A few months back we released the Quality Ready Assessment (QRA), a fancy web based tool to help people measure their overall software quality level. We knew we wanted to create something that could provide quantifiable measurements about a subject that oftentimes is looked at as the eating right and exercise of software development.
“Yes I know that I should focus more on software quality but have you ever tasted bacon? It’s freaking awesome.”
Anyhow, did you know that 80% of the people that have taken the assessment so far use some kind of SCM tool? Of course you didn’t I just told you that, but that’s like 4 out of every 5 respondant. Wait, that’s exactly 4 out of every 5. What do you know, 5th grade math did come in useful.
Note to self: Send thank you/apology card to fifth grade teacher.
Anyway, lots of interesting patterns can be found by looking at the data. For example:
“It looks like most shops use an SCM tool now, but a large percentage of the time it is a stand alone system.”
“Companies in the financial services industry sure like integrated toolsets.”
“Companies in the greasy spoon breakfast diner industry don’t seem to care much at all.”
Going back to the first stat though, that means that 20% do NOT use an SCM system. This got me curious about the overall quality practice level of shops that use SCM vs. those that do not. Since I happen to know people who know people I was able to get that comparison report created. The numbers are enlightening:
In the Track metric SCM users scored 62% higher than non-SCM users.
In the Test metric SCM users scored 47% higher than non-SCM users.
In the Automated metric SCM users scored 70% higher than non-SCM users.
In the Change metric SCM users score a whopping 120% higher than non-SCM users.
I don’t need my 5th grade math to tell me that is a huge difference. It also highlights just how fundamental a SCM system is to software development and how its usage indicates a higher level of overall skill. I have to admit though, I never expected the numbers to be so big. Moral of the story, use SCM. It will absolutely help you ship a quality product. Oh and try to cut back on the bacon, it’s all about moderation people.
