Wanzl - Referenz

The core challenge for our Wanzl partners at the start of the project was the lack of a holistic software testing process and dedicated software testers. Some components were only fully integrated and tested in the field. The project was implemented in silos and was highly dependent on external development. There was no centralized source of information for all QA topics.

Systematic test case recording and the handling of bugs found in defect management were also lacking. QA maturity varied greatly from team to team.

How the project process was build?

Definition of goals and requirements in the kick-off workshop
Identification of the relevant project participants
Formulation of hypotheses as a framework for further QA analysis
Catalog of questions and interviews with all QA participants (recording of all test activities and potential development areas)
Review of existing processes and QA maturity assessment
Development of individual measures

Once the analysis phase was complete, the Appmatics Consulting team presented the results and the specific areas for action. This included the definition of the QA vision and strategy, as well as the concrete next steps.

The QA strategy is based on three pillars.

1) Establishment of a dedicated QA team:

Firstly, a dedicated QA task force was set up. This necessary adjustment ensures clear responsibilities for QA during the entire software release process.

The newly formed QA team takes on central tasks such as the application of test techniques and the proper documentation of test activities. The strategy also provides for support from all project participants throughout the entire development process. The QA team is crucial for the realisation of the first proof of concepts and is involved in the implementation of further development projects.

In the long term, Wanzl saves costs by introducing its own QA team. The team also takes the pressure off the developers and ensures that Wanzl's high quality standards also apply to the interaction between hardware and software.

2) Introduction of standardized QA documentation:

The second measure was the introduction of standardized QA documentation. A standardized template within a Confluence Space is being continuously expanded for this purpose. The next steps will be the implementation of XRAY in all teams and the linking of XRAY and Jira.

3) Definition of holistic test processes:

The next step is to define a holistic test process. Previously, there was no cross-departmental, standardized test process. Responsibilities were not clearly defined, test execution varied from team to team, and systematic integration and system tests were sometimes completely lacking.

Following a comprehensive analysis and the implementation of various measures by the Appmatics QA Consulting team, significant improvements were achieved in the QA and test processes at Wanzl.

A key factor was the introduction of a dedicated QA team. This team has specialised knowledge and skills and can thus ensure continuous quality assurance throughout the entire software release process. This also effectively relieves the development departments.

Thanks to the introduction of uniform QA documentation and a holistic test process, the structuring and standardisation of test activities have been greatly improved. Test execution is now more efficient, with greater traceability and consistency in the QA processes.

The integration of a test management tool has reduced manual effort and created a solid basis for the implementation and documentation of all test processes. This helps to increase efficiency and improve the quality of Wanzl's software products.

The implementation of the Proof of Concept (PoC) project confirms the effectiveness of the new QA strategies and enables potential problems to be identified and rectified at an early stage. PoC projects of this kind help to test and adapt the new processes and tools under real conditions.

The establishment of the defined measures and strategies has not only improved software quality, but has also strengthened the culture and awareness of QA within the company.

The transparent and measurable QA processes lead to time and cost savings, which is particularly evident in accelerated product releases and shorter product launch times.

The results of QA consulting lead to long-term improvements in development processes and are extended to other areas.

Wanzl is setting new standards: Innovative quality standards and QA strategies

About Wanzl GmbH & Co. KGaA

QA-Goals

Results

Challenge

Strategy and
QA vision

„Through transparent communication, clear QA processes, responsibilities and test automation, we deliver the best possible software quality.“

Strategy and
measures

Conclusion

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