Introducing QA Processes
to Customize Mobile Apps
in Aviation

The Challenge 

Scalefocus had to customize and maintain the client’s react native mobile and web apps as each one of their multiple subcontractors needed a different version aligned with their unique operational needs. However, the client had no established concept of QE whatsoever, so our team had to build that role from scratch in sync with the business needs and clients capabilities, create a QA strategy, strictly define processes, and launch state-of-the-art automated testing.

Sophisticated testing practices were especially crucial for the client’s backend application that enables back-office users to manage all flight-related data generated by the pilots or ground crew and sent via mobile apps. Aircraft checks are executed before, during, and after flight, and data is synchronized prior to and post landing, so app performance of immense speed and precision was a must. Needless to say, Scalefocus’ experts were expected to demonstrate deep domain expertise and proficiency in aviation-specific language.

The Solution

Scalefocus defined and introduced the QA role, including the QA in the analysis phase, communication with the developers, and testing the current stories. Our team also created a template for writing bugs, documenting bug priorities, signing off bugs and stories, test plans, and test cases, cherrypicked what technology to be utilized, and assessed the risks.

In the automation testing phase, Scalefocus’ engineers determined whether to test UI, API or both, what tools were necessary, whether non-functional testing was essential, and defined a proof of concept. The team also prioritized scenarios to start automated testing with the most common and critical ones. Finally, we maintained and regularly updated test documentation, test cases, and automation tests to be able to customize and upgrade the flight-critical apps’ new versions.

The Results 

Our team established continuous testing practices and ran automated tests throughout the development lifecycle to obtain immediate feedback on business risks such as delivery delays and defect leakages. The newly launched QA service minimized bugs to enhance the app quality and stability so it could be utilized by its multiple users with their customizations.

In the domain of Aerospace and Defense, where there is no margin of error, accuracy and risk mitigation are beyond critical. The streamlined processes vastly increased the customer’s operational efficiency and enhanced precision and security. The newly established and clearly defined QA process also accelerated time-to-market to allow quicker testing, customization, and trouble-free launch of the mobile apps’ new versions.