Client Overview

A leading UK-based standards organization produces technical standards across a wide range of products and services. It also offers certification and standard-related services to businesses and represents the UK’s interests internationally. The organization fosters innovation, shares knowledge, and promotes best practices. Incorporated by British Royal Charter, its mandate includes serving as a standards body and a global provider of accredited training, testing, and certification.

Challenges

The client faced significant challenges due to a large and diverse IT landscape. There was a lack of standardization and consistency across their Quality Assurance (QA) operations, resulting in fragmented practices and inefficiencies.

Key challenges included:

  • Absence of centralized test support functions: Teams operated in silos without shared frameworks or methodologies, leading to inconsistent quality in production environments. As a standards-driven organization, this lack of uniformity was unacceptable.
  • Limited SME bandwidth and knowledge retention: Processes were fragmented, creating bottlenecks and reducing scalability. This impacted the ability to maintain speed and quality.
  • No defined metrics or measurement mechanisms: Without visibility into demand and delivery, there were major gaps in governance and quality control. The inability to measure progress hindered growth and innovation.

Qualitest Solution

To address these issues, Qualitest partnered with the client to implement a comprehensive Quality Assurance Centre of Excellence (QA CoE). The objective was to unify QA practices, adopt automation, and drive efficiency through consistent methodologies and tooling.

Addressing the Lack of Centralized Test Support Functions

Qualitest supported the establishment of a QA CoE to standardize processes, foster innovation, and align QA with the business. This centralized framework enabled:

  • Consistent processes, tools, and methodologies
  • Scalable and secure systems
  • Cohesive alignment within IT solutions
  • Seamless integration of QA into the software development lifecycle

Tackling SME Bandwidth Constraints

To address the limited availability of subject matter experts, Qualitest:

  • Introduced AI accelerators to identify gaps and perform hotspot analysis
  • Created roadmaps and reusable, scalable test methodology frameworks
  • Incorporated automation and performance testing for improved efficiency
  • Enabled transition from manual to automated testing
  • Delivered regular upskilling in areas like security, performance, and AI testing
  • Implemented capacity and demand management to prioritize high-value efforts

Bridging the Metrics and Governance Gap

Qualitest brought strategic consulting expertise to define KPIs and embed best practices across the QA lifecycle. This included:

  • KPI implementation from program inception to monitor and measure outcomes
  • Robust project structuring and cross-functional roadmap creation
  • Centralized governance and flexible delivery models
  • Vendor governance to align with the client’s diverse technology landscape
  • A focus on thought leadership to drive continuous improvement and innovation

Key Benefits

The QA CoE transformed the client’s QA function into a strategic enabler for business success, delivering tangible improvements across key areas:

  • Standardization and Scalability: Uniform frameworks enabled consistent practices and a scalable QA model.
  • Enhanced Efficiency: Automation and capacity management cut testing timelines and costs.
  • Improved Quality: Strategic QA focus increased business confidence and adoption.
  • Innovation and Longevity: Continuous improvement and technology integration ensured sustainability.
  • Alignment and Collaboration: Stronger coordination between IT and QA enhanced decision-making and strategic alignment.
  • Measurable Outcomes: KPIs and governance frameworks provided visibility and optimization opportunities.