ABSTRACT
Consider testing as a control system. The system is designed to control the results based upon constraints and capabilities of the organization as well as other factors such as risk. This is no different than any other system or activity where want to control the outcome or at least be able to predict the results. Unlike the aforementioned scenario where testing is the last activity in a long line of activities, testing should be integrated into the development effort. The reason is that want corrective actions that are made by developers as well as feedback from the testing and verification group. Improved reliability has the obvious benefit of lowering the maintenance cost of the product—return costs will be less, as well as the handling of these returned parts. Fewer failures mean fewer failed parts to manage, handle, and for which to find the root cause and corrective actions.
