Case Study
How a leading telecom service provider boosted its testing efficiency with automation and optimization, reducing its defect leakage to just 1.5%
OUR CLIENT
As one of the world’s largest telecommunications providers, with a strong presence in Europe, Africa and parts of Asia, this company offers mobile, broadband, and digital services. It is a leader in 5G deployment, enabling faster connectivity and innovative solutions across industries. The company serves millions of customers globally, providing both consumer and enterprise services, including IoT and cloud-based offerings.
THE CHALLENGE
Software development challenges including high defects, manual testing, and ineffective tracking
Due in part to fast-paced releases to production with limited time and resources, our client encountered significant issues with its product management function, including software development and testing processes. The company struggled with high numbers of production defects and ineffective feedback loops, which prevented testing from being integrated into the development cycle. This led to poor test coverage, particularly in user acceptance testing, resulting in defects being detected late in the process.
A large number of coding defects surfaced during the quality assurance stage. The lack of automated test cases meant that the client relied heavily on manual testing, increasing regression test costs, and leading to prolonged test cycles. Compounding these issues, the company had no key performance indicators (KPIs) in place, making it difficult to track progress and ensure that service level agreements were met. Furthermore, the need to support hybrid application testing across multiple environments and devices placed additional strain on the client’s limited time and resources.
THE TRANSFORMATION
Implemented a comprehensive test automation strategy and established a global test center
UST stepped-in to overhaul the client’s product testing processes by providing a comprehensive test automation strategy and roadmap. The solution included designing and deploying a global test center inclusive of both functional and non-functional testing strategies. UST optimized the client’s regression test suite, automating it using a utility-based framework, which included mobile automation using the Perfecto enterprise test automation platform. This allowed the client to conduct cross-device testing in parallel, reducing the time spent on manual processes.
To further streamline the process, test metrics and KPIs were introduced, enabling better tracking and reporting on product quality and project progress. A test automation framework provided by UST improved the client’s test coverage and reduced the number of production defects. By incorporating AppDynamics for performance testing and seamlessly integrating it with the client’s existing continuous integration and delivery (CI/CD) processes, the solution facilitated faster and more reliable software releases.
THE IMPACT
Automated software testing reduced production defects, increased productivity, and accelerated delivery timeframes
The solution provided by UST helped the client achieve software quality improvement, significantly enhancing both its operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. With the introduction of an automated testing strategy and the optimization of regression testing, the client can now deliver higher-quality software faster and with fewer defects, ensuring they remain competitive in the fast-paced telecom market.
The transformation provided by UST had a profound impact on the client’s software development and testing operations.
- Schedule adherence rose to 97%, improving project delivery times.
- Defect leakage was reduced to 1.5%, significantly enhancing quality of software deliverables and minimizing post-release issues.
- Regression cycle time was cut by 60%, resulting in increased productivity and more efficient testing.
- The client also benefitted from a substantial testing effort reduction, saving 8,592 hours annually, while reducing testing costs by $125,000.
RESOURCES
Transforming testing operations for Indonesia’s largest financial institution