QA to QE Phase 2: Setting Up Capabilities for Quality Engineering

Following on from Phase 1, once the groundwork is in place, the next stage is to build the foundations fully, this comes from ensuring we have all the right tools in our tool box to make the transformation effective.

Transformation is never just a flip of a switch; it’s a journey. As we step into Phase 2 of the Quality Engineering Transformation Model, the focus shifts to evolving capabilities that will serve as the bedrock for long-term success. This phase is where vision starts turning into reality, and where teams begin to flex their Quality Engineering muscles.

Building a Collaborative Roadmap

Phase 2 requires a plan with purpose, a roadmap that reflects both ambition and practicality. Define clear milestones, such as automating foundational tests or integrating continuous testing into delivery pipelines. Metrics like defect prevention rates or improved cycle times will help measure progress. But a roadmap isn’t just a document; it’s a living guide shaped by collaboration. This may start by throwing everything you could possibly want to do, and then working with the teams to understand the art of the possible. The roadmap will not look the same for every company, some will prioritise things that others won’t. It all depends on your context and what success could look like. Make sure you look at the big picture, the quick wins are great but try and ensure they are leading you all in the right direction.

If the team are all aligned on the journey, it makes selling it to stakeholders easier as the passion will shine through and the value will be clearer to identify.

Amplifying Tooling and Technology

Evolving capabilities in this phase means equipping the team with the tools to not only keep up but lead the charge. It’s time to go beyond the basics, automation frameworks like Selenium, Playwright, Cypress and performance tools like JMeter and K6 are important, but don’t stop there. It’s about finding the right toolbox to cover all scenarios, but it is important to have a strategy about tooling, and not just picking the popular ones.

Think about the whole lifecycle and where you could introduce AI, could it help remove duplicate tests? Can it help defining SLAs with partners? Or even predictive analysis tools to identify risks before they arise. Remember this is about quality, not just about improving the testing.

Invest in streamlining collaboration tools like Jira, ensuring the team can share knowledge effortlessly. The aim is to amplify productivity without drowning the team in complexity.

Building the Right Team and Skills

Of course, tools alone don’t evolve capabilities, the right people do. Phase 2 is the perfect opportunity to assess the current team structure and identify any gaps in skills. Training initiatives should focus on areas such as coding, tooling mastery, and the principles of Quality Engineering. But it doesn’t stop with upskilling. Consider introducing specialised roles like QE Architects to steer strategy and ensure alignment across the organisation. And just as important, foster an inclusive and collaborative culture through workshops or forums that bring cross-functional teams together.

Conclusion

Phase 2 is where the real groundwork happens. It’s about enabling the team with the tools, skills, and strategic plans that will push the boundaries of what’s possible in Quality Engineering. By evolving capabilities thoughtfully and collaboratively, you pave the way for sustainable transformation, one that delivers not just better testing, but better quality at every stage.

Come back for Phase 3!