Software development is a complex and dynamic process that involves various activities, such as planning, designing, coding, testing, and deploying. 

To ensure that the software meets the customers' and stakeholders' requirements and expectations, a systematic and consistent approach to quality assurance is essential. This is where a software quality assurance plan (SQAP) comes in handy.

A software quality assurance plan (SQAP) is a document that describes the methods, procedures, standards, and tools that will be used to monitor and control the quality of the software throughout the development lifecycle. It defines the roles and responsibilities of the quality assurance team, the scope and objectives of the quality assurance activities, the quality metrics and criteria, and the quality assurance deliverables and reports.

A software quality assurance plan (SQAP) is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It should be customized to match the requirements and attributes of the software project, considering factors like size, complexity, domain, methodology, and technology. However, some common elements and steps can be followed to create a compelling and comprehensive software quality assurance plan (SQAP). 

In this blog, we will discuss these elements and steps in detail.

Elements of a Software Quality Assurance Plan (SQAP)

A software quality assurance plan (SQAP) typically consists of the following sections:

Introduction

This section provides an overview of the software project, the purpose and scope of the software quality assurance plan (SQAP), the references to the relevant standards and documents, and the definitions and acronyms used in the project.

Quality Assurance Organization

This section describes the organizational structure and roles of the quality assurance team, the authority and responsibility of each quality assurance member, and the communication and coordination mechanisms among the quality assurance team and other stakeholders.

Quality Assurance Activities

This section describes the quality assurance activities performed throughout the software development lifecycle, such as quality planning, quality control, quality assurance, and quality improvement. 

It also specifies the frequency, timing, and methods of these activities and the expected outcomes and deliverables.

Quality Assurance Standards

This section lists the quality standards and guidelines that will be followed and enforced by the quality assurance team, such as the coding, documentation, testing, and review standards. 

It also explains how compliance with these standards will be verified and measured.

Quality Assurance Tools and Techniques

This section identifies the tools and techniques that the quality assurance team will use to support the quality assurance activities, such as software configuration management tools, defect tracking tools, testing tools, and quality measurement tools. 

It also describes how these tools and techniques will be selected, acquired, installed, and maintained.

Quality Assurance Metrics and Criteria

This section defines the quality metrics and criteria that will be used to evaluate and report the quality of the software, such as defect density, test coverage, customer satisfaction, and reliability. 

It also establishes the quality goals and thresholds for each metric and criterion and the actions that will be taken if the goals are unmet or the thresholds are exceeded.

Quality Assurance Reports and Records

This section specifies the quality assurance reports and records that will be produced and maintained by the quality assurance team, such as the quality plan, quality audit report, quality test report, and quality improvement report. 

It also defines the format, content, frequency, and distribution of these reports and records and the retention and disposal policies.

Steps to Create a Software Quality Assurance Plan (SQAP)

The following are the general steps to create a software quality assurance plan (SQAP):

1. Define the quality goals and objectives: 

The first step is to define the quality goals and objectives of the software project based on the requirements and expectations of the customers and stakeholders. 

These goals and objectives should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).

2. Identify the quality standards and guidelines: 

The next step is to identify the quality standards and guidelines applicable to the software project, such as the industry standards, regulatory standards, organizational standards, and best practices. 

These standards and guidelines should be aligned with the quality goals and objectives and provide a clear and consistent framework for quality assurance.

3. Select the quality assurance tools and techniques: 

The third step is to select the quality assurance tools and techniques that are suitable and effective for the software project, such as the software configuration management tools, defect tracking tools, testing tools, and quality measurement tools. 

These tools and techniques should support the quality assurance activities and standards and facilitate the quality assurance process.

4. Define the quality assurance activities and deliverables: 

The fourth step is to define the quality assurance activities and deliverables that will be performed and produced throughout the software development lifecycle, such as quality planning, quality control, quality assurance, and quality improvement. 

These activities and deliverables should cover all the aspects and phases of the software project and ensure that the quality standards and guidelines are followed and enforced.

5. Define the quality assurance metrics and criteria: 

The fifth step is to define the quality assurance metrics and standards that will be used to evaluate and report the quality of the software, such as defect density, test coverage, customer satisfaction, and reliability. 

These metrics and criteria should reflect the quality goals and objectives and provide a quantitative and qualitative measure of the software quality.

6. Define the quality assurance reports and records: 

The final step is to define the quality assurance reports and records that will be produced and maintained by the quality assurance team, such as the quality plan, quality audit report, quality test report, and quality improvement report. 

These reports and records should document and communicate the quality assurance process and results, and provide evidence and feedback for quality assurance.

How MSH Can Help You with Software Quality Assurance

If you are looking for reliable and professional software quality assurance solutions,  look no further than MSH. 

Learn more about our QA process here or schedule a call for a technology consultation. We would love to hear from you and discuss how we can help you with your software quality assurance needs.