Compromising on software testing is the last thing companies should do in a fluctuating market 

Pre-release software testing is a business-critical phase of software development. However, in a fluctuating market, we’ve seen a trend where some companies compromise on software testing, thereby taking a huge financial risk if the software doesn’t perform as expected.

Careless testing can be expensive

Pre-release testing aims to ensure that the software works and meets user needs and expectations. Thorough testing reduces the risk of negative user experience and enhances the product’s market success. Conversely, the consequences of sloppy testing multiply easily and impact the company’s finances quickly.

If the software doesn’t meet users’ expectations or function as desired, they quickly switch to a competing product, resulting in immediate revenue loss for the company. Regaining lost customers is hard, making it paramount that the initial user experience is successful. In this case, thorough testing becomes vital for the successful release.

Negative user experiences spread quickly among users. Therefore, if the software is flawed, a product’s reputation and the company’s brand image are at risk. Poor reviews affect not only current customers but also potential ones. Despite quick fixes, irreversible damage to the product or the entire company’s reputation may have occurred, making sales much more challenging.

If negative user experiences stem from serious software errors or deficiencies, they often lead to indirect costs, too. Handling increased customer feedback, recalls, or compensation claims significantly increases company expenses and adds an extra line to the budget. Therefore, compromises in testing can heavily affect the company’s finances through lost revenue and increased costs.

Integrated testing enables resource optimization

Pre-release testing helps control product development costs by saving time, money, and work hours. It’s always easier to fix bugs before the release. Comprehensive testing in the early stages of the project reduces the need for urgent and often costly fixes.

Integrating testing into the development cycle also optimizes and streamlines resource utilization. For example, using test automation as part of software development saves time and work hours compared to manual testing. If testing is done after or too close to the release, the opportunities for using test automation decrease.

Well-designed and implemented testing is also crucial to software quality assurance. When software is thoroughly tested before release, it reduces the number of errors and shortcomings. The product development team doesn’t have to spend extra time fixing them, and the saved money and work hours can be redirected elsewhere.

Security relies on thorough testing

An increasing amount of sensitive information, such as personal credentials, payment card details, and health data, is stored and transmitted electronically. This development exposes many software products to data breaches and misuse, making their protection vital for privacy and security.

Thorough testing is needed to ensure compliance with strict data security regulations and the timeliness of security measures. Neglecting pre-release testing exposes the company to various security breaches.

Security breaches can cause significant financial and reputational damage to a company. As a result, the company may lose its customers and, thus, its sales revenue, potentially face legal actions, and almost certainly stain its brand image to some extent. Thorough testing can significantly reduce these risks.

In summary, pre-release testing is crucial for a software product’s success. It ensures software quality, successful user experience, and security, laying the foundation for a sustainable and reliable product that meets user needs and expectations. Therefore, company decision-makers should think twice before cutting on testing, even in a fluctuating market. Or especially then.