Working with Dedicated QA Teams: Answering Your Whys & Hows

Testing is irreplaceable. And the way you approach it is everything. From the Therac-25 disaster to Boeing 737 Max crashes – you know that quality assurance can make or break your business. Hence, for your product to be superior, you need a QA team that can support your vision.

What kind of a team it should be? Let’s find out.

Testing Done By Developers Is a Double-Edged Sword

As a QA company, we know the value QA professionals hold. But we don’t stray away from the realities – you may not always be able to hire QA engineers. There are a few cases when it is more or less acceptable.

When Developer Testing Might Work

Delegating project verification to developers is enough for:

1. Unit tests and software code testing.
2. Organizations with very limited resources.
3. Companies who want to expedite releases regardless of end-product quality.
4. Promoting a sense of ownership and accountability for the quality of developers’ code.

Software engineers are indeed highly skilled experts. But they are pros in their own field. So, while they can run testing, in most cases, it won’t go as product owners envision. As unqualified QA engineers can barely find 35% of bugs. And the rate of introducing new issues during fixing goes up, too.

Cons of Developer-Run Testing

While developers possess an intimate understanding of the codebase, entrusting them with testing has its flaws. Firstly, developers may have biases towards their own code. Hence, they may overlook potential issues or assume certain functionalities work as intended.

Secondly, developers’ primary focus is coding and feature implementation. Asking them to also handle testing can lead to a conflict of interest. In other words, they might prioritize meeting development deadlines over comprehensive testing.

Moreover, developers lack the specialized skills and expertise required for top-notch testing. They may not possess the same depth of knowledge in testing methodologies, tools, and techniques as dedicated QA professionals.

When you task devs with executing testing, you get a specialist torn between their direct duties and “other stuff”. And external assignments may impact their primary work as well. Simply put, multitasking might be a good thing. But only when you’re sure you can produce competent results for each function.

When to Consider Hiring a Dedicated QA Team

Let’s get one thing straight. A “dedicated” QA engineer is a professional fully focused on their tasks. They don’t dilute their work with extra duties. And this allows them to give their all to your product’s quality. Apple, Google, Meta, and many others use this “dedicated team” model to bring their projects to new heights.

Some companies that bank on automated testing services, like Amazon or Netflix, have integrated a QA specialist’s role in development (note that it’s not the other way around). So, why is the aspect of dedication so impactful, and when is it most beneficial?

Let’s dig in.

Validating Complex Software Projects

Complex applications, such as ERP systems, CRMs, and large-scale web apps, logically, need advanced QA attention. Relying solely on developers for testing may result in oversight of crucial security vulnerabilities or functional defects. A dedicated QA team with versatile expertise helps minimize risks and ensure the reliability and security of the product.

They have experience in working with diverse projects. Thus, they can:

• Quickly pinpoint problematic areas.
• Devise optimized testing strategies.
• Offer improvements to the entire QA process.

Emphasizing User Experience

Today, positive UX is the priority for most users. And securing this in your software quite often needs manual testing services:

• Functional testing.
• User interface testing.
• Accessibility testing.
• Exploratory testing, etc.

Such tests are rather intricate. They may require extended timelines and unprecedented skill. So, to mitigate the most feared threat of missed deadlines and errors, dedicated QA testing teams are a must.

They offer knowledge and aptitude that allows them to run precise checks in less time. And since they are devoted to advancing quality, you can be sure of vast coverage.

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Securing Regulatory Compliance

Projects subject to regulatory compliance, such as healthcare (HIPAA), finance (PCI DSS), or data privacy (GDPR), require specialized expertise in compliance testing. And that doesn’t mean understanding the guidelines only. It’s about knowing how to translate rules into software functions.

Our QA specialists have done a fair share of work for products under niche standards. So, we know that regulatory adherence should take precedence. And quality assurance teams not only run tests. They perform risk assessments and impact analyses to identify potential compliance gaps and vulnerabilities in the software.

Ensuring Scalability & Growth

As a software project scales in terms of features, user base, or complexity, the testing effort also changes. But don’t forget that scalability works both ways. Ergo, at times, you will need to size down your team as well. With a software QA extension team, you’ll have an easier time “portioning” work.

And among a QA team’s responsibilities are:

• Establishing scalable testing processes.
• Leveraging automation where applicable.
• Adapting testing strategies to accommodate your project’s evolution and more.

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Safeguarding Cross-Platform Compatibility

Applications that need to run seamlessly across different environments require extensive compatibility testing. If your project is in its starting stage, a lot will have to be done with the right tools. And later, everything should be automated.

A dedicated QA team can run testing on various configurations to ensure consistent behavior and optimal performance. They already have a pool of proven and learned tools. And, of course, once you give the green light to automation, QA specialists will build a strategy tailored to your software.

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Refining Integrations with Third-Party Systems

Integrations are like bonds with other systems that amplify your software. And there can be thousands of them. Yet, it’s not the quantity of integrations that refines your product. It’s always their quality. So, projects that link with external APIs, services, or platforms simply call for remarkable testing.

By hiring dedicated QA teams, you ensure that stakeholders and third-party providers are on the same page. They guarantee productive communication and procedures that validate integrations and minimize risks of compatibility issues or data discrepancies.

Preventing Grave Consequences in High-Risk Systems

For certain software, the absence of dedicated QA teams is an imminent danger. Some projects redefine the meaning of “in perfect working condition”:

• Software for autonomous vehicles.
• Nuclear power plant control systems.
• Medical devices and equipment, etc.

All these necessitate rigorous testing to prevent catastrophic outcomes. A dedicated QA team can implement advanced testing techniques, such as risk-based testing and fault tolerance analysis, to not let any errors through. As a result, you take on not a bunch of worries, but a project the future quality of which inspires.

These instances are just a few examples of when dedicated QA teams are indispensable. But, in the grand scheme of things, they are beyond valuable for any project.

Pros of Dedicated QA Teams

Having a dedicated QA team brings several advantages to the testing process. Besides the obvious ones, about which you’ve probably heard too many times, there are a few pleasant extras.

1. QA professionals’ skill allows them to identify and address defects earlier.
2. Effective QA practices streamline and accelerate the development lifecycle.
3. With dedicated QA services, you can respond to market demands promptly and profitably.
4. QA teams help prevent costly rework, post-release bug fixes, and error-related revenue losses.
5. A dedicated QA team’s focus on quality allows them to be proactive. So, they work on your project with its future in mind.

For businesses, naturally, cost and the quality of the work done are the priority. Yet, from our practice, there are aspects of software QA extension teams that many undervalue.

Outside Perspective

External QA expertise is a fresh set of eyes on your product’s state. With time, your team may get accustomed to the way things are. They may be okay with certain bottlenecks, drawn-out communication, etc. But QA specialists’ unbiased perspective allows them to see your software for what it is (and what it could be).

Versatile Expertise

QA teams bring a diverse skill set to the table. Their experience lets them assemble a strategy that aligns with your resources and goals. And since they’ve been working in the field for a while, they know what techniques to apply and how to do it for impeccable results.

Strong Team Morale

By letting QA teams take over testing, developers can focus on their primary tasks. This division of responsibilities ensures that both coding and testing receive the attention they deserve. And in the end, you get faster development cycles and improved product quality.

Customer-Centricity

Another bonus is QA engineers’ commitment to users. With the rise of the “customers as CEOs” approach to development, client satisfaction becomes the ultimate goal. That’s why we encourage our specialists to immerse themselves into a user persona during testing. It lets them prioritize customers’ real-life behaviors and needs to provide visionary insights.

A Guide to Choosing a Dedicated QA Team for a Project

Now, the billion-dollar question: how do you settle on a QA services provider that can make your dream project come true?

The element that will define your partnership with a QA company is your expectations. By that we mean that you should clearly understand what you want for your project and what testing must do for it. The better you structure your request, the easier it will be to find the right team.

And now, we move on to the points you ought to consider when looking for your transformative QA team.

Expertise & Experience

Look for a QA team with expertise and experience relevant to your needs. They should have a track record of successful projects in your industry or with similar technologies.

Skill Set

Assess the skill set of the QA team members. It’ll allow you to understand whether they are capable of adapting to your product’s evolution. They should possess a wide range of skills, including:

• Manual and automated testing.
• Knowledge of various testing frameworks.
• Understanding of different development methodologies (Agile, Waterfall, etc.).
• Familiarity with relevant tech stack.

Communication & Collaboration

Ensure that the QA team can communicate clearly and regularly with your people:

• Developers.
• Stakeholders.
• Project managers, and others.

Look for teams that are responsive. Most importantly, pick specialists who don’t push changes for their own sake.

Flexibility & Scalability

Choose a QA team that can adapt to changing project requirements and scale up or down as needed. They should accommodate shifting priorities, deadlines, and scopes.

Quality Assurance Processes

Evaluate the QA specialists’ approach to quality assurance. They should have well-defined processes and methodologies to ensure proper testing coverage, early defect detection, and effective bug tracking and reporting. All of these are not your direct responsibility. So, avoid QA service providers who push their duties onto you.

Testing Tools & Technologies

Consider the testing tools and technologies the QA team utilizes. They should have access to a comprehensive suite of tools. And they ought to know how to configure them to suit your project. If you notice that the team doesn’t work with the tools you prefer, explore other options. You’ll only waste time on them learning the tech you need.

References & Reviews

Don’t hesitate to ask for references or case studies from previous clients. This will give you insight into the QA team’s performance, reliability, and overall satisfaction levels. But don’t base your entire view of a QA provider solely on reviews. There are some remarkable teams who haven’t had the chance to gather many testimonials yet.

Cost & Budget

While cost shouldn’t be the sole determining factor, it might be a critical one. Compare pricing structures from different providers to find the best value for your investment. If you notice that a QA company is oddly secretive about its offers, perhaps it’s best to look for someone else.

Cultural Fit

Lastly, consider the cultural fit between your organization and the QA team. Focus on teams that share your values, work ethic, and commitment to quality. You can figure out whether a QA provider suits you from the very first meeting. But, let’s be honest, this is the best-case scenario. So, here’s what you can do to avoid issues in this matter:

• Schedule meetings with the team members to get a sense of their personalities, values, and work styles. Use this opportunity to ask about their experiences, approach to work, and how they handle challenges.
• If possible, observe the QA team members in action or interact with them during trial periods. This firsthand experience can provide valuable insights into their behavior, attitudes, and compatibility with your organization.
• Establish regular feedback loops and alignment checkpoints throughout the project to ensure that both parties are on the same page culturally. Address any issues or discrepancies early on to prevent misunderstandings or conflicts later.

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How to Manage a Dedicated QA Team

To make your cooperation with an external QA team productive and stress-free, there’re a few things to take care of. The general rule of thumb is to create a space in which everyone is comfortable. Yet, the devil is in the details. So, let’s break them down.

Define Requirements & Expectations

Provide a detailed overview of your project requirements, objectives, and expectations. Clearly communicate your quality standards, testing scope, timelines, and any specific deliverables you require. In short, be faultlessly particular about what you need.

Decide on the Communication Approach

Establish clear communication channels and protocols to facilitate productive collaboration. You can map out a “connection hierarchy” so that everyone knows to whom they can turn with questions. And don’t forget to agree upon times when every member should be readily available.

Consider using apps that let the team stay connected and share project updates:

• Project management tools.
• Video conferencing platforms.
• Collaboration software, etc.

Provide Access to Project Documentation & Tools

Grant the outsourced QA team access to project documentation, requirements, design specifications, and any relevant testing tools or environments. Ensure they have all the necessary resources to perform their testing activities effectively. And be sure to form data protection agreements.

Set Up Regular Progress Meetings

Schedule regular meetings. They’ll allow you to review testing progress, discuss any issues or concerns, and exchange feedback. Encourage your team to be open about their experiences. Communication works both ways. And they can offer you insights you’ve never even thought about.

Define Test Processes & Workflows

Define clear test processes, workflows, and methodologies for the QA team to follow. Ensure they understand your testing objectives and can adapt to your preferred testing approach. If it’s your first time working with a QA company, be sure to check whether they can help you build QA processes from scratch.

Monitor Performance & Quality

Monitor QA specialists’ performance through regular reviews, assessments, and metrics tracking. Measure key performance indicators (KPIs) to ensure they are meeting your quality standards:

• Test coverage.
• Defect detection rate.
• Turnaround time, etc.

Provide Feedback & Guidance

Offer constructive feedback, guidance, and support to the QA team throughout the project. Communicate openly about any areas for improvement, provide clarification on requirements or expectations, and recognize their contributions to the project.

Manage Risks & Escalations

Proactively identify and manage risks associated with outsourcing QA activities, such as:

• Communication challenges.
• Cultural contrasts.
• Time zone differences.

Establish escalation procedures and points of contact to address any issues or concerns promptly.

Maintain Transparency & Accountability

Maintain transparency and accountability in your interactions with QA engineers. Keep them informed about any changes to project scope, timelines, or priorities, and encourage open dialogue to deal with challenges or discrepancies.

Ensure Data Security & Confidentiality

Implement robust data security measures to protect sensitive project information and intellectual property. Ensure the outsourced QA team adheres to confidentiality agreements, data protection policies, and compliance regulations relevant to your industry.

Evaluate Performance & Continuously Improve

Conduct regular evaluations and project retrospectives to assess the QA professionals’ performance. Solicit feedback from both internal and outsourced QA teams to polish processes, address pain points, and optimize collaboration moving forward.

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What to Expect from Your Partnership with Dedicated QA Teams

If you decide to work with a dedicated QA team, you should also know what to expect from the other end. We can’t speak for everyone, so how the collaboration goes will be based on QA Madness’ approach. We’ve developed and fine-tuned it based on our years of work with different clients.

But we can’t say that’s the only acceptable method. It’s simply something we’ve found out to be the most comfortable for our partners.

Expert Assessment & Selection

Upon receiving your requirements, we assess the scope of your project and determine the needed number of QA experts. We then handpick professionals whose skills and experience align with your project needs. We present their CVs to you for review, allowing you to conduct interviews and select the candidates you find most suitable for your team.

Onboarding & Integration

Once you’ve selected your preferred experts, we work with you to finalize the details, including starting-work dates and logistical arrangements. Our selected QA specialists then undergo an in-depth onboarding process, during which they familiarize themselves with your:

• Business processes.
• Software products.
• Relevant documentation.
• And the team.

This onboarding typically takes a few days. So your project’s timeline won’t be disrupted.

Collaborative Workflow

With the onboarding complete, appointed QA experts integrate into your established workflow. They work exclusively on your project, ensuring full attention to your testing needs. Throughout the project, our QA experts remain in constant communication with your team, providing regular updates, addressing any concerns, and actively participating in project meetings as needed.

Continuous Improvement

As our QA experts become more acquainted with your business processes and software products, they may identify opportunities for process improvements or optimizations. Any proposed adjustments are presented to you for consideration. And the decision to implement them remains entirely in your hands.

Flexible Engagement

We understand that project requirements can evolve over time. Whether you need to scale up your QA team or adjust the scope of work, we remain flexible and responsive. Our goal is to provide you with a reliable and adaptable QA solution that works with your project requirements and objectives.

Remember, with quality software, there’s no cutting corners. That’s why you might want to think about partnering up with QA Madness. We’re beyond sure in our experts. We’ve done everything possible to ensure they are an asset for your business, not a fleeting moment of mediocrity.

Our vortex of talent can accommodate your any testing need. Yet, more importantly, they will immerse themselves in your work to deliver unmatched results. Because our QA madness is about being positively obsessed with our work and providing quality as you envision it.

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To Sum Up

Realistically, you might not need a dedicated QA team. But, most likely, that’s because you haven’t experienced their impact on your project. External QA professionals are like a good night’s sleep during a hard week. You wake up refreshed, assess the situation with a renewed perspective, and feel ready to take on the next day to make tomorrow better.

Dedicated QA teams can become your motivation and driver for delivering a product others look at with awe.