A Benchmark in Performance Testing is a metric or a point of reference against which software products or services can be compared to assess the quality measures. In other words, Benchmark means a set standard that helps to determine the quality of a software product or service. We can benchmark a software product or service to assess its quality.
Benchmark Testing measures a repeatable set of quantifiable results that serves as a point of reference against which products/services can be compared. The purpose of benchmark testing results is to compare the present and future software releases with their respective benchmarks. A benchmark must be repeatable. For instance, with every iteration of the load test, if the response times vary too much, system performance must be benchmarked. Response time needs to be stable amongst different load conditions.
A benchmark must be quantifiable. For example, the user experience cannot be quantified in numbers, but the time a user spends on a webpage due to good UI can be quantified. Benchmark Testing is not a term related to just software testing, but it also deals with Hardware Testing and is considered one of the most important tasks in the business world.
Why Benchmark Testing is important?
At the business level, benchmark testing can be helpful in determining
- How well a web-based application is performing with respect to the competitors
- How different types of customers experience the response time and availability of a site
- It ensures that websites comply with standards and best practices
- It enables to evaluate third-party service providers prior to making a contracting decision
- Allows to figure out the mistakes to be avoided
How to Do Benchmark Testing
There are 4 phases involved in Benchmark Testing:
Step 1) Planning Phase
- Identifying and prioritizing standards and requirements
- Decide benchmark criteria
- Define benchmark test process
Step 2) Analysis Phase
- Identify the root cause of the error to improve quality
- Setting goals for the test process
Step 3) Integration Phase
- Share outcomes with the concerned person and get approval
- Establish functional goals
Step 4) Action Phase
- Develop test plan and documentation
- Implement actions specified in previous phases and monitor progress
- Run the process continuously