How icaria TDM’s Data Finder Solves Manual Test Data Retrieval Challenges

Imagine a legal battle where one side attempts to drown the other in an endless sea of paperwork — documents piled so high that finding anything useful becomes nearly impossible. This is what many QA teams experience when they face the task of finding the right test data during an environment refresh. They are surrounded by data, but locating the specific piece they need is a daunting challenge, highlighting the need for an efficient data finder to streamline the process and avoid delays.

The Challenge of a Query-Based Data Search Process

During the initial phase of an environment refresh, testing environments are typically populated by copying the full production database. In this setup, testers often face challenges in locating the right data for specific test scenarios (e.g., a customer with a particular service). They may need to write, test, maintain, and run complex queries, which can sometimes yield incorrect results. However, due to time constraints, testers might proceed with the data as-is.

By doing so, QA teams lack a shared understanding of data profiles. When testers rely on a query-based data search process, each tester forms their own view of what the data should look like. This results in a fragmented, inconsistent understanding across the team, leading to inefficiencies and errors. Without a standardized approach, testers may inadvertently use different data profiles for the same test scenario, making it difficult to ensure consistent testing results.

Scarcity of Test Data and Inefficiencies

Additionally, the difficulty of finding suitable data means that test data often becomes a scarce resource. Testers put significant effort into managing this scarcity: sharing data, fixing issues with used data, sequencing test cases to ensure data availability, and developing protocols for data reservation. These efforts not only consume valuable time but also add complexity, leading to potential inconsistencies and bottlenecks in the testing process.

Does This Sound Familiar?

In cases where selection criteria span multiple databases, manual efforts increase. As data search processes grow more complicated, testers may repeatedly use the same data, manually retrieving previously used data. This can lead to inconsistencies, impact subsequent tests, and often necessitates sequencing tests in a specific order. Additionally, complex procedures for reserving and allocating test data may not always be adhered to, resulting in potential test failures when data is unintentionally "burned" by earlier test cases.

icaria TDM's Data Archetypes and Data Finder

icaria TDM’s Data Archetypes solve this problem by providing a centralized definition of data profiles. Data Archetypes are defined by data architects and serve as a common reference point that all testers use. This ensures that everyone is on the same page, using consistent data definitions for each test case. By establishing these Archetypes, icaria TDM enables testers to consistently use the right data for their needs, improving accuracy and reducing the time spent on data preparation.

Once the Data Archetypes have been successfully defined and published, icaria TDM scans application databases to identify data instances that meet the Archetype criteria—regardless of the database technology. Testers no longer need to develop, test, maintain, and execute complex queries, eliminating the risks and costs associated with incorrect query results or data scarcity.

When new data profiles are required for upcoming test cases, or when there are updates to existing profiles, data architects can create or adjust the Data Archetypes. This ensures that everyone benefits from updated definitions and uses accurate data for test execution.

Improved QA Team On-boarding Process

Moreover, as new QA team members come on board, they can easily tap into icaria TDM's Data Archetypes and Data Search features. This eliminates the need for detailed knowledge of application data models, query syntax, or data recovery processes. The result is a smoother, more efficient onboarding process, with testers immediately equipped to find the exact data required for their test cases.

icaria TDM takes the Test Data Management methodology to a new level by offering automation, minimizing risks, and improving software quality. It is a comprehensive and adaptable tool that perfectly aligns with the demands of today's technological world.

Want to learn more about Icaria TDM’s Data Finder? Talk to our team.