Mastering Test Estimation: A Comprehensive Guide for Test Leads

Introduction:

In the fast-paced world of software development, efficient test estimation is crucial for delivering high-quality products within tight timelines. However, accurately estimating testing efforts can be a complex task that requires careful planning and consideration. In this article, we will explore effective strategies and techniques to increase productivity in software test estimation, enabling teams to optimize their processes and deliver exceptional results.

Understand the Project Scope and Requirements:

The foundation of accurate test estimation lies in a clear understanding of the project scope and requirements. Collaborate closely with stakeholders, developers, and business analysts to gather all necessary information. Categorize the requirements as functional and non-functional requirements. From functional requirements list - bucket them into Complex, Medium, and Simple based on the complexity. Note: How to estimate the non-functional requirement will be addressed in my next blog.

Utilize Historical Data and Metrics OR Outline the high-level scenarios for the bucketed requirements: Leverage the power of historical data and metrics from previous projects to drive productivity in test estimation. Analyze similar projects, identify patterns, and use them as benchmarks for estimating effort and timelines. Historical data provides valuable insights into the complexity of different modules, common defects, and test case coverage, enabling more accurate estimations. OR

Write the high-level scenarios for all the bucketed requirements. For example, for Complex requirements, say - 6 test scenarios; for Medium - 4 test scenarios; and for Simple - 2 test scenarios. Sum them up under the same bucket.

For example, Complex - 20 test cases, Medium - 30 test cases, and Simple - 20 test cases can be derived. Find the relation between 1 complex, say 1 complex = ~ 4 simple test cases, and 1 medium is ~ 2 simple test cases. Now convert the total number of test cases into simple - with the same example: 20 * 4 + 30 * 2 + 20 = 160 simple test cases.

Test Case Design - Every company will have its own standard number of test cases to draft, which might be derived from historical data or based on your experience.

For example, let's say 12 simple test case designs is the standard, and it takes 13.5 days to write the 160 test cases.

How to find the number of resources: Suppose you are given 10 working days for the design as part of the project plan. You need 13.5 days to draft, plus if you say 20% of it can be rework efforts, and 10% buffer time, then the total is 13.5 + 2.7 + ~1.4 = ~18 days. Total resources = 18 days / 10 = 1.8 = ~2 resources for Test design for the entire 10 days.

Test Case Execution: Every company will have its own standard number of test cases for execution, which might be derived from historical data or based on your experience.

For example, let's say 8 simple test case executions is the standard, along with the prerequisite/data setup, and to execute 160 test cases, it requires 20 days for 1 round of execution (cycle 1).

Based on the complexity of the application, say 40% of the test cases failed during cycle 1. An additional 64 test cases need to be executed. (You need to plan at least 2 cycles of execution for any given project, in some projects it will be 3 cycles as well) Now the total test cases for Cycle 1 + Cycle 2 = 160 + 64 = 224 test cases. We can add 10-20% buffer based on the complexity of the project or resource issues, 224 + 44.8 = 268.8 =~ 269 test cases.

Suppose you are given the same 30 working days for execution as part of the project plan. 269 test cases / 30 days = 8.9 =~ 9 testers needed for the test execution.

Embrace Test Automation:

Test automation is a game-changer in optimizing productivity. Identify repetitive and time-consuming test cases that can be automated (we need to be cautious while identifying which test case can be automatable or non-automatable), such as regression testing. Automation not only reduces effort but also improves accuracy and allows testers to focus on more complex scenarios. It is essential to invest time and resources in building a robust and maintainable test automation framework.

Before we put effort into automation, we need to find how many runs of execution we need to do on the automatable test cases using which we can derive ROI. Once this ROI is socialized and kind of approved.

In a similar way to test design, you can get the number of test cases/tester needs to automate and divide that into the number of test cases. Add 20-30% rework effort. The total number of test cases / available days will give you the number of resources needed.

Similarly, we can calculate for test execution as well.

Collaborate and Communicate Effectively: Draft all the efforts, standards, and assumptions (e.g., 2 cycles of execution considered, Defect fixes should be within 1 day for category 3 defect, etc., SLAs, and risks & dependencies should be articulated). Be open and transparent in these communications and get feedback and incorporate them. Establish regular meetings with the development team, project managers, and stakeholders to align expectations, share progress, and address any challenges.

Conclusion: By implementing these strategies and techniques, software test estimation can become a streamlined and efficient process, leading to improved productivity and better project outcomes. Remember that productivity is not solely about working faster but also about working smarter. Continuously evaluate and refine your estimation practices to overcome challenges and embrace emerging trends. With a focus on accurate estimation and effective collaboration, your team can achieve remarkable results in software testing.

Stay tune for my next blog on - How to calculate the ROI, How to do the resource loading.