How to Effectively Track the Duration of Manual Test Runs in Azure DevOps

Tracking the duration of manual test runs is crucial for improving testing efficiency and understanding project timelines. If you're managing User Acceptance Testing (UAT) in Azure DevOps (ADO), you may find yourself needing to report on the duration of these test runs. Here’s how you can effectively achieve this.

Utilizing Built-in Analytics in Azure DevOps

Azure DevOps comes equipped with built-in analytics capabilities that can help you track the duration of test runs. You can access these analytics through the Azure DevOps dashboard:

1. Navigate to the Analytics Views: In your Azure DevOps project, go to the Boards section and select Queries. From here, you can create queries that filter your test results.

2. Create a Query for Test Runs: Set up a query to capture the test cases you want to monitor. Make sure to include fields such as Test Run Duration and Start Time.

3. Visualize the Data: Use the Azure DevOps dashboard widgets to visualize the data. You can create charts that display average test run times, helping you identify trends over time.

Integrating Power BI for Advanced Reporting

If you need more advanced reporting capabilities, integrating Power BI with Azure DevOps can be beneficial:

1. Connect Power BI to Azure DevOps: Power BI can connect to Azure DevOps using the built-in connectors. This allows you to pull in data related to your test cases and runs.

2. Create Custom Reports: Once connected, you can create customized reports that showcase the duration of manual test runs alongside other metrics. This can provide a comprehensive overview of your testing activities.

3. Scheduled Refreshes: Set up scheduled refreshes in Power BI to keep your reports up-to-date automatically, ensuring you always have the most current data at your fingertips.

Exporting Test Results for Third-Party Analysis

If you prefer to analyze your test results outside of Azure DevOps, consider exporting your data. ADO allows exporting test results to various formats that can be imported into spreadsheet software or other analytics tools:

1. Export Test Results: You can use the Azure DevOps REST API to programmatically export test results. This provides flexibility in how you handle and analyze the data.

2. Use Third-Party Tools: There are various third-party tools that can help manage and analyze test results outside of ADO, providing additional insights into your manual test durations.

Conclusion

By utilizing the tools and integrations available in Azure DevOps, you can effectively track the duration of your manual test runs. Whether you use built-in analytics, integrate with Power BI, or export your results for further analysis, each approach provides valuable insights that can enhance your testing processes.

Stay proactive in monitoring your test durations to ensure your testing efforts are efficient and aligned with project goals.