Last Updated on 31. October 2025 by mgm-marketing
At German Testing Day 2025 the product team behind the Q12-TMT Test Management Tool had the opportunity to meet Prof. Dr. Karin Vosseberg, one of the editors of the study “Umfrage 2024, Softwaretest-Umfrage 2024,” (engl.: “Software Testing Survey 2024“) in person and learn about the results of the latest study on software testing. In this article, we discuss selected results of the study in a practical context.
The study “Softwaretest-Umfrage 2024“, available in German language only, is a collaboration between Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences, Cologne University of Applied Sciences, Aschaffenburg University of Applied Sciences, the German Testing Board (www.gtb.de), and the Austrian Testing Board. The study takes a practical look at the challenges, trends, and success factors in software testing, quality management, and test management in German-speaking countries.
What about the use of test management tools?
One particularly noteworthy finding of the study is that classic test management tools are still only used in every second software project (p. 36). Given the complexity of modern software landscapes, this figure is surprising, as a lack of tooling inevitably leads to greater manual effort in test cases, test data, and test reports.
Reports from customer projects confirm this finding: where structured test management is lacking, inefficiencies and risks arise. Once integrated tools have been established, however, they not only facilitate planning and traceability, but also prioritization according to risk and value contribution.
Why is the number of test managers and QA specialists declining?
The survey shows that the proportion of test management managers among the respondents is now only 10.8% (p. 8), compared to just under 28% ten years ago (p. 9). In addition, the study shows a continuous decline in testers over the years. This illustrates a trend that the Q12-TMT team has also observed: resources in the QA area are scarce and often not available to the same extent as the constant demand.
This leads to peak workloads when release cycles become shorter and quality still needs to be assured. This is where the importance of a risk-based testing strategy becomes apparent in order to make optimal use of existing capacities.
More information on risk-based testing is provided in the webinar “Risk-based testing of software”.
What role does experience play in quality management?
The study points out that a lack of experience in the testing environment has a negative impact on the efficiency of reviews and quality assurance measures (p. 16). Artifacts such as test environments or project planning results are checked less frequently than code or requirements – an indication of knowledge and experience deficits.
The Q12-TMT team observes similar effects in projects: a lack of experience can lead to delays in error detection (manual testing) or result interpretation (automated testing). However, with suitable tooling and clear processes, these deficits can be mitigated by standardizing best practices and making them available to all stakeholders.
Example: Versioning of test cases in the test management tool as best practice: Why versioning plays an important role for test teams in compensating for a lack of experience is explained in the article “Successful test management with sustainable versioning”.
How important is collaboration for successful software testing?
The study repeatedly emphasizes the role of collaboration, for example in reviews, training, and communities (pp. 14–17). Collaboration is thus proven to be a success factor.
The Q12-TMT team adds: Collaboration alone is not enough. Only in combination with methodical test planning, transparent tooling, and clear accountability does collaboration unfold its full value for quality assurance.
Which points does the Q12-TMT team view critically?
The Q12-TMT team takes a critical view of two points in the study.
Test automation as a supposed solution
The study strongly emphasizes test automation as a remedy for resource shortages. While automation is essential, it carries risks if it is seen as a panacea. Test automation comes with its own requirements – for example, in terms of maintenance, the interpretation of results, and an expanded skill set for test automation engineers. Only when these factors are taken into account and test automation is embedded in good test management does it unfold its full benefits.
Underestimation of the organizational aspect
The study focuses heavily on operational perspectives. In our view, greater emphasis should be placed on strategic management, particularly in terms of prioritization and resource management.
Conclusion: What insights does the study provide for the future of software testing?
The 2024 Software Testing Survey is highly recommended reading for the QA community in the DACH region. It provides valuable insights into role changes, the resource situation, collaboration, and tool usage in the QA environment. Many of the findings coincide with the experiences of the Q12-TMT team: the scarcity of QA resources, the decline of traditional test manager roles, and insufficient tool support in projects.
The Q12-TMT team concludes that with good tooling, a risk-based testing strategy, and a conscious combination of collaboration and management, future challenges in quality management can be successfully mastered.
Q12-TMT Test Management Tool
The Q12-TMT Test Management Tool for professional software test management brings transparency and speed to test management. Developed by experts for experts—with intelligent workflows that significantly reduce testing effort.
Get started for free and try out the Q12-TMT Test Management Tool and connect directly with Oliver Storch on LinkedIn to dive deeper into the topic!
