Test data management is basically the generation of non-production test data sets that accurately mirror an actual company s real data set so that software and systems programmers can perform accurate and robust systems testing. This is usually carried out by system testers as well as system managers in a cross-functional team. It is also referred to as “black box” testing because the tester relies on the test data to generate a report. In addition, this testing is usually done on isolated sections of the system or software application without affecting the other components of the system.
Test data management tools include both software and operating systems which provide for the control of the test environments. Usually, these software are based on the principle of automated tests while the OS is primarily concerned with the photons (the software being the container). The two together form an automated test platform or a tool which enables the control and management of the test data management process. Both of them are very useful in software system audits and maintenance.
Most system test suites these days contain two major elements. First, there are the test data sets themselves. These test data sets are produced by the automated test tools while the system is under development; however they do not have to be in production at the time of testing. Second, there is an application server or a service that maintains and back ups the test data sets. Both of them together form an effective test data management tool which enables continuous monitoring of the production environment.
There are a number of benefits of using test data management tools. The first benefit is easier implementation. Since the test data sets are stored in one place, software developers can easily track their progress and issues which might need further attention and involvement of the team members. With the application server, users get better control over the test data sets which might be required for solving business scenarios.
In addition to this, test data management tools also help in reducing the potential risks that are involved in the process of developing the test cases. For example, if one inputs a wrong parameter, the whole test fails. However, this can be avoided by using a test data management tool which will generate the right and correct parameter values. This way the developers are saved from incurring the cost involved in rectifying the situation. In most of the cases, the test automation tool will take care of most of the manual tasks involved in the entire test case process thus reducing the overall costs.
It also helps in ensuring better functionalities in the operational processes. The test data management tool ensures faster functionalities in the test cases by automating the processes involved. Also, in functional testing, a test plan can be developed on which test cases can be coded. This will reduce the overall costs involved in functional testing and hence, will be more efficient and productive.
Test automation tools include both the manual and automated tests. A test data management system requires developers to code the test cases manually. However, the process of automated testing can reduce the time required to test a particular piece of software and hence, will be more productive. This will help in increasing the number of units tests which are successfully executed in the production environments.
A test data management system automates both the manual and automated data provisioning and creation. This is done in a systematic way in order to provide maximum value for the company. This is done by developers who have knowledge about the test automation technologies available in the market. Most of the companies prefer to use test data management systems because of the following advantages. These are data creation, data protection, reduced cost of test execution and higher productivity of the developers.
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