SME’s who are developing custom software or apps have zero room and budget for second chances. For small and medium-sized businesses — especially in fast-moving sectors like retail, warehousing, Fin- and Healttech — the pressure is brutal to get it right on the first try. Budgets are tight, timelines are tighter, and a single glitch or bug can throw the whole MVP and software development project off the rails. 

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Think about it this way: As an SME with a limited budget and most probably limited technical expertise – QA of your software is your first line of defence. This article shows you how to get your army ready.

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What is QA?

Quality Assurance (QA) in software development refers to the first-line, systematic process of ensuring that the software product meets specified requirements and standards and it happens during the development process. It’s not fixing what is wrong, it is preventing anything from being wrong in the first place. It involves planning, designing, monitoring, and improving during the development processes to prevent defects and ensure quality later on. 

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Here’s Why it Matters

1. Ensuring Functionality and Reliability

For SMEs, the functionality and reliability of software applications are critical. A malfunctioning inventory management system or a glitchy warehouse tracking application can lead to operational disruptions, customer dissatisfaction, and financial losses. Imagine a bug in a Health- or Fintech app? Huge financial losses and a sharp jump in risk. QA testing prevents this. During the development process, technical experts ensure that every feature functions as intended, providing a seamless user experience.

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2. Cost Efficiency

Identifying and fixing defects during the development phase is significantly less expensive than post-deployment corrections. According to the IBM Systems Sciences Institute, the cost to fix a bug found during the design phase is approximately six times less than if found during implementation, and up to 100 times less than if found in maintenance. 

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3. Enhancing Security

In an era where data breaches and cyber threats are prevalent, ensuring the security of software applications is non-negotiable. In 2024 alone, the National Vulnerability Database recorded 40,003 Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs), marking a nearly 39% increase from 2023. QA testing includes security assessments to identify vulnerabilities, ensuring that sensitive business and customer data are protected against unauthorized access and breaches. 

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4. Improving User Satisfaction

A well-tested application offers a smooth and intuitive user experience, leading to higher user satisfaction and retention. Studies have shown that user satisfaction is closely linked to external quality attributes such as system reliability and usability. For SMEs, retaining customers is often more cost-effective than acquiring new ones. QA testing ensures that the software meets user expectations, fostering trust and loyalty. 

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5. Compliance and Future Cost

Many industries have regulatory standards that software applications must comply with. Not doing so creates future reliance and risk, and can have huge financial implications for your SME in the long run. QA testing during the software development process ensures that the software adheres to these standards, mitigating the risk of legal issues and penalties.

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Your QA Gameplan

Because each SME’s custom app or software is different and suited to their unique needs and the industry they serve, so will be their custom software development process. That does not mean your custom software development partner can or must skimp on the quality assurance. A trusted software development partner will follow clear guidelines, of which these are critical:

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1. Early Integration of QA Processes

Incorporating QA activities from the initial stages of the software development lifecycle ensures that quality is built into the product from the ground up. Trusted and proven, data-based software development methodologies will include this by default because it allows for early detection of defects and reduces the cost and time associated with fixing issues later in the development process

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2. Combining Manual and Automated Testing

While automated testing offers speed and efficiency, manual testing provides insights into the user experience and identifies issues that automated tests might miss. A comparative study indicates that automated testing is more efficient in terms of time and cost, whereas manual testing is more effective in terms of test coverage and defect detection. A balanced approach that leverages both methods ensures comprehensive test coverage and quality assurance. 

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3. Continuous Testing and Integration

Implementing continuous testing within the development pipeline ensures that code changes are automatically tested, facilitating early detection of defects and seamless integration. Continuous Integration (CI) practices have been shown to help projects release more often and reduce the likelihood and consequences of errors. 

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4. Clear Documentation and Communication

Maintaining detailed documentation of test cases, procedures, and results is essential for transparency and traceability. Effective communication among development, QA, and stakeholder teams ensures that everyone is aligned on quality objectives and expectations.

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QA Protects your Custom Software Investment.

SMEs may not have in-house expertise in QA methodologies, leading to inadequate testing practices. Add to that time-constraint and time-to-market and you have a ticking timebomb. You must release your custom software or app, but you can’t until it’s tested properly. 

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Partnering with experienced providers like You Source, who bring over a decade of experience and a portfolio of 500 global clients, can help SMEs implement effective QA processes. QA testing protects the investment in custom software and contributes to your SME’s sustained growth. See it as an insurance policy. If you are ready to safeguard your custom software’s functionality, security and reliability, click on the link to book a free consultation.

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