Effective test management is essential for delivering high-quality software on time. TestRail simplifies this process with powerful features like Test Runs and Test Results, enabling teams to track progress, analyse outcomes, and improve workflows.
Core concepts
What is a test run?
In TestRail, a test run represents a set of test cases executed during a testing cycle. Test runs are typically created for each iteration of testing - such as a sprint in agile development - or for each release.
The key elements in a test run include the list of test cases, the person responsible for executing them, and the status of each test (whether it passed, failed, skipped or blocked).
What are test results?
Test results document the outcome of each test case in a run, showing whether it passed, failed, or encountered issues. This detailed data helps teams assess application health and provides transparency for stakeholders like QA managers and project leads.
Why are these important for your success?
Real-time tracking of test progress
Test runs and test results allow teams to track testing progress in real time. Managers and team leads can get immediate visibility into which tests have passed or failed, which tests are blocked or skipped, and where issues are occurring in the testing process.
This transparency helps identify bottlenecks early, supports quick decision-making, and allows for adjustments to keep the project on track.
Centralized repository of test knowledge
TestRail acts as a centralized hub for all your test-related information. By maintaining a record of each test run, the outcomes of executed tests, and the issues encountered during the execution period, teams can leverage historical data for future testing cycles.
This historical data is invaluable for:
- Identifying recurring issues,
- Improving test coverage,
- Ensuring consistency across testing cycles.
Data-driven decision making
With the support of TestRail’s reporting and analytics features, QA teams can analyse their results to identify trends over time.
For example, if certain test cases repeatedly fail, the Dev team can focus on improving those areas of the application. Moreover, reports can be generated to help project managers assess the overall readiness of the product and make informed decisions about releases.
Best practices for maximizing these features
1. Set clear test case objectives
Before creating a Test Run, ensure that the test cases that will be included are well-defined, with clear objectives and expected outcomes. This makes it easier for testers to execute the tests and for the team to understand what each test is trying to validate.
Well-defined test cases lead to accurate test results and more actionable data.
2. Use TestRail's filters and custom fields
TestRail allows users to filter test runs by various criteria (e.g., passed, failed, blocked, etc.).
Custom fields can also be added to capture additional context. Teams should take advantage of these features to track specific types of tests (such as critical tests or smoke tests) and generate tailored reports based on custom parameters. This provides stakeholders with better visibility into key areas that require attention and ensures the focus remains on high-priority issues.
3. Assign tests based on expertise
Assign test cases within a Test Run based on team members’ strengths and areas of expertise.
TestRail makes it easy to assign test cases to specific testers, and this allows the team to ensure that the right person is responsible for testing the right components.
By leveraging specialized knowledge, the team can produce more accurate and thorough test results.
4. Track blocked and failed tests promptly
Testers should update TestRail immediately when a test is blocked or fails providing as much detail as possible such as error messages, screenshots, logs.
This ensures clear communication and allows issues to be addressed quickly. Blocked tests should be flagged so the team can resolve dependencies and continue with testing without unnecessary delays.
5. Utilize TRCLI for seamless test automation integration
TRCLI (TestRail Command Line Interface) is a powerful tool for integrating automated test results directly into TestRail.
By using TRCLI, teams can easily push results from automated testing frameworks into TestRail, reducing manual data entry and ensuring that all testing efforts. This integration saves time and ensures that all testing efforts — both manual and automated — are tracked in one centralized location.
It also provides a comprehensive view of test coverage and progress, helping teams make more informed decisions based on the complete scope of testing efforts.
6. Maintain detailed test results
When logging test results, always include comprehensive information such as steps taken, logs, screenshots, or videos where possible. Detailed test results help diagnose issues faster and provide valuable insights for future testing cycles.
These detailed records can be used to refine test cases and improve overall test coverage, ensuring a more robust testing process.
7. Regularly review test run metrics
Establish regular checkpoints to review test run metrics (e.g., pass/fail rates, testing progress, coverage gaps). It’s possible to gather these insights through Reports, which you can trigger its creation directly from the Test Runs & Results module.
Teams should use this data to refine their testing strategy, improve test efficiency, and ensure that testing aligns with business goals. Data-driven decisions can help the team shift focus to high-risk areas and avoid unnecessary tests.
8. Foster a collaborative culture
TestRail facilitates collaboration among team members by providing real-time data on the status of test cases and results.
To maximize this benefit, teams should hold regular review sessions to discuss test results, share insights, and brainstorm solutions for recurrent issues. This will foster a knowledge-sharing culture that enhances the overall testing process.
9. Keep historical test results accessible
TestRail's historical test data is invaluable for retrospective analysis. Ensure that past Test runs and results are not deleted prematurely.
Historical data helps teams track improvements over time, identify long-term trends, and avoid repeating mistakes.