This article will share key highlights about
• Microservices Architecture
• Performance Testing benefits
• Tools Used for Performance Analysis
• Google Cloud Offerings with Best Practices
• Overcoming a few challenges during adoption and Indium success stories

Microservices Architecture and Performance Testing Benefits

Microservice architecture refers to a method of software development in which a large software application is decomposed into several independently deployable services. Each service represents a specific business feature or domain that can be developed, deployed, and scaled independently. The mode of communication will be through well-defined APIs that make use of transport protocols such as HTTP or messaging queue systems.

By breaking down a monolithic application into smaller, specialised services, microservice architecture offers several benefits:

• Scalability: Microservices allow individual services to be scaled independently based on their specific resource requirements. This scalability enables applications to handle varying workloads and accommodate increased traffic and user demands.
• Flexibility and Agility: Microservices facilitate rapid development and deployment by enabling teams to work independently on different services. Each service can be developed, tested, and deployed separately, allowing for faster iteration and continuous delivery of new features and updates.
• Fault Isolation: In a monolithic application, a single bug or issue can impact the entire system. A microservices architecture isolates services from each other, minimising the impact of failures.
• Technology Diversity: Microservices allow for the use of different technologies and programming languages for different services. This flexibility allows teams to choose the most suitable tools and technologies for each service, depending on their specific requirements and expertise.

Performance testing plays a critical role in ensuring the effectiveness and reliability of microservice architecture. Here’s why performance testing is essential in this context:

A Glimpse at Performance Testing Tools for Micro Services

Some of the popular Load Testing tools are mentioned below.

• Apache JMeter
• Locust
• Gatling
• ReadyAPI
• Postman (a recent release has included Load testing features)

Some of the popular Monitoring tools are mentioned below.

• AppDynamics APM Tool
• Dynatrace APM Tool
• New Relic APM Tool
• Nagios, ELK Stack, and Grafana (Open-Sourced)

Indium has well-trained specialists and core expertise in using the above tools. Please refer to this link to learn more about Indium’s Offerings for Performance Testing and engineering.

Core Google Cloud Services for Micro Services Performance Testing

Best Practices for Adopting Google Cloud for Microservices

Challenges and Mitigation during the Google Cloud adoption process

During the adoption process of Google Cloud’s microservices architecture, organizations may encounter specific challenges. Here are a few common challenges and ways they can be overcome:

1. Migration Complexity:

Migrating existing monolithic applications to a microservices architecture on Google Cloud can be complex. It involves breaking down the monolith into smaller services and redesigning the application architecture. This process requires careful planning and coordination.

Overcoming the Challenge:

• Conduct a thorough analysis of the existing application to identify service boundaries and dependencies.
• Utilize tools and frameworks like Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE) and Istio for managing and orchestrating microservices.
• Gradually migrate services to the microservices architecture, starting with less critical components, and incrementally move towards a fully distributed system.
• Employ testing methodologies, such as canary deployments and A/B testing, to ensure a smooth transition and minimize disruptions.

2. Operational Complexity:

Operating and managing a microservices architecture can be challenging, especially when dealing with multiple services, deployments, and dependencies. Ensuring high availability, monitoring, and fault tolerance across the distributed system requires robust operational practices.

Overcoming the Challenge:

• Leverage Google Cloud’s managed services, such as GKE, to simplify the management of microservices infrastructure.
• Implement observability practices using tools like Cloud Monitoring and Logging to gain visibility into the performance and health of microservices.
• Employ automated deployment and scaling mechanisms, such as Kubernetes Horizontal Pod Autoscaler (HPA) and Google Cloud’s Load Balancing, to handle fluctuating workloads.
• Establish robust incident management and alerting processes to address issues promptly and minimize downtime.

3. Data Management and Consistency:

Microservices architecture often involves distributed data management, which introduces challenges in maintaining data consistency, synchronisation, and managing transactions across services.

Overcoming the Challenge:

• Utilise appropriate data storage solutions provided by Google Cloud, such as Cloud Firestore, Cloud Spanner, or Cloud Bigtable, depending on the specific requirements of each microservice.
• Implement event-driven architectures and message queues, such as Cloud Pub/Sub, for asynchronous communication and eventual consistency between services.
• Employ data replication and synchronisation techniques, such as Change Data Capture (CDC), to ensure data integrity and consistency across services.
• Implements transactional patterns like the Saga Pattern or two-phase commits when strong consistency is required across multiple microservices.

4. Security and Access Control:

Securing microservices and managing access control across the distributed system can be challenging due to the increased complexity of the architecture and the need to protect sensitive data and communication channels.

Overcoming the Challenge:

• Employ Google Cloud Identity and Access Management (IAM) to manage access control and permissions for different microservices.
• Implement secure communication channels using encryption protocols like SSL or TLS.
• Utilise Google Cloud’s security services, such as Cloud Security Command Centre and Cloud Armour, to monitor and protect against security threats.
• Implement security best practises like input validation, secure coding practises, and regular vulnerability assessments to mitigate risks.

Indium also has a detailed cloud adoption framework that can be used by small and large firms. The Cloud Maturity Assessment model helps us determine where we are in our cloud journey and what strategies to undertake moving forward. Kindly refer to the link to learn more about it.

Success Stories

For testing the performance of microservices, many organisations have used Google Cloud. Here are a few examples of how Indium has successfully adopted Google Cloud services, which have made “Happy Customers“.

Conclusion

In summary, performance testing is crucial in a microservices architecture to validate scalability, assess service interactions, evaluate load balancing strategies, ensure resilience and failure handling, and optimise resource utilisation. It helps identify performance bottlenecks, improve system reliability, and deliver a smooth and responsive user experience in complex, distributed environments.

The post Microservices Performance Testing using Google Cloud appeared first on Indium.

Conversational AI refers to the application of systems that enable users to communicate with and receive responses from AI assistants and chatbots. It enables businesses to give clients a satisfying buying experience.

The Global Market Landscape of Conversational AI

The global market for Conversational AI is experiencing a significant surge, with organizations recognizing the immense potential it holds for enhancing customer experiences, improving engagement, and driving sales. From chatbots and virtual assistants to voice-activated interfaces, Conversational AI solutions are becoming increasingly sophisticated and capable of delivering personalized interactions in real-time. This technology is reshaping the way businesses interact with customers, enabling seamless communication, and fostering brand loyalty.

Marketers as Torchbearers

As marketers wield the power to shape trends and drive adoption, they play a crucial role in bringing Conversational AI to the forefront of e-commerce. By effectively communicating the benefits and value of Conversational AI solutions to companies, marketers can inspire organizations to embrace this powerful tool. They can highlight how Conversational AI can enhance customer satisfaction, streamline support services, and provide valuable insights for better decision-making, ultimately driving business growth and competitiveness.

Defenders Being Assaulted: Navigating the Challenges

Despite its potential, Conversational AI in e-commerce faces its share of challenges. It encounters doubters who question its effectiveness, cybersecurity threats that demand robust defence mechanisms, and the need to combat data bias to ensure fair and inclusive interactions.

However, by adopting a proactive approach and continually refining the technology, defenders of Conversational AI can overcome these hurdles and release its true potential.

Observational Operation: Exploring Success Stories

In various industries, businesses have already embarked on reconnaissance operations, employing the power of Conversational AI to drive success. E-commerce giants are utilizing chatbots to provide personalized recommendations and streamline the customer journey.

Virtual assistants are transforming the way users interact with mobile apps, making transactions more intuitive and efficient. By examining these success stories and their strategies, organizations can gain insights into the possibilities and practical applications of Conversational AI.

Targeting New Territories: Expanding Beyond Borders

Conversational AI is not limited by geographical boundaries. As it gains traction globally, companies from different countries are embracing this technology to enhance their e-commerce operations. From North America and Europe to Asia and beyond, businesses worldwide are recognizing the potential of Conversational AI in delivering exceptional customer experiences and gaining a competitive edge in their respective markets.

For instance, a global fashion retailer could implement Conversational AI to provide localized product recommendations, answer customer inquiries in their preferred language, and offer tailored shopping experiences.

Prominent Players in Conversational AI Market

• Amazon Web Services, Inc.
• Microsoft Corporation
• Artificial Solutions Holding ASH AB
• SAP ERP
• Conversica Inc.
• Haptik
• IBM Corporation
• Google LLC
• Oracle Corporation
• Baidu, Inc.

North America to account for the largest market size during the forecast period.

North America is anticipated to dominate the Conversational AI market and hold the largest market share during the forecast period. This can be attributed to several factors, including the presence of key players in the region, substantial investments in advanced technologies, and a matured ecosystem for artificial intelligence and natural language processing. Additionally, the region has witnessed a significant adoption of Conversational AI across various industries, including e-commerce, healthcare, banking, and customer service.

Several prominent companies in North America have embraced Conversational AI to enhance their customer interactions and drive business growth.

For instance, Amazon has integrated Conversational AI into its virtual assistant, Alexa, allowing users to interact with smart devices using natural language.

Additionally, companies like Google and Microsoft have developed chatbot platforms that leverage Conversational AI to enable seamless communication between businesses and their customers. These real-world examples highlight the widespread adoption of Conversational AI solutions in North America, further solidifying the region’s position as the market leader in this technology.

Fair Play: Nurturing Ethical AI Practices

As Conversational AI becomes more pervasive, ensuring fair play and ethical practices becomes paramount. Companies must strive to minimize data bias, treat all users equitably, and prioritize privacy and security. By embracing responsible AI practices, organizations can build trust with their customers and create an inclusive environment that benefits all stakeholders.

Data Bias

Data bias can inadvertently seep into Conversational AI systems, reflecting and perpetuating existing biases present in the data used for training. To address this, e-commerce businesses must be vigilant in their data collection and ensure diverse and representative data sets are used to train Conversational AI models. Additionally, ongoing monitoring and evaluation of the system’s performance can help identify and rectify any potential biases. By actively combating data bias, e-commerce businesses can leverage Conversational AI to deliver equitable and inclusive experiences for all customers.

The magic of AI-powered recommendations

AI-based recommendation systems in e-commerce use algorithms to process customer data and provide personalized suggestions based on past purchases, browsing behavior, and search queries. The system continuously learns and improves, tailoring recommendations to individual preferences. By analyzing various data sources, such as user data (purchase history, click behavior, etc.), item data (descriptions, reviews, etc.), and social media data (from platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram), the system identifies patterns and trends to generate relevant recommendations. This helps customers discover new products and saves time by offering items they are more likely to purchase.

• Algorithms process customer data for personalized suggestions,
• Continuous learning and improvement of the recommendation system,
• Tailored recommendations based on individual preferences.
• Analysis of user data, item data, and social media data.
• Identifying patterns and trends for relevant recommendations
• Assisting customers in discovering new products and saving time, 

Less Noise or More? Striking the Balance

As Conversational AI becomes increasingly prevalent, questions arise about striking the right balance between automated interactions and human touch. While automation enhances efficiency and scalability, it is essential to maintain a personalized and empathetic customer experience. Striking this delicate balance is key to reaping the full benefits of Conversational AI while preserving the human connection that customers crave.

In conclusion, Conversational AI in e-commerce is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. With its potential to revolutionize customer interactions, boost engagement, and drive sales, this technology deserves greater recognition and adoption. By understanding the market landscape, navigating challenges, and nurturing ethical practices, businesses can unlock the true value of Conversational AI and pave the way.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is Conversational AI?

Conversational AI refers to the technology that enables machines to engage in natural language conversations with humans. It combines various fields such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing to understand and respond to human queries and provide meaningful interactions.

How is Conversational AI used in e-commerce?

Conversational AI has numerous applications in e-commerce. It can be used to develop chatbots and virtual assistants that assist customers in product searches, offer personalized recommendations, provide support, and facilitate seamless transactions. Conversational AI can also be integrated into voice-enabled devices, enabling customers to make purchases using voice commands.

What are the benefits of implementing Conversational AI in e-commerce?

Implementing Conversational AI in e-commerce brings several benefits. It enhances customer engagement by providing personalized and interactive experiences. Conversational AI can streamline customer support processes by handling common inquiries and issues, freeing up human agents for more complex tasks. It also helps in reducing response times, improving customer satisfaction, and boosting sales through targeted product recommendations.

Which are key verticals adopting Conversational AI solutions and services?

The key verticals adopting Conversational AI solutions and services include BFSI, healthcare & life Sciences, retail and eCommerce, telecom, travel and hospitality, automotive & transportation, media and entertainment.

Is Conversational AI only limited to text-based interactions?

No, Conversational AI extends beyond text-based interactions. It includes voice-based interactions as well, enabling users to communicate with virtual assistants and chatbots through voice commands. Voice-enabled devices like smart speakers and mobile assistants leverage Conversational AI to facilitate voice-based interactions and provide a more intuitive and hands-free user experience.

How secure is Conversational AI in terms of protecting customer data?

Conversational AI platforms prioritize data security and privacy. They employ various measures like encryption, secure data storage, and compliance with data protection regulations to safeguard customer information. Additionally, reputable Conversational AI providers implement stringent security protocols and regularly update their systems to mitigate potential vulnerabilities and ensure the confidentiality of customer data.

The post Why Conversational AI for E-Commerce Remains an Overlooked Gem? appeared first on Indium.

Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) are web applications that provide a user experience like that of native apps. They are designed to work on any device or platform and can be installed directly from a web browser without the need for an app store. PWAs are built using web technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript and have several advantages over traditional web apps, such as offline support, push notifications, and the ability to be added to the user’s home screen.

Why React.js is a good choice for PWAs

React.js is a popular JavaScript library for building user interfaces. It has gained popularity among developers for its performance, simplicity, and reusability. React.js is also a good choice for building PWAs, as it allows developers to create dynamic and responsive user interfaces, while also providing the necessary tools for building offline-first applications.

This blog post will examine PWA development using React.js. The advantages of using React.js for PWAs, best practices for constructing PWAs with React.js, and actual PWAs created with React.js will all be covered.

Benefits of React.js for PWAs

A. High performance

React.js is known for its performance optimisation. By using a virtual DOM (document object model), React.js minimizes the amount of time and resources required to update the user interface. This results in faster load times and smoother user interactions, making it an ideal choice for PWAs.

B. Reusability

React.js allows developers to create reusable components that can be used across multiple projects. This can save time and reduce the amount of code required to build a PWA, making development more efficient.

C. Components based Architecture

React.js is built around a component-based architecture, which makes it easy to manage complex UI components. This also makes it easier to update and maintain the codebase, reducing the likelihood of errors or bugs.

Complex UI components may be managed with ease thanks to React.js’s component-based architecture. Additionally, it is simpler to update and maintain the codebase as a result, which lowers the possibility of problems or errors.

D. Seamless integration with other tools and libraries

React.js can be easily integrated with other tools and libraries, such as Redux or GraphQL. This allows developers to build more complex PWAs with ease while also maintaining a clean and maintainable codebase.

E. Improved developer experience

React.js provides developers with a simplified syntax and intuitive API, which makes development faster and more enjoyable. Additionally, React.js has a large and active community, which means that developers have access to a wealth of resources, documentation, and support.

Best practices for building PWAs with React.js

A. Configuring webpack for PWA-specific requirements

Webpack is a popular module bundler used in React.js development. To build PWAs with React.js, webpack can be configured to meet PWA-specific requirements, such as code splitting, caching, and offline support.

B. Code splitting and lazy loading

Code splitting and lazy loading can improve the performance of a PWA by reducing the amount of code that needs to be loaded upfront. This can be achieved in React.js by using tools such as React.lazy and Suspense.

(Code splitting example)

C. Optimizing images and other assets

Optimizing images and other assets can improve the performance of a PWA by reducing the amount of data that needs to be downloaded. React.js provides several ways to optimize images and other assets, such as using the Webpack image loader or the React.lazy and Suspense APIs.

D. Implementing service workers and offline support

A crucial component of PWAs that enables them to operate offline or with subpar network connections are service workers. Service workers can be implemented in React.js using a variety of methods, including the Workbox library and the create-react-app utility.

(Index.js file example)

(Service worker js file example)

Push notifications and background sync are two examples of PWA-specific functionality that can be implemented using React.js’s lifecycle methods. These techniques enable developers to build PWAs with seamless and interesting user interfaces.

However, by using browser APIs such as navigator.serviceWorker and window.Notification, we can implement PWA-specific features. By leveraging these APIs, developers can build PWAs that provide a native-like experience to users while also being fast, reliable, and accessible. 

Also read:  Enable Increased Revenue using Rapid Application Development

Real-world examples of PWAs built with React.js

A. Facebook’s mobile website

Facebook’s mobile website is a PWA built with React.js. It provides a native app-like experience with features such as push notifications and offline support.

B. Twitter Lite

Twitter Lite is another PWA built with React.js. It offers a fast and lightweight experience, with features such as caching and background sync.

C. Lyft PWA

Lyft’s PWA is built with React.js and offers a fast and responsive user experience, with features such as offline support and push notifications.

D. Pinterest PWA

Pinterest’s PWA is built with React.js and offers a seamless user experience with features such as caching and push notifications.

Conclusion

With React.js, building Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) becomes a breeze. Its high performance ensures that your apps run smoothly, providing a seamless user experience. The component-based architecture of React.js allows for reusability and modularity, enabling you to create complex PWAs with ease. Additionally, React.js integrates effortlessly with other tools and libraries, offering flexibility and expandability for your projects. Not only does React.js empower your PWAs with its technical advantages, but it also enhances the developer experience by providing a rich ecosystem and a supportive community. Start harnessing the power of React.js to unlock the full potential of your PWAs and deliver outstanding user experiences.

The post Power up Your Progressive Web Apps with React.js appeared first on Indium.

Screen Readers

Screen readers are a type of assistive technology that enables people with visual impairments or blindness to access and interact with digital content on a computer or mobile device. A screen reader is a software application that converts digital text into synthesized speech. To test screen readers, the product should be checked to ensure that it supports screen readers such as JAWS (Job Access With Speech), NVDA (Nonvisual Desktop Access), and Voiceover. The product should also be checked to ensure that all content is accessible to users with visual impairments, including images, videos, and other multimedia content.

When testing screen readers, it’s important to check that the software works well with the screen reader, and that all content is accessible to users with visual impairments. This includes checking that all images, videos, and other multimedia content have appropriate alternative text descriptions. Additionally, it’s important to check that the screen reader can accurately read all text on the page, including text that is styled in different ways, such as headings, bold text, and italicized text.

It’s also important to test the screen reader’s ability to navigate the product. This includes testing that the screen reader can accurately identify and navigate to links, buttons, and other interactive elements on the page. Additionally, it’s important to test that the screen reader can properly identify the current page and provide users with feedback on their location within the product.

Finally, it’s important to test the screen reader’s ability to handle dynamic content, such as pop-up windows or content that is displayed after a user takes an action. This includes testing that the screen reader can accurately identify and interact with these elements and that users are provided with appropriate feedback on the changes to the page.

Magnification Tools

Magnification tools help users with visual impairments increase the size of the content on their screen, making it easier to read and interact with digital content. To test magnification tools, the product should be checked to ensure that it supports zooming features such as pinch-to-zoom and double-tap-to-zoom. The product should also be checked to ensure that all content is legible and visible at different zoom levels.

When testing magnification tools, it’s important to ensure that all content is legible and visible at different zoom levels. This includes testing that the zoom feature doesn’t cause any distortion or loss of quality in the content, such as blurriness or pixelation. Additionally, it’s important to test that the product’s layout and design remain intact at different zoom levels, and that users are still able to navigate and interact with the product effectively. It’s also important to test that the magnification tool doesn’t cause any unintended scrolling or zooming, which could be disorienting or frustrating for users. Finally, it’s important to test that the magnification tool is consistent across different devices and platforms, ensuring that all users can access and use the feature regardless of their device or operating system.

Keyboard Navigation Tools

Keyboard navigation is an essential navigation feature of any software or web application, especially for people who cannot use a mouse or have limited mobility. In addition to the basic requirements mentioned earlier, there are several best practices that should be followed to ensure that keyboard navigation is effective and user-friendly.

One such best practice is to provide keyboard shortcuts for commonly used functions. These shortcuts can be assigned to specific keys or key combinations and can significantly improve the efficiency of using the application.

Another important aspect of keyboard navigation is ensuring that the keyboard focus is always visible and easily identifiable. The keyboard focus is the element that is currently active and can receive keyboard input. It should be highlighted in some way, such as with a colored border or a different background color, to make it clear which element is currently active.

Furthermore, it is essential to ensure that the tab order of the application is logical and intuitive. The tab order is the order in which the keyboard focus moves from one element to another when the user presses the Tab key. It should follow a logical sequence that matches the visual layout of the application and not skip any important elements.

It is also worth noting that users may have different preferences when it comes to keyboard navigation. Some may prefer to use the arrow keys to navigate between elements, while others may prefer to use the Tab key. Therefore, it is important to provide options for customizing keyboard navigation settings to accommodate different user preferences.

Speech Recognition / Voice Command Tools

Instead of using a keyboard or mouse to interact with a computer or mobile device, users can use voice command tools, which are software applications. A tester can run a number of tests to mimic real-world usage scenarios in order to test the voice command feature.

Firstly, the tester can try using common voice commands that the product claims to support. These commands can include basic tasks such as opening and closing the application, navigating through menus, and selecting options. The tester can also try using more complex commands to ensure that the system can handle more intricate tasks.

Secondly, it is essential to test the speech recognition system’s ability to understand different accents and languages. The tester can record audio samples of users speaking different languages and accents and play them back to the system to check its accuracy in recognising the speech.

Finally, the tester should test the speech recognition system’s ability to work in different environments, including those with background noise. The tester can simulate noisy environments by playing sounds in the background and testing whether the speech recognition system can filter out unwanted noise and accurately recognize the user’s commands.

Braille Displays

A braille terminal, also known as a refreshable braille display, is an electro-mechanical device that displays braille characters using round-tipped pins raised through holes in a flat surface. It is typically used by people with visual impairments who can’t read text output on a regular computer monitor.

It is important to confirm that the product supports braille output and that all content is accessible to users who rely on braille before conducting tests on braille display outputs.

Some other areas to check for are:

Verify compatibility: Check that the software is compatible with the braille display being used. This includes checking that the software can communicate with the display and that the display can receive and display the braille output.

Test different scenarios: Test the software in various scenarios, such as navigating through menus, reading documents, filling out forms, and using other features. This will help ensure that the software’s braille output is consistent and accurate throughout the program.

Test formatting: Check that the braille output is correctly formatted, including proper spacing, indentation, and line breaks. This is important for ensuring that the braille output is easy to read and navigate.

Conclusion

In conclusion, by conducting thorough testing across different domains, product teams can identify and address potential barriers that users may face, making sure that the product is accessible to everyone and hence creating a more equitable and welcoming world for all.

The post Testing Assistive Technologies in a Product appeared first on Indium.

Mobile health is turning into a necessity

The rapid spread of Internet use, fast Internet connections, mobile devices, social networking, etc. has made it possible for creative concepts and inventions to be made for the benefit of digital health. There was a resoundingly positive response to the electronic health record exchange between healthcare professionals and beneficiaries, including patients and their careers. Additionally, individuals with chronic diseases, older people, and those who use such applications or devices would have more control over their own health. It is widely understood and acknowledged that mobile health can enhance the overall healthcare system by offering affordable, effective, and high-quality medical services to people.

The current and future of health care apps are created with the intention of integrating mobile apps and medical devices to monitor chronic conditions in order to achieve prescription adherence, vital monitoring, and precise health alerts, despite the fact that the majority of common health-related apps are primarily concerned with fitness, lifestyle and stress, and diet and nutrition. To make sure that developed apps work well with their service capabilities and are performing as expected, businesses are looking for Quality Assurance services.

Pre-Validation of Medical Devices

Compliance Testing – In order to make a safe and effective medical device, it is every device maker/inventors’ responsibility to adhere to the various regulations and Act. It is added value for the quality team to be aware of those regulations and test the devices accordingly before delivering it in the marketplace.

Device Compatibility and Error Handling Testing – Before speaking of the compatibility of smart medical devices with the mobile apps, it is vital to test the behavior of the device under different error conditions and failures.

Wireless Medical Device Challenges

Security/Data Leak – It is a known fact that when we go for wireless devices, the data are prone to information hacking, transfer of personal/financial information to unreliable sources and may lead to security havoc.

Cochannel and adjacent channel interference – For e.g., In a physician’s waiting room, patients sitting side by side with two or more devices in or on then the Functioning of the device in the presence of other like devices without interference should be ensured.

Data Loss – There is a high chance of data lost due to Data synchronization issue, when the Bluetooth connection is lost, or device gets switched off or gets disconnected and connected to any other open wireless network.

Efforts of Quality Assurance

Testing a medical device is critical as it has a direct impact on a patient’s healthcare. QA has a huge responsibility in ensuring the optimal working of medical devices and for that end-to-end medical device software testing is essential. Here are some testing techniques that can be used:

Authentication Testing – In order to prevent anonymous sensors, clone attacks and other security threats, it is essential for the tester to understand the Authentication system and try to break or bypass it, to report any loopholes at the earliest.

Co-Existence testing – Pass-fail criteria for co-existence testing must be identified and need to be quantified in terms of the critical functions of the device under test as determined by risk assessment.

Data Sync Testing – When wearable apps get synced to each other, the data on the actions performed by the user in Apple Watch or in other devices need to be synced properly without any technical issues.

To trouble shoot this, it is important to test whether passive tracking and active tracking features are implemented.

• Passive Tracking – Periodical Data sync feature should be implemented for passive fitness health tracking. (For e.g., steps tracking)
• Active Tracking – for event-based tracking like exercises which will happen for a defined time.

End-to-end devices testing – To ensure whether patient mobile apps, medical devices software, and Patient Database management systems work seamlessly under various scenarios.

Performance testing – To check the robustness of the connectivity and performance of the connected devices in various sets of situations.

Read our Success Story on Testing a Banking App as well.

App crash Testing – There may be many issues that cause App crash. But few of them can be troubleshooting at the testing phase.

• Network Issue – During System Integration testing, by following the low network coverage testing of the Mobile application it can be captured and reported earlier and can ensure the reliability before it gets crashed in user’s hand.
• Operating System and Device Compatibility Issues – By testing the application for different configurations and operating systems, the optimization of Mobile application can be ensured at least for the device that is widely used by users.
• Memory Leak Issues – Features/functionalities that hold, retrieve, and refresh the data should be identified and tested to ensure that the memory space is released wherever it can be and no excessive use of memory.

Functional testing – To check whether all the functionalities and usability of the UI are on point and how the devices operate in all those modes while being part of the network.

Any technical glitches in medical device software may lead to false diagnosis, misleading EMR and may lead to fatal results to the patients and hence it is in QA’s hands to ensure the proper performance and functioning of the medical devices.

The Dual Strength – Emulators/Simulators and Physical Device Testing

Emulators/Simulators are virtual replications of real smart phones. In the initial stage of development, it is a smart way to run the developed application across several devices and platforms to ensure the functionality/behavior of the application in wide variety of devices and operating systems. Buying 10 to 15 phones for each application that is developed is not a reliable option and hence simulators/emulators are highly recommendable during initial unit testing and for quick debugging. Also, when we consider factors such as Accuracy, User experience, Accessibility, Wireless connections of other smart devices, Memory/Cache/ Storage defects and Security, testing on physical device ensures the stability of the application.

Using Emulators/Simulators in the initial phase and testing on Real devices during system testing provides dual assurance on the application before it is delivered for UAT.

Pre-Production Check List

To ensure nothing is missing before the App launches in Appstore/Play store, the following launch checklist can be followed to ensure that nothing is missing at the last moment.

• App Installation and Launch –To guarantee that once a mobile application is successfully implemented, it will automatically launch or start. Any application’s initial impact is created by this. Aside from the registered credentials, all data from the application should be properly deleted upon uninstalling.
• Compatibility of application for different network spectra like 2G/3G/4G/5G and so on
• Test by installing all necessary social media apps and installing the application that is developed.
• Application Ratings and reviews in Appstore/Play store
• Loading and installation time taken
• App walkthrough guide for the application for the first-time user
• When system receives incoming call – app should go to minimize mode
• Behavior of application when device receives SMS.
• Cancelling the App installation and checking the system restores to its original state and no partial/broken app should be installed.
• Behavior of application on Low battery/ weak network
• Working of the application after restart of the mobile
• Orientation of view – Behavior of Application when the Device in Landscape and in Portrait mode depends upon the business requirement.
• Auto resume of application on Network availability
• Appstore/Play store should have only an Open option instead of install option for if the Application is already installed in the device.
• Monkey test – split screen / open multiple apps / rigorously scroll app top to bottom.
• Payment / GPS functionality in other apps as well
• Uninstallation removes complete cache and other data from storage.
• Mobile device Connectivity test for – USB, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi etc.
• Localization and Time zone test

It is widely acknowledged fact that the innovative invention of these smart medical devices and digital healthcare applications are life-improving technologies, and it has immensely increased the pressure on medical devices manufacturers and health care service providers to deliver a product with greater quality that is best in performance.

This can only be accomplished through a concerted effort between solid development and unwavering Quality Assurance. Technology will always be a blessing for people because it provides health care products with life-saving features, user-friendliness, reliability, security, and high device quality standards.

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