Software applications are ubiquitous today. It is possible that you don’t even know that you use it every day. Let me tell you, smartphones are an example hardware that uses software applications in order to meet customer needs. Smartphones can run many software applications. There are many software applications for smartphones, including social media, face apps, navigational apps, browsers and even games. These apps not only improve our lives but also generate income and company value. This can only happen if the software product has been tested. Software testing is an essential part of software product development. Let’s now look at the benefits software testing can bring to customers, the organisation, and the end-users.
You can save money
Let’s say that the software has been tested, especially at the beginning of development. It could detect defects earlier than later in development. Normally, defects that are not detected until release can be costly and difficult to fix. Two new Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft crashed to death in the last few years. Software problems in the automated flight control system caused the plane’s nose towards the ground. This caused the deaths of several people on board the plane. The incident ultimately led to the company losing billions of dollars.
Profitable results
Software testing saves money and can bring more profit to an organisation. Software that is bug-free and of high quality will be more popular. This will lead to more revenue for the company.
Happy customers
A product that doesn’t work as expected is not something that a customer would want to purchase. Poor product performance is an example. It crashes frequently and is slow. Customers will not be satisfied and happy. This is why it is important to test the software’s non-functional and functional aspects. It can also help improve product quality. Software that is high quality can make customers happy. Customers who are happy with your product will recommend it to others, which can lead to greater profits.
Productivity and efficiency increase
Software or systems that are bug-free (which does not necessarily mean they don’t have any defects) can increase productivity and efficiency. Software that is bug-free or fast can allow users to produce more output. Software testing does not only test the software’s functionality. Testing is done at the very beginning of a project to determine if a new design/change will make it more difficult or easier for the end-user.
Avoid rework during development
Testing activities should be done only after the actual programming of the program. This could lead to system defects that are not in compliance with business requirements. A business may request a new system that allows them to manage their inventory in real-time. Legacy orders were not taken into consideration during design. The design document was used by the developers who created the code. It was being tested against business requirements by the testers. A defect was discovered that causes inventory discrepancies. This is because the new system does not take into account legacy orders. This means that rework is required. New design will be created, including legacy orders, new developments, and new testing. This will result in a reduction in budget and timeframes, which is bad for the business. Software testing can be avoided at an early stage, which will reduce costs and save money.
Conclusion
Software testing may be seen as an additional cost by others, but they don’t have to look at the bigger picture.