The benefits of a new testing operating model can be immense. Especially for businesses where risk is involved, it’s essential to plan ahead and know exactly which software will deliver the best outcomes for you.
That said, there are also risks and considerations that you should be aware of when implementing a new testing operating model. Aside from choosing the completely wrong model from the beginning, several other factors can impact the success of your new testing strategy.
To help, we’ve selected 6 key risks to consider when delivering a new testing operating model.
1. Lack of support from top level
One of the biggest challenges companies face when attempting to deliver a new testing operating model is a lack of support from senior leadership.
This is because the value of IT testing is often not as prioritised as it should be in business strategy. This typically comes down to senior leadership considering new operating model risks as ‘something that can be worked out later’.
Some executives will entertain the idea of quality assurance and designing a software testing model to suit your company’s structure. However, this can be where it ends.
Most high-level executives will agree that testing operating models is a logical step to take before implementing change across an organisation, but when it comes to allocating resources — risk can seem like a more convenient option at the time.
2. Culture adoption
Any kind of change within a working environment can completely alter the dynamics of it’s culture.
Especially where valued employees are concerned, taking the wrong approach to introducing new operating models can damage trust. It can even impact employee commitment to your organisation if you don’t manage it correctly.
Additionally, companies often dismiss the benefits of testing models in helping manage organisational change. This is usually a result of executives overestimating the adaptability of their current structures.
3. Traction in the business
It can be difficult to keep your business operations running smoothly during a changeover period.
Even though new operating models generally serve to improve efficiency, it can take time for staff to adjust to new routines. This is why it’s common for team members to revert back to familiar ways of working to get the results they need more quickly.
Because of this, adopting new operating models can be a much slower process than they need to be, and performance results won’t be entirely accurate.
4. Technology vs expectations
Technology can be a divisive subject across companies. For every process that it elevates, it can also present challenges. These challenges can include:
- Installation issues
- Regulatory compliance
- Defects or bugs
- Security issues
- Issues with user-friendliness
If technology doesn’t immediately align with your company’s desired way of working, it can often get pushed aside in favour of old methods. This is why even the most basic ‘kink’ in a testing operating model can pose risks to delivery.
5. Capability, cost, and value
While testing operating models that take a ‘complete’ approach to your company’s structure (including advisory services) will significantly help to reduce risks, they’ll only be able to reach their full potential with the right functions in place to support them.
To achieve high-level results, the capabilities of a testing strategy might be limited by in-house resources. However, a use of external partners is not always something that companies are willing to invest in.
6. Integration with complimentary processes
Introducing new ways of working requires extensive amounts of planning. Even with thorough planning in place, there can still be roadblocks when you introduce new processes.
For example, one of the biggest issues when testing new operating models is discovering just how out-of-sync or “behind” essential tools such as IT systems are.
This realisation can be a deterrent for companies who view central change as the problem, rather than seeing outdated systems as the root of the issue.
How can companies overcome these risks when it comes to delivering a new testing operating model?
If you want better control over your outcomes, the right testing operating model can deliver a sense of certainty that not only minimises risk, but also maximises opportunity.
Even though not all companies will see the value in testing operating models, those with experience of them can attest to how beneficial they are.
Especially if your company appears to be leaning towards a ‘something that can be worked out later’ approach, education about testing operating models is crucial.
Particularly in the financial sector and other fast-paced industries where calculated risks are everything, uncovering issues with a new operating model when it’s already been implemented can be detrimental to your company’s success.
If your company is struggling to get to grips with any of the risks outlined above, overcoming them is highly achievable with the right approach.
Highlight the benefits of testing operating models at all levels
For both top-level employees and teams who’ll be directly affected by change, you need to clearly outline the benefits of testing. Likewise, it’s critical that you highlight the consequences of not testing new processes.
Decision-making within larger companies is often connected to strategic objectives. So showcasing how testing systems align with these objectives can help you bring clarity to the conversation.
When carried out correctly, the value of testing operating models lies in knowing what’s ahead and measuring the success and quality of your future operations. For strategic planning, this is invaluable.
Communication is key
When it comes to encouraging teams to be more open to change, it’s also important to establish a culture of trust and respect. Generally, you can achieve this by letting teams know that testing operating systems is a form of quality assurance that serves to support them, not challenge them.
For growth to be embraced company-wide, it’s crucial that you have open and clear communication channels in place. Instead of teams changing tact and reverting to old working methods, they should know where to find the information they require to complete their tasks efficiently.
IT strategies should be adaptive
Technology isn’t always predictable, and that’s why it’s vital that IT services can keep up with the challenges of change. IT services across all companies should aim to support the evolving nature of business and be able to adapt as needed.
Make use of strategic partners
High performance is essential for companies in fast-paced industries. However, even for larger companies, it’s still easy to become overwhelmed by operational change.
This is where strategic partners come in. If the outcome of your testing model isn’t meeting expectations, is there a way to elevate it through third-party services?
Assess your current systems before making changes
Development is all about improving how things are done, not making them worse. This is why QA and test strategy calls are so important.
A full evaluation of how new operating models will work for your business in practice is essential to knowing where additional support might be beneficial.
How Assured Thought can help:
At Assured Thought, we provide premium testing and quality assurance to companies who want to manage risks associated with new software and ways of working. We help you ensure that everyone is on board with change through efficient and risk-free testing.
Not only is our 5-step model efficient, it’s tailored to your exact business — helping identify risks and maximise opportunities. After a free consultation, you’ll understand exactly why our QA testing operating model is the only logical first step towards change within your organisation.
Our process takes your organisational structure into account, as well as the infrastructure your business is built upon. Wherever there’s weaknesses to be found, we’ll find them, and wherever there’s opportunities — we’ll optimise them. Stay competitive, risk-free.
