The Test Environment Management Plan Template
Two Questions
Two question we often get asked at Enov8 is where does one begin and/or can you provide a good example. In response to the first question, where does one begin we often point them back to two key reference points.The IEEE’s recommended minimum standard for process for Configuration Management.
An overarching guideline for Test Environment Maturity.
Firstly, because at the heart of Test Environment Management is Configuration Management. There is no getting away from it, the heart of good TEM is Identification, Managements, Status Accounting & Audit. And secondly TEM is more than simply Configuration Management, TEM has associated “nuances” that move into the wider world of Agile, ITSM & ITOM. In response to the second, can we provide a good example we often scratch our head 🙁 … You see, the problem with providing an example is there are not many good samples of a Test Environment Plan available online. In fact, it is often hard enough to find “good” Configuration Management Plans, and people have been writing these since the seventies. So, with that in mind, we decided to put together a template (a simple guideline) that other people can follow and leverage. A template that shares many of the structural elements you might expect to find in a Configuration Management Plan, but with an extra twist aligned to the IT & Test Environment Management Maturity Index.Example TEM Plan Template Structure
Test Environment Management Plan (Light Version)1 Introduction
Tip: Initial TEM introduction, scoping & context. 1.1 Purpose of the TEM Plan 1.2 Scope of Document Tip: In addition to TEM process we suggest you describe at a high level, your Test Environment(s) your supporting here. 1.3 Definitions, Acronyms and Abbreviations 1.4 Document References 1.5 Document Overview2 The TEM Team Structure
Tip: High Level overview of TEM team structure & enablers. 2.1 Organisation 2.2 Responsibilities 2.3 Tools & Infrastructure3 The TEM Process
Tip: Define how each primary process will be realized (think People, Process & Tools) 3.1 Knowledge Management Refer: Mapping your Environments. 3.2 Demand Management 3.3 Planning & Coordination 3.4 Service Management 3.5 Data Operations 3.6 Application Operations 3.7 Infrastructure Operations 3.8 Status Accounting & Reporting4 Plan Outcomes
Outline the primary benefits of implementing this Test Environment Management plan. For example: The intention / benefits of implementing this plan can be summarized as follow:- End to End visibility of Test Environments
- End to End Visibility of Activity
- Operational Standardization
- Increased DevTest productivity
- Reduced Environment Incidents / Disruption
- Accelerated IT Project Delivery
- IT Cost Optimization / Controlled Spend i.e. spend based on need & usage.
5 Implementation Project Plan
Tip” Describe how we will get there. 5.0 Project Resources 5.1 Delivery Milestone Plan 5.2 Actor Training Plan 5.3 Optimization Plan6 Appendix
A Concise Download Version
For a more concise version of above (with section explanations) please download our PDF example.Post Authoring Review
Happy with your document and/or new processes?- Hold regular retrospectives with stakeholders & team members to get ideas for improvement.
- And use our online EMMI calculator to compare it against the EMMI methodology.
Relevant Articles
What is Data Driven Testing? An Introductory Guide
Compared to about 100 years ago when I was a junior test engineer, software testing has evolved far beyond running a handful of manual test cases. As systems grow more complex, testers and developers need approaches that ensure coverage, accuracy, and...
What is a Software Release? A Comprehensive Explanation
More than ever, delivering high-quality software efficiently is crucial for businesses. One term that frequently comes up in this context is "software release." But what exactly is a software release, and why is it so important? Defining Software Release A software...
Lower vs Upper Environments Explained and Compared
In the dynamic world of software development, where speed, precision, and quality are non-negotiable, the effective management of IT and test environments is the linchpin that determines the success of projects. Environments serve as the critical stages where...
Deployment Strategies: 7 to Consider and How to Choose
It’s common to hear people referring to their deployment strategy as “DevOps,” but that’s not quite accurate. DevOps is a philosophy and culture, while deployment strategies are more narrowly focused on the actual steps used to deploy software. A deployment strategy...
A Detailed Guide to Test Data in Auditing
Test data plays an important role in the world of auditing, yet it is not always well understood. There’s nuance here that’s important to understand. When auditors need to assess whether financial systems, applications, or controls are working as intended,...
Using Production Data for Software Testing
In the world of software development, testing is an essential process that ensures the quality and reliability of a product before it is released to the public. However, traditional testing methods often rely on artificial or simulated data, which can lead to...