Within the fast-paced field of IT consulting, time, cost, and quality are continuously in conflict. One important learning from my experience as a quality analyst working with several clients is that quality assurance (QA) shouldn’t be an afterthought; it should be ingrained all through the development process. This leads me to a very important point: one way to revolutionise your projects is depending on Developers as Quality Engineers rather than on committed testers.
This method is about developing a more integrated approach to quality, not reducing the value of Testers. Many conventional systems view QA as a separate department, closely reviewing the work after the fact. Alternatively, when Developers adopt a quality-driven attitude as part of their daily operations, it results in a more coherent, simplified process that advantages clients as well as teams.
The Interplay between Business and Technology
I consider QA an essential link between the technical team and corporate requirements. Just as important as making sure the technical solutions we provide truly satisfy our customers, is knowing what they desire. Early inclusion of Developers into the quality process helps to create shared accountability for making sure the final product is both functional and in line with corporate objectives.
This change of viewpoint helps spot possible problems far earlier in the development process, therefore reducing expensive last-minute repairs. Acting as Quality Engineers helps Developers better understand the effect their code will have on the general level of product quality. It also encourages a culture of responsibility whereby everyone owns the success of the project and is more invested in it.
Shift Left for Accelerated Results
Having Developers engaged in quality engineering also has the added benefit that feedback loops are shorter, and therefore faster. Developers checking their own work and spotting any problems as they code, rather than waiting for testers to provide faults at the conclusion of a sprint leads to cleaner code, fewer defects in the finished product, and a more effective development cycle.
Furthermore, Developers are more suited to find the underlying causes of problems than a QA, as they already possess the technical knowledge. This means that they can fix surface-level problems immediately. This not only raises the calibre of products but also helps to save time spent later addressing problems.
Providing Excellence at Velocity
In the realm of consultants, speed is vital. Customers desire practical solutions delivered on time, not to wait months on end to see results. Using Developers as Quality Engineers helps to produce excellent products faster without sacrificing functionality. The cooperative method ensures that testing and development are a seamless component of the same process, rather than separate events operating in silos.
The function of the Quality Analyst becomes even more crucial as companies require more agile and more effective answers. We ensure that quality is never compromised for speed, since we serve as the link between the technical execution and the corporate objectives.
Whether you are a client or a member of the project team, at the end of the day the objective is still to provide a product that performs, satisfies business goals, and is completed on schedule. Adopting a developer-driven attitude to quality engineering enables not only feasibility but also sustainability.
Matching Quality to Business Strategy
At Lean Tree, we take Quality Assurance seriously. We understand that the success of a digital transformation depends on having the correct approach to quality that suits your business strategy. There is no one model that fits all, clear communication, and a structured approach are the foundations but not the entire answer.
If you’re looking to refocus your quality or looking at a new approach for your upcoming program of change. Reach out and let’s talk about how we can help.
