiency: TDM tools help enhance testing efficiency by lessening the time needed to prepare test data. This is attained through automation techniques and tools, which can rapidly generate and maintain test data sets.
- Cost-effective: Using Test data management tools effectively can help lessen the effort and time needed to manage test data, leading to company cost savings.
- Reusability: Test data management tools help generate and manage reusable test data sets. This allows QA teams to reuse test data sets for various tests, reducing the effort and time needed to prepare new test data.
In short, test data management tools are an essential aspect of software testing that must not be overlooked.
Core Functionalities of Test Management Tools
- Planning and designing tests: Test management tools assist in planning your test strategy by determining which tests can be automated and which are manual.
- Requirements Capture: Here, you should confirm that your tests significantly cover all aspects and features of the software app. You should be fully aware of what your particular software intends to do.
- Execution & analysis of tests: The core concept of test management lies here. You should organize test resources and guarantee test plans are correctly implemented. Test management tools must also alert you of any glitches & document all tests & their outcomes.
Top 9 Test Data Management Tools 2023
- Tricentis Tosca- This enterprise-centric automated test tool with a robust test data management trait. Tosca lets you generate and manage test data sets, run data-driven tests, and incorporate them with external data sources.
- K2View– K2View is an eminent TDM (test data management) solution for organizations with intricate environments. QA Testers can rapidly provision test data sub-sets on demand from any type and number of production sources while preserving referential reliability. Extensive API-centric incorporation into DevOps CI/CD automated pipelines.
- SmartBear TestComplete– This is a famous automated test tool with a built-in test data management trait. It lets you generate, manage & organize test data sets effortlessly and proficiently.
- Testim– Testim’s offering is an AI-centric tool to assist the QA team in authoring stable E2E (end-to-end) tests. Though it is not a test data management tool in the traditional sense, Testim has competencies that make it a viable choice for data-driven testing. Testim allows you to define data series in several ways: Through a configuration file, through its visual editor, and even from external sources, like files or databases (Excel, CSV, and so on).
- Kualitee- The tool enables users to run customized test, bug, and test implementation reports and counts functionalities for prerequisite planning. Their collaborating dashboards are user-friendly and intuitive.
- DATPROF-The DATPROF TDM (Test Data Management) Suite comprises various products that let its consumers realize TDM solutions. The heart of the test suite is shaped by DATPROF Runtime. This is the footing of the test data provisioning platform wherein the implementation and automation of DATPROF projects come off.
- IBM Test Data Management- This enterprise-level test management tool offers a wide-ranging test data management trait. Rational Quality Manager enables you to run data-driven testing, generate and manage test data sets, and incorporate them with external data sources.
- Delphix is an advanced test data management tool that offers traits such as data virtualization, data masking, and data subsetting. It allows test teams to generate and manage test data sets securely and efficiently.
- LambdaTest: Automated test data generation efficiently decreases the time taken to design, maintain, and implement tests compared to manual test data. It is executed with automation testing tools such as LambdaTest that automate the entire procedure from start to end. Such tools are more accurate and faster than a human-centric approach, which results in higher proficiency over time.
LambdaTest is a unified intelligent cloud-based digital experience testing platform that enables developers and testers to run automation and manual testing of mobile and web applications across 3000+ real devices, browsers, and operating systems combinations.
LambdaTest allows over 1M+ users across 130 nations to test their web and mobile apps. Using LambdaTest, enterprises can guarantee that their products have been thoroughly tested and attain a faster go-to-market.
What does LambdaTest offer?
- Run Selenium, Playwright, Cypress, Appium, and Puppeteer, automated tests across 3000+ actual mobile and desktop environments.
- Live interactive cross-browser tests in varied environments.
- Run Mobile Application test on Real Device cloud.
- Perform 70 percent faster test implementation with HyperExecute.
- Lessen test flakiness, shorten job times, and get a rapid response on code modifications with TAS (Test At Scale).
- Smart and Robust Visual Regression Test on the Cloud.
- LT Browser – for responsive tests across 50+ pre-installed tablets, mobile, laptop, and desktop viewports.
- Capture complete page automated screenshots across various browsers in a single click.
- Test your locally hosted mobile and web applications with LambdaTest tunnel.
- Test for web-based Accessibility test.
- Test across multiple geographies with Geolocation test trait.
- 120+ 3rd-party incorporations with your favorite tool for Codeless Automation, Project Management, CI/CD, and more.
Which Test Management Tools provide Integration with Selenium?
The test management tools that offer incorporation with Selenium are TestLink, TestRail, and Kualitee.
- TestLink– TestLink is the most extensively used web-based free/ open-source test management tool. It incorporates both the Test Specification and Requirements Specification together. The user can make test projects & document test cases using this tool. We can generate an account for various testers/ users and assign distinct user roles. Admin users can maintain test case assignment jobs.
It supports both automated and manual implementation of Test cases. With this specialized tool, the testers can produce Test Plans and Report Documents within a minute. It assists in the generation of Test reports in MS Excel, Word, plus HTML formats.
TestLink also supports incorporation with various tools like Selenium plus popular Defect Tracking systems like Bugzilla, Mantis, Youtrack, TRAC, and Jira. We can link a precise bug ticket with test cases. It also aids and maintains various Test projects. As it is a web-centric tool, various users can access its functionality all at once with their credentials & assigned roles.
- TestRail– TestRail is a web-centered test management tool that assists QA teams in organizing, maintaining, and tracking their software or QA testing efforts. Using this specialized tool, consumers can generate and handle test cases, track test implementation progress, and craft reports that deliver insights into the test procedure.
It incorporates various popular issue & project management tools, counting GitLab, Jira, Atlassian, etc. Their most recent release TestRail 6.2, launched a trait called Fastrack that offers a 3 pane view with a listing pane, a specifics pane, and a results pane for the tests process to be effective.
TestRail pricing is based on the no. of users, with two pricing categories: cloud and server.
- Kualitee– Kualitee is a wide-ranging and comprehensive test management tool that supports all facets of the test process, counting test case management, test execution, project management, and defect management. Using Kualitee, teams can effortlessly manage automated and manual testing, track QA test trends and status, mark flaws severity, and generate test cases & scripts.
It supports various test forms, such as functional testing, smoke testing, regression testing, etc., and distinct testing techniques, including system testing, integration testing, & acceptance testing.
Kualitee incorporates automated tools like Selenium and project management tools such as Asana, Trello, and JIRA. Most prominently, it has a mobile application that allows testers to run all their testing jobs on the go and the flexibility to manage their test projects from anywhere.
It provides both on-premises and cloud-based deployment choices to cater to the requirements of varied companies and their security policies.
Challenges of Test Data Management
According to several research studies, arranging test data can be tedious and time-consuming. About 30-60 percent of a QA tester’s time is spent examining, maintaining, and creating data for development and testing.
Test data management (TDM) is valuable for software companies, but that does not mean it is simple. Notwithstanding, you may face some relevant challenges and obstacles, so it is crucial to be alert to some of them.
Some of the common pitfalls of the test management tools:
- Complexity: Test data management tools can be intricate, necessitating a critical investment in resources and time to learn and utilize efficiently. This can hinder acceptance, particularly for small & medium-sized QA teams.
- Integration: TDM (Test data management) tools need to incorporate with other systems and tools, such as version control, bug tracking, and CI (continuous integration) tools. Confirming flawless incorporation can be challenging, particularly while dealing with legacy systems.
- Maintenance: Test data management tools require ongoing support and maintenance to keep them updated and execute flawlessly and smoothly. This counts updates, bug fixes, and security patches.
- Cost: Test data management tools can be often costly, particularly for enterprise-grade services that necessitate a noteworthy investment in infrastructure, hardware, and licenses.
- User adoption: TDM (Test data management) tools are only effective if used and adopted by the QA testing team. Guaranteeing user adoption can be arduous and challenging, particularly if the tool is difficult or lacks vital features.
Addressing these challenges necessitates careful planning, implementation, and management to guarantee the successful execution and acceptance of the test management tool.
Advantages of Test Management Tools
Test management tools offer multiple profits to software development teams, counting:
- Enhanced organization & collaboration: Test management tools enable QA teams to organize their test activities more competently, assign jobs to software testing team members, and track progress. This aids in improving cooperation among team members and lessens the threat of miscommunication.
- Increased productivity and efficiency: Such tools automate multiple manual jobs included in testing, like test case creation, implementation, and reporting. This saves precious time and improves the productivity and efficiency of the testing process.
- Great visibility & reporting: These tools offer real-time visibility into the test procedure and let teams create reports on testing progress and outcomes. This assists in identifying potential glitches early and allows teams to take corrective action rapidly.
- Consistent testing practices: Test data management tools guarantee that testing is consistently conducted across the complete software development lifecycle, helping to enhance the reliability and quality of the software.
- Risk mitigation: These tools can help find and mitigate risks/ bugs associated with the software being designed. This helps reduce the threat of defects and other issues, which can save resources and time in the long run.
- Incorporation with other tools: Test data management tools can be incorporated with other software development tools, such as requirements management and bug tracking tools. This allows QA teams to have an entire view of the software development procedure and assists in guaranteeing that testing is aligned with project objectives and goals.
How to choose the right Test Management Tool?
Making the right decision concerning your test data management tools can be arduous. But you can make an informed selection by considering a few key questions.
- Cost and Budget: Define how much you are willing to devote to a test data management tool & look for choices that fit within that budget. Remember that a few tools might require extra costs for customization or add-ons.
Most tools offer a trial period and diverse plans based on the number of test cases and users you have. Create an estimation of the project necessities and the number of people parallel using it.
- Will it enhance output in the organization? The accurate test data management tool will help automate tedious tasks such as test case creation, implementation, and reporting. The tool must help lessen the recognized bottlenecks in the test process by confirming the testing environment is built up correctly and incorporating testing throughout the SDLC (software development lifecycle).
- Support: Seek a test data management tool with better customer support. Check if the tool offers support via email, phone, or chat. Similarly, confirm if the particular tool has a robust community forum where you can get advice and help from other users.
- Incorporation with existing tools in the organization: Examine if the tool can incorporate your current tools, such as automation tools, defect tracking tools, and CI (continuous integration) servers. Incorporation of these tools can help enhance the effectiveness of your test process.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Test Data Management (TDM) is an important aspect of Selenium testing. It ensures that the data used in the test is reliable, accurate, and consistent. Numerous TDM tools are available for Selenium tests, each with its own capabilities and features.
While picking the right TDM tool for Selenium testing, it is significant to consider your particular requirements and needs. Test Data Management is a powerful tool for maintaining and automating test data. It is, however, crucial to evaluate every tool carefully to confirm that it meets your testing requirements and can help you attain your testing goals efficiently. Overall, the best Test Data Management tool for Selenium testing will rely on your precise needs and requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is a test management tool?
A test management tool is a software app that helps manage the complete test process, counting, planning, execution, tracking, and reporting of tests.
2. What are some of the other popular test management tools?
Some popular test management tools include Jira, HP ALM, Zephyr, and qTest.
3. What traits should I look for in a test data management tool?
Some vital features to look for in a TDM (test data management) tool include test preparation, test case management, test implementation management, flaw tracing, reporting, analytics, and incorporation with other testing tools.
4. How do I pick the right test management tool?
To select the accurate test data management tool, consider your precise testing requirements, team budget, size, and integration necessities. Assess each tool sensibly and select one that aligns with your testing objectives and can help you accomplish them effectively.
5. How does a test data management tool incorporate it with other testing tools?
A test data management tool can be incorporatedwith other testing tools through plugins or APIs. This incorporation permits flawless and smooth collaboration and enhances the overall effectiveness of the testing process.
6. What are the rewards of using a test data management tool?
Some profits of using a test management tool count for better test coverage, efficiency, quality assurance, collaboration and communication, and better reporting & analytics.
7. How much does a test data management tool cost?
The cost of a TDM (test data management) tool varies depending on the features offered, the vendor, and the no. of users. Some tools offer open-source or free versions, while others necessitate a licensing fee or subscription.
8. I’m swamped—Is it Possible to outsource my Test Data Management?
Yes! Multiple software test data management companies can all your test data management requirements. They will usually send you bug reports and organize test case management. This can also save time and aid in expanding your test coverage to embrace user experience or User Interface tests.
9. How can I select a test management tool?
While selecting a test data management tool, consider factors such as adaptability to varied development approaches, integration support, usability, budget, security features, and version control when making your end decision
10. Which test data management tools provide incorporation with Selenium?
The test data management tools that provide integration with Selenium are TestLink, TestRail, and Kualitee.