Test Plan Modules in HP ALM

Introduction

The test plan module in HP ALM provides a structured approach to test planning and management. It helps users to define the testing requirements, organize test cases, allocate resources, and monitor the progress of test execution.

The module enables users to generate comprehensive reports on testing activities, allowing them to analyze test results and identify areas for improvement. In this module, users can define the scope of testing, create test cases, assign them to testers, and track their progress.

Overall, the test plan module in HP ALM is a critical component of software testing activities. It helps users to manage the testing process efficiently and effectively, enabling them to deliver high-quality software that meets the needs of their customers.

How to Plan Tests in ALM

Here are the steps to be followed so that we can effectively plan and execute tests using ALM.

1. Define the testing scope:
   Identify the specific features, functionalities, and components that need to be tested.
2. Determine the testing objectives:
   Establish what the testing aims to achieve, such as validating system requirements, ensuring system performance, and detecting defects.
3. Create a test plan:
   Develop a detailed document that outlines the testing strategy, approach, and methodologies to be used.
4. Identify the test cases:
   Identify the individual test cases that will be executed during testing. These test cases should align with the testing objectives and scope.
5. Define the testing environment:
   Define the hardware, software, and network configurations required to execute the tests.
6. Establish testing resources:
   Identify the people, tools, and equipment needed to conduct testing.
7. Assign roles and responsibilities:
   Assign specific roles and responsibilities to team members for executing the tests, recording results, and reporting defects.
8. Set testing timelines:
   Establish the testing schedule and milestones, including the start and end dates, testing phases, and deliverables.
9. Execute tests:
   Perform the identified test cases according to the test plan and record the results.
10. Report and manage defects:
    Log any defects discovered during testing and manage the resolution process.
11. Analyze testing results:
    Analyze the testing results to identify trends, patterns, and areas for improvement.
12. Update the test plan:
    Update the test plan based on the testing results, feedback, and lessons learned.

Setup Test Plan in ALM

To set up a comprehensive test plan in HP ALM, we need to consider some points to ensure complete test coverage and effective testing.

1. Start by creating a new test plan in the Test Plan module of ALM.
2. Define the scope of the testing by identifying the specific features, functionalities, and components that need to be tested.
3. Set the testing objectives and create individual test cases within the test plan module.
4. Defining and organizing the test cases based on the testing objectives and functionalities.
5. Assign roles and responsibilities to team members for executing the tests, recording results, and reporting defects.
6. Setting the test timelines and ensuring complete test coverage.
7. Log any defects discovered during testing and manage the resolution process.
8. Update the test plan based on the testing results and feedback.

Upload Test Plan from Excel

Let's follow these steps to upload the test plan to ALM from Excel:

1. Open the Excel file that contains the data.
2. Organize the test plan data in the following columns:
   • Test Plan ID
   • Test Plan Name
   • Description
   • Start Date
   • End Date
   • Test Type
   • Test Folder Path
   • Test Status
   • Test Priority
   • Test Owner
   • Comments
3. Save the Excel file in CSV format.
4. Open ALM and go to the Test Plan module and click on the "Import Test Plan" button.
5. In the "Import Test Plan" dialog box, select "CSV" as the file type and browse to the location where you saved the CSV file.
6. Map the fields from the Excel file to the corresponding fields in ALM.
7. Click on the "Import" button to upload the test plan data into ALM.
8. After the import is complete, review the test plan in ALM to ensure that all the data has been imported correctly.
9. Now execute the test plan in ALM and record the test results.

How to Create Test Resources

To create test resources in HP ALM, perform these steps:

1. Open HP ALM and go to the "Test Plan" module and click on the "Resources" tab.
2. Click on the "New Test Resource" button.
3. In the "New Test Resource" dialog box, select the type of resource you want to create, such as "Test Script" or "Test Set."
4. Enter the required information for the resource, such as a name and description.
5. Define the properties and fields of the resource based on your testing requirements.
6. Click on the "Save" button to create the resource.
7. After the resource is created, you can modify its properties and fields by selecting it in the "Test Plan" module and clicking on the "Properties" tab.
8. You can also associate the resource with other ALM entities, such as test cases or requirements, to track their usage.