Discussion Summary: QA Lead (Neha) November 2024 - sanjaygupta-professional/test2 GitHub Wiki

Key Insights

Team Structure & Evolution

1. Current Organization

   • 12-13 QA team members across multiple locations
   • Primarily India-based (Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, Chennai)
   • Operating as separate QA team, not integrated into pods
   • Team growth from 3 to 13 members over past year

2. Team Transition

   • Initially focused on backend/API testing
   • Recently expanded scope to include frontend testing
   • Team members being cross-trained across areas
   • No dedicated QA resources in Philippines

Current Working Model

1. Daily Operations

   • Team joins 9:30 AM daily standup
   • 10:00 AM QA team sync
   • 11:00 AM functional clarification call
   • Multiple test execution windows
   • Late evening coordination for US teams

2. Process Flow

   • Stage environment testing
   • UAT environment validation
   • Production readiness testing
   • Release sign-off process
   • Recent addition of PM UAT process

Key Challenges

1. Sprint Execution

   • Late delivery of stories for testing
   • Compressed testing windows
   • Bulk of testing in last few days
   • Limited time for regression
   • Multiple parallel activities

2. Release Management

   • Overlapping release testing (1.3.2 UAT with 1.4 Sprint)
   • Resource allocation challenges
   • Environment stability issues
   • Complex release sign-off process

3. Process Issues

   • Multiple sign-offs required
   • Duplicate validation efforts
   • Limited automation coverage
   • Tool transition challenges (Cypress to Selenium/Katalon)

Quality Practices

1. Testing Approach

   • Manual testing primary mode
   • API testing via Postman collections
   • Limited automation framework
   • Environment-specific testing
   • Regression suite maintenance

2. Documentation

   • Test cases in Azure DevOps
   • Evidence capture process
   • Defect tracking system
   • Release sign-off documentation

Improvement Opportunities

1. Process Optimization

   • Earlier testing involvement
   • Better sprint distribution
   • Reduced duplication
   • Streamlined sign-offs

2. Team Structure

   • Potential pod integration
   • Cross-functional teams
   • Better resource allocation
   • Skill development

3. Automation

   • Framework selection
   • Coverage increase
   • Tool standardization
   • CI/CD integration

Pain Points

1. Resource Management

   • Multiple parallel activities
   • Late sprint compression
   • Release overlap
   • Limited bandwidth

2. Process Inefficiencies

   • Multiple review layers
   • Duplicate testing
   • Complex sign-off
   • Limited advance planning

3. Technical Challenges

   • Tool transition
   • Limited automation
   • Environment issues
   • Integration complexity

Recommendations

Immediate Actions

1. Process Improvements

   • Optimize sprint testing flow
   • Streamline sign-off process
   • Better planning integration
   • Earlier involvement

2. Team Structure

   • Evaluate pod integration
   • Define clear roles
   • Optimize resource allocation
   • Build cross-functional capabilities

3. Technical Enhancement

   • Finalize automation approach
   • Increase test coverage
   • Improve tool usage
   • Enhance documentation

Short Term Goals

1. Quality Framework

   • Define quality metrics
   • Establish dashboards
   • Implement tracking
   • Regular reporting

2. Team Capability

   • Cross-training
   • Tool expertise
   • Domain knowledge
   • Process understanding

3. Process Maturity

   • Standard practices
   • Clear guidelines
   • Efficient workflows
   • Better coordination

Support Needs

1. Process Definition

   • Clear guidelines
   • Templates
   • Best practices
   • Standard procedures

2. Tool Support

   • Automation framework
   • Tool configuration
   • Integration support
   • Training needs

3. Team Development

   • Skill enhancement
   • Role clarity
   • Collaboration practices
   • Knowledge sharing

Next Steps

Immediate (0-30 days)

1. Document current processes
2. Identify quick wins
3. Plan automation approach
4. Define quality metrics

Short Term (30-90 days)

1. Implement new processes
2. Start automation
3. Enhance reporting
4. Build capabilities

Follow-up Actions

1. Share process documentation
2. Plan team organization
3. Define metrics framework
4. Schedule regular reviews
5. Track improvement progress

Success Factors

1. Clear Process

   • Standard guidelines
   • Efficient workflows
   • Regular reviews
   • Measurable outcomes

2. Team Enablement

   • Right skills
   • Clear roles
   • Proper tools
   • Adequate support

3. Stakeholder Support

   • Leadership buy-in
   • Resource allocation
   • Tool investment
   • Process adherence