Software Testing News Feb 2023
With March now moving right along, it is time for our regular news round-up. ‘Software Testing News Feb 2023’ starts with CIO Review’s recent article on how software testing benefits organisations. We then move on to the NHS and their efforts to use artificial intelligence (AI) software. Finally, and building upon that last story, we turn to the SD Times to hear how to build trust in AI for software testing.
Read our software testing news round-up from January 2023.
How Software Testing Can Help Organisations
CIO Review championed software testing in this recent article. Whilst not so ‘news worthy’, the piece acts as a timely reminder of just how useful testing can be. The author breaks it down into simple terms and then reveals what they consider to be the key reasons for doing it:
- To ensure the quality of a product, software or system
- Obtaining confirmation that the expected criteria is met
- Guaranteeing a bug-free product
Our regular readers will of course note that this is not exactly complex information to take in. Yet the amount of organisations who still fail to test is simply staggering. Do not be one of those – get in touch with us today and we’ll be delighted to help!
NHS Pilots AI Software To Cut Down Missed Appointments
The AI breaks down reasons for missed appointments using algorithms and anonymised data. It then uses factors such as the weather, traffic and jobs to ensure appointments are arranged for the most convenient times. The technology also offers intelligent back-up bookings so that “no clinical time is lost”.
Read more about how the NHS is currently piloting AI in the Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust. It is fantastic to see such a renowned organisation turning to technology to improve its efforts. It is even better to see that they are engaging in software testing, rather than trying to cut costs.
How Can You Build Trust In AI For Software Testing?
To follow in the footsteps of the NHS, you first need to be confident that AI will work in testing. At the start of Feb, SD Times ran this piece explaining the benefits of applying AI in software testing. The key takeaways are as follows:
- Key fears to overcome relate to job security and scepticism over AI’s ability to perform
- As AI has become more ‘mainstream’, testers are more aware of what it can do for them
- A combination of the human touch and AI will lead to improved software products
- When applying AI, you must be clear about what can and cannot be done using it
- Set very clear and realistic expectations
It is worth noting that the application of AI determines how useful it is. It is not a silver bullet and nor should it be seen as such. Software testers who understand this will be able to leverage the technology best to help in their overall efforts.
That is all for ‘Software Testing News Feb 2023’ – are you a ‘believer’ in software testing? If you are reading thus then we would certainly hope so. What do you think of the NHS’ efforts to embrace AI? Is it something you would be willing to do for your organisation?