While some businesses believe testing can be left under the purview of the software developers, this is a mistake. QA testers bring unique expertise to their projects. Just as developers have their own skills and talents, so do testers. Plus, they can evaluate products from a more objective perspective — after all, they didn’t create them. Whether you outsource QA testing or hire in-house experts, here are six reasons why testers are vital to your product’s development.
Why You Need QA Testers in Your Team
1. They ensure that the requirements are met
Even before development begins, you should establish your requirements for the product, such as what it needs to do, its various features, the desired performance, what you want the user to get from it, and more. Software QA services will run a series of tests to determine whether the product meets the specifications you laid out. They should be the ones to finally greenlight it in the end, letting you know when it’s ready to be released.
2. They give your business a good name
If you release a defective product, your brand will suffer damage to its reputation. Many consumers may turn to their competitors as a result. QA companies repeatedly test products for bugs and defects before you launch them. While they can’t guarantee the absence of bugs, they will catch as many as possible, giving you the confidence you need to release your product.
3. They evaluate the user experience
Software QA outsourcing companies don’t just look for bugs — they analyze the entire user experience. For example, they assess the look, feel, and functionality of your product, putting themselves in the shoes of the consumer and anticipate how they will interact with it. This is one reason why automation can’t replace testers: it can’t understand and evaluate the human experience.
4. They save you money in the long run
If you release a defective product, you’ll lose money trying to fix it — not to mention the customers you’ll alienate. Software QA services will catch bugs early in the development cycle, preventing them from escalating. This is much more cost-effective — the earlier you catch these defects, the less expensive they are to fix.
5. They ensure your product’s security
With data breaches, hackings, and other cybercrimes becoming more and more ubiquitous (see the stats here), every company must ensure that the digital products they release are secure. Consumers are entrusting you with their personal information, after all. Let’s say, for example; you’re releasing a banking app. If a cybercriminal is able to steal your data because of a vulnerability in your product and system, they will have access to social security numbers and other private data. QA testers will assess your product for potential vulnerabilities before you release it, reducing the likelihood of this occurring.
6. They help you release quality products
Ultimately, a QA tester’s main responsibility is right in the name: assuring quality. When you outsource quality assurance, you’re making sure your product not only meets but exceeds industry standards. Testers must have a unique skill set, including an eye for detail, critical thinking, and problem-solving, not to mention technical skills such as being able to script and run tests. This skill set enables them to evaluate your product thoroughly, guaranteeing that you’re releasing a quality product into the market. We’ve discussed how testers can’t say with certainty that your product is bug-free. However, they can minimize defects and risks. They can also ensure that your requirements and consumer needs and demands are being satisfied. At the end of the day, the QA process not only reduces the potential of errors but also ensures your product has value — that your ideas are being executed properly and you’re releasing the product you envisioned.
