Quality Assurance vs Software Testing

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November 18, 2025

In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, delivering reliable software goes beyond simply finding bugs—it’s about embedding quality at every stage of development. According to an IBM System Sciences Institute study, every $1 invested in prevention saves $10 in correction and $100 in failure costs.
At Sogeti Ireland, we believe that Quality Assurance and Software Testing are not competing forces, but complementary disciplines that, when combined, drive software excellence and ensure robust, scalable solutions for our clients.

Understanding the Difference: Quality Assurance (QA) vs Testing

Software Testing involves executing code to identify defects and confirm that applications function as intended. It’s a reactive process focused on validation.
Quality Assurance (QA) is proactive, shaping the entire development lifecycle by embedding standards, refining workflows, and preventing issues before they occur.

Think of QA as the architect and Testing as the inspector—both are essential for building high-quality, long-lasting software

Synergising QA and Testing

At Sogeti Ireland, we integrate QA and Testing to create a seamless, high-performing software delivery pipeline:

QA sets the foundation by defining standards, optimising processes, and fostering cross-functional collaboration.
Testing validates outcomes, ensuring products meet both business goals and user expectations.

This integrated approach accelerates releases, reduces defects, and enhances user satisfaction.

Quick Comparison

Criteria	Software Testing	Quality Assurance
Objective	Find and report defects	Prevent defects through process control
Timing	During and after development	From the earliest planning stages
Responsibility	Testers	Everyone – QA leads, developers, PMs
Deliverables	Test cases, bug reports, test summaries	Quality plans, standards, improvement strategies
Focus	Short-term validation	Long-term improvement and sustainability

The Strategic Edge of Quality-First Testing

Adopting a quality-first mindset transforms testing into a strategic advantage:

Fewer defects reach the testing phase
Higher customer satisfaction through alignment with user needs
Enhanced usability with early UX focus
Reduced rework, boosting productivity
Continuous improvement embedded in every sprint

Our Quality Engineering & Testing Services

Our services are designed to scale with your needs:

Embrace emerging technologies such as GenAI for innovative solutions
Implement shift-left testing and DevSecOps to integrate quality from the start
Foster cross-functional collaboration, making quality a shared responsibility
Offer Testing as a Service (TaaS) and Quality as a Service (QaaS) tailored to your organisation’s maturity
Leverage automation, continuous feedback, and robust governance for rapid, reliable delivery

QA Impact Comparison: Traditional vs Sogeti Ireland Approach

	Defect Trends	Automation Percentage	Cost of Quality
Traditional QA	35	40%	€25
Sogeti QA	10 (Lower is better)	85% (Higher is better)	€12 (Lower is better)

This comparison highlights how Sogeti’s approach significantly improves quality, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.

Final Thoughts

Quality Assurance and Testing are two sides of the same coin. Together, they empower teams to deliver better software—faster, more reliably, and with greater confidence.

Discover more about Sogeti Ireland’s Quality Engineering & Testing services or contact us for a personalised consultation.