Smarter Cooking: Quality Assurance for the Future of the Kitchen

The IoT Smart Kitchen Dock by Bosch Siemens Home Appliances brings innovative features to everyday kitchen life. As a tester, I played a key role in evaluating its various functionalities and devising the test strategy for future automation efforts.

The world of Bosch-Siemens home appliances marks a new era in the home: sustainability meets innovation. Whether it’s smart refrigerators or energy-efficient washing machines – each product promotes a more conscious lifestyle.

BSH has stood for high-quality household appliances for decades and has established itself as an innovator in the modern era. Smart technologies and energy-efficient solutions meet the growing demands of consumers who want to combine sustainability with comfort.

The product range spans from classic household helpers to modern devices that can be controlled via IoT systems. By combining technological progress with practical benefits, BSH remains a strong player in a digital market environment. The company blends functionality with forward-thinking connectivity, setting new standards for quality of life in the home.

Task Description

Bosch Siemens Home Appliances developed an innovative device called the IoT Smart Kitchen Dock, designed to revolutionize kitchen work through Alexa integration and features like hands-free gestures and read- aloud functionalities. My responsibility was to ensure the software’s quality through extensive mobile testing, conduct in-depth testing at the Android ADB level, and devise future test automation strategies. Additionally, I was tasked with preparing the device for new markets, particularly in Northern Europe.

Outcome

We implemented extensive mobile testing, conducted in-depth Android ADB testing (as well as iOS), and performed targeted tests to ensure both stability and user-friendliness. Furthermore, we developed forward- looking test automation strategies, resulting in blueprints and proofs of concept. The Smart Kitchen Dock was successfully launched in Northern Europe, and Bosch Siemens was highly satisfied with the combination of technical precision and strategic foresight we brought to the project.

Logistics 4.0: Ensuring Software Quality at Pamyra

Aufgabenstellung

Pamyra aims to revolutionize the logistics industry with innovative solutions. By focusing on agile testing and test automation, we have supported the rapid and reliable testing of valuable, functional features

The platform Pamyra is dedicated to making the logistics sector more efficient and accessible through digitalization. It creates an interface between transport service providers and customers, significantly simplifying the exchange of services. The focus is on minimizing empty runs and optimizing processes – key aspects for the sustainable development of the logistics industry.

Pamyra goes beyond simple matchmaking by offering transparent processes and flexible customization options that cater to the individual needs of its users. The company helps ensure that modern logistics solutions can be made not only faster but also more cost-effective and environmentally friendly – an approach that shapes the future of the industry.

Task Description

Pamyra GmbH, an innovative logistics startup aiming to reduce empty runs, faced the challenge of ensuring the quality of its continuous frontend and backend developments. The rapid development of new features required an agile testing strategy and effective test automation to keep release cycles short and detect issues early. We were tasked with optimizing quality assurance and building a robust testing infrastructure.

Outcome

We introduced agile testing processes that seamlessly complemented the development cycle and implemented powerful test automation solutions for both the frontend and backend. Through our test management consulting, we helped Pamyra establish a sustainable quality management system capable of adapting flexibly to future requirements. The company appreciated the noticeable improvement in quality and the speed at which new features were introduced securely and efficiently.

Automated Quality, Agile Testing, and Test Management for the Webshop of the Future

Endor AG embraced innovation with a new webshop and a custom ERP system. Through close collaboration in test management and the implementation of test automation, we played a crucial role in ensuring the quality and success of the project.

Fanatec has become an indispensable player in the world of simulation sports. With precise and technically advanced products, the company has set standards for virtual racing that appeal to both casual players and professionals. The combination of robust design and realistic functionality has made Fanatec a recognized name in the global eSports community.

Furthermore, Fanatec demonstrates how simulation technology can be applied beyond traditional racing, such as in vehicle development or the training of professional drivers. The company showcases how technical innovation and user orientation can shape a brand while bridging the gap between the real and virtual worlds. In 2024, Fanatec was acquired by Corsair, opening up additional opportunities for development and expansion.

Task Description

Endor AG faced the challenge of integrating and aligning a custom ERP system with a new webshop. Our task was to assess the quality of software delivered by third-party vendors, test new features in an agile manner, and ensure comprehensive test management for the entire project. Additionally, we were tasked with automating all critical functions to support the tight go-live schedule.

Outcome

By implementing a comprehensive test management framework, automating critical workflows, and conducting precise agile testing, we ensured high software quality. The project was successfully completed within the planned timeline, and Endor AG was impressed with the efficiency and accuracy of our work. This long-term engagement not only ensured the desired software quality but also established sustainable processes for future projects.

Innovative Media Technologies: Quality Assurance for the Digital Future

Multamedio is shaping the future of media. Our contribution: Efficient testing and automation to ensure the highest quality standards.

Multa Medio combines extensive experience in the lottery industry with the demands of modern digitalization. Their solutions address the very point where traditional processes reach their limits, opening up new ways for efficient management and execution of lotteries.

Security and transparency are particularly important, playing a central role for both providers and end users. Multa Medio demonstrates how proven methods can be complemented by modern technologies to ensure the best possible user experience while maintaining smooth operations. In doing so, they not only uphold existing standards but also set new benchmarks for the future.

Task Description

Multamedio AG, responsible for the web offerings of various state lotteries, faced the challenge of ensuring high regression security despite rapid developments and the introduction of new game types. In particular, the integration of new features needed to be accelerated without compromising existing functionalities. Our task was to develop a comprehensive test automation framework covering both backend and frontend testing, thereby providing a foundation for reliable and efficient software development.

Outcome

We built a flexible backend framework and implemented an innovative frontend testing tool that enabled automated validation of the websites. By automating key test cases, we significantly increased regression security and accelerated development processes. The client was pleased with the new speed at which additional features could be introduced while maintaining the stability of existing systems—an ideal foundation for future innovations.

Cryptocurrencies in Everyday Life: Testing for the New Payment
World

Salamantex specializes in integrating cryptocurrencies as a payment method in everyday shopping processes. Through our contribution in testing and automation, we played a key role in bringing this innovative payment system to market reliably and securely.

The growing integration of cryptocurrencies into everyday life requires practical solutions, such as those developed by Salamantex. The company specializes in making digital currencies accessible for retail and other industries. Their technologies enable the direct use of cryptocurrencies in payment transactions without fundamentally changing existing processes.

Salamantex places particular emphasis on the easy integration into existing systems and the user-friendliness of their solutions. The focus is not only on merchants but also on end customers, whose payment behavior is increasingly adapting to digital trends. Their work demonstrates how innovative technology can open access to new markets and optimize existing workflows without unnecessarily complicating daily operations.

Task Description

Salamantex aimed to develop a platform that would allow customers to make everyday purchases with Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies at Ingenico payment terminals. The challenge was to test and secure a complex system architecture in both the backend and frontend. A particularly difficult aspect was the need to securely integrate various cryptocurrencies into the payment process while ensuring that transactions were conducted at the highest level of security.

Outcome

With our expertise in backend testing of security-critical payment endpoints, as well as frontend testing and test automation, we made a key contribution to the software’s quality assurance. The project was successful and enabled Salamantex to establish cryptocurrencies as a widely accepted payment method. The client was extremely satisfied with the performance, as the software worked reliably and the solution was quickly prepared for market launch.

 

Real-Time Quality: Testing for Digital Asset Management

At Sodatech, the focus was on developing a real-time digital asset management system. With our expertise in test management and agile testing, we made a significant contribution to the stability and quality of the software.

Sodatech is a leading provider of digital asset management solutions, specializing in customized software development. With the SodaWare platform, the company offers a flexible and scalable solution that adapts to the individual needs of its customers. Through continuous development, the technology remains up-to-date and market-driven.

The focus is on user-friendliness and seamless integration into existing systems, while Sodatech ensures that the solutions are powerful and future-proof. Close collaboration with customers enables the development of practical solutions that support business goals.

Sodatech takes a pragmatic approach that emphasizes flexibility and
adaptability while placing customer requirements at the center.

Task Description

Sodatech AG was seeking additional QA expertise for its innovative
Digital Asset Management system, which processed real-time data and
included automated processes for photo tagging. My task was to support
this system with agile testing methods and test management, focusing on
quality and reliability, particularly in the areas of dynamic data
processing and tagging.

Outcome

Through the successful implementation of agile testing and an effective test management strategy, I ensured that all real-time data was processed correctly and that the automation processes ran smoothly. As a result, the product became more robust and reliable. Sodatech was very satisfied with the testing results and the support in further developing the product, which helped the company strengthen its position in the market.

Software quality is not a matter of chance. It doesn’t arise from a few extra unit tests or by assigning a student intern to play the role of “tester” for two weeks. True quality begins with a clear mindset and a structured process that involves the entire team. But how can a company with little or no experience in professional software testing establish a genuine testing culture?

Quality Is a Team Effort, Not a Solo Project

A sustainable testing culture cannot be created through isolated measures. It’s not enough to appoint one person as the “quality oƯicer” or to integrate a few test automation scripts into the build. Quality needs to be embedded in the mindset of the entire team.

This means:

  • Shared Responsibility: Everyone – from developers to product managers – is accountable for software quality.
  • Knowledge and Enablement: Teams need the right expertise to create quality. Testing isn’t magic, but it requires methodology and skill to be effective.
  • Focus on the Customer: Quality is measured by how well the software meets user expectations – and ideally exceeds them.

A Framework for Your Application

Quality means safeguarding your software at every relevant level. It starts with clean code and extends to a robust end-to-end testing strategy that supports your application up to its go-live.

A well-designed testing framework includes:

  • Unit Tests to ensure the basic quality of the code.
  • Integration Tests to verify that all modules work together seamlessly.
  • System Tests to examine the application as a whole.
  • User-Centered Tests to ensure the software not only functions but also delights.

These levels are not standalone measures but interlinked, like gears in a clockwork mechanism.

Building a Testing Culture: A Process, Not a Sprint

A testing culture doesn’t emerge overnight. Establishing the right processes and bringing teams on board takes time. But with a clear plan, it’s achievable:

  1. Start with a Vision: Define what quality means for your organization.
  2. Assess the Current State: Where do you stand? Where are tests missing? What knowledge gaps exist?
  3. Create a Roadmap: Identify the measures to implement first and those needed for the long term.
  4. Enable the Team: Equip your team with the skills and tools to independently create and
    maintain tests.
  5. Continuous Improvement: A testing culture evolves constantly. Quality assurance is a
    marathon, not a sprint.

Why a Testing Culture Delivers More Than a Single Tool

Many companies ask, “What tool do we need to improve our testing?” Tools are important but only as a means to an end. Without a testing culture, even the best tools remain unused or are applied inefficiently. A testing culture, however, brings:

  • Reliable Releases that build trust with customers and stakeholders.
  • Motivated Teams that take pride in their work.
  • Scalable Processes that grow with your organization’s demands.

Let’s Establish Quality Together

Do you want to improve your software quality sustainably and build a true testing culture? We can help you find the right path – from initial assessments to implementation and team training.

With our experience in establishing testing cultures across various industries, we’ll guide you on this journey. Whether you’re starting from scratch or optimizing an existing strategy, we are the right partner for achieving your quality goals.

Take the first step and lay the foundation for software quality that will exceed your customers’ expectations.

The ISTQB (International Software Testing Qualifications Board) is a widely recognized name in the testing community worldwide. It is the only internationally acknowledged certification program for software testers and is often regarded as a mark of quality by both employers and employees. But how substantial is this status? And what should one truly expect from an ISTQB certification?

A Solid Foundation – But Not a Cure-All

The ISTQB provides a structured introduction to the theoretical fundamentals of software testing. Topics such as test processes, test methods, test management, and tool support are covered, oƯering a valuable entry point into the world of testing. For beginners or those new to testing, the Foundation Level certification is a meaningful starting point.

The Limitations of ISTQB

Despite its wide recognition and acceptance, the ISTQB has some notable shortcomings that cannot be ignored:

  1. No Practical Experience
    ISTQB teaches theory, not practice. No certificate in the world can replace the experience gained through real projects, mistakes, and challenges. Agile collaboration, daily stand-ups, and unexpected issues – these cannot be learned from a textbook. Holding the certificate, at a minimum, means memorizing around 105 pages of content without having spent a single day on the job.
  2. No Agile Mindset
    Agile testing is about more than just writing test cases quickly. It’s a mindset: collaboration, flexibility, and a deep understanding of the value software testing creates in a dynamic environment. This mindset cannot be assessed through multiple-choice questions.
  3. Lack of Modern Approaches
    While ISTQB strives to adapt to modern developments, many aspects of agile and exploratory testing, as well as advanced test automation, are only rudimentarily covered. For most projects, ISTQB’s theory alone isn’t sufficient to address the challenges of modern software development.
  4. Focus on Certification Over Competence
    In many countries where certifications are highly valued, ISTQB certification is often given more importance than it truly deserves. This leads to employers evaluating testers based solely on their certifications – a risk that benefits neither the projects nor the teams.

ISTQB: What It Is – and What It Isn’t

The ISTQB is neither a substitute for experience nor a guarantee of competence. It is a tool that provides foundational knowledge but not the practical skills required for a tester’s daily work. Good testers are defined by their ability to solve problems, respond flexibly, and create value – qualities no certification can fully cover.

Our Approach: More Than Just Theory

We help companies take the step from theory to practice. Whether with or without ISTQB certification, the goal is to enable teams to adopt effective and modern testing approaches.

  • Workshops: Practical training sessions that go beyond ISTQB knowledge and prepare your employees for real-world projects.
  • Coaching: Support for your testers in developing agile mindsets, modern testing methods, and innovative strategies.
  • Strategic Consulting: We work with you to develop a customized testing concept tailored to your company’s needs.

Conclusion: ISTQB Is a Useful First Step, But Not the Endpoint. For your organization, use the ISTQB certification as a foundation – and build upon it to develop real competence. If you want to elevate your testing strategy to the next level and prepare your teams for practical challenges, we are the right partner. Contact us, and let’s create quality that truly matters – together.

There are countless test automation tools on the market, and choosing the right one often depends on the context, requirements, and skills of the team. As external consultants, we’re not fans of recommending the same tool for every problem. However, there is one tool that has consistently stood out to us in certain situations: Katalon Studio.

For companies with little experience in QA automation that want to get started quickly, Katalon Studio can be an excellent solution – especially if the automation is to be maintained by internal staff in the long run.

Not the Most Modern, but the Most Intuitive

Katalon Studio may not offer the latest features or the modernity of tools like Playwright or Cypress. However, what sets Katalon Studio apart is its user-friendliness and intuitive design. For teams with limited automation experience, it’s crucial to have a tool that they can quickly understand and use. Katalon Studio provides:

  • A graphical user interface that simplifies onboarding.
  • Templates and assistants that make complex automation tasks easier.
  • Cross-browser and cross-platform testing without requiring deep technical expertise.

This means that even teams without extensive automation knowledge can quickly achieve their first results – a real motivation booster!

Enablement: From Tool to Capability

One of the key advantages of Katalon Studio is its ability not only to automate tests but also to empower employees. In my projects, I have seen teams, after implementing Katalon Studio, become capable of independently creating, maintaining, and evolving test cases within just a few weeks.

This is a crucial factor for companies that do not want to rely permanently on external experts. With the right training and a targeted enablement approach, Katalon Studio becomes a springboard for the internal development of the team.

For Which Context Is Katalon Studio Ideal?

Katalon Studio is not the perfect tool for every use case. It has its limitations, especially when it comes to highly complex or extremely specialized requirements. However, it has proven to be highly effective for the following scenarios:

  • Companies that are starting with test automation and are looking for a solution that is easy to use and quickly implementable.
  • Teams with limited automation expertise that still want to create robust tests.
  • Companies looking for a solution that can be maintained internally without creating
    external dependencies.

Our Offer: From Idea to Solution with Us

If you are planning to introduce test automation and want to ensure your teams can work independently and sustainably, we are here to support you.

From implementation to training your employees, we offer a tailored program that focuses not only on technology but also on enablement and knowledge transfer. This ensures that your test automation will be successful in the long term – independent and in the best hands: your own.

Let’s start your test automation journey together – professional, sustainable, and precisely tailored to your needs.

In the world of software testing, code coverage and automation rate are often regarded as the holy grails of quality measurement. A test coverage of 90%? Impressive! An automation rate of 95%? Fantastic! But what do these numbers actually say about the overall quality of an application or the professionalism of the QA team? Surprisingly little – when viewed in isolation.

Numbers Are Not Synonymous with Quality

It’s tempting to see KPIs like code coverage or automation rate as the ultimate answer to quality concerns. After all, they’re measurable, easy to communicate, and suggest progress. But here lies the issue: These metrics have their downsides.

  • Code Coverage: High code coverage doesn’t automatically mean the tests are meaningful or effectoive. 100% coverage can be achieved with superficial tests that ignore actual logic or edge cases.
  • Automation Rate: A high automation rate is only valuable if the automated tests are truly robust and relevant. Too many automated tests can also affect maintainability, especially in complex systems.

Quality Is More Than Just a Number

I’ve seen teams working with low automation rates and moderate code coverage – yet still delivering impressive quality. How? Because their agile testers and developers understand quality as a whole:

  • They deliberately use exploratory testing to uncover weaknesses that automated tests cannot cover.
  • They focus on risks and critical areas of the application instead of getting lost in KPI numbers.
  • They foster a culture where quality means more than just meeting targets.

On the other hand, there are teams that deliver impressive numbers – but their applications are riddled with issues. This shows that good KPIs alone do not automatically lead to good
quality.

Context Is Everything

The quality of an application and the work of a test team must always be viewed in context:

  • What are the requirements? Some systems are so complex that a high automation rate is unrealistic.
  • What is the team structure? An experienced team with a strong focus on quality can deliver outstanding work without impressive KPIs.
  • What challenges exist? DiƯerent applications require different testing approaches –
    what works in one context may fail in another.

KPIs Are Tools, Not Goals

Code coverage and automation rates are useful tools for reflecting on your work and improving your approaches. But they should never become the sole benchmark for quality. The real indicators of strong quality are:

  • A stable application that provides real value to users.
  • A team that can respond to challenges agilely and continuously improve. 
  • A culture where quality is not just measured but lived.

Conclusion: Quality Is More Than KPI Glitter

The numbers might look good, but true quality lies beneath the surface – and it cannot be reduced to a single KPI. Instead, we should always view KPIs as part of a bigger picture, embedded in the context of the application, the team, and the company’s goals. In the end, it’s not about how many percentages are covered or automated – it’s about how good the application truly is.