[4] A test can be considered an observation or experiment that determines one or more characteristics of a given sample, product, process, or service.
In software development, engineering, science, manufacturing, and business, its developers, researchers, manufacturers, and related personnel must understand and agree upon methods of obtaining data and making measurements.
However, even more important is choosing a method of measuring the correct property or characteristic.
[2][3] For example, if a manufactured item has several components, test methods may have several levels of connections: These connections or correlations may be based on published literature, engineering studies, or formal programs such as quality function deployment.
[4] Quality management systems usually require full documentation of the procedures used in a test.