Zephyr Plugins For Excel
Overview
Welcome to the definitive resource for maximizing your test management with Zephyr plugins for Excel. Zephyr plugins bridge the gap between comprehensive test case management and the familiar flexibility of Excel, offering a seamless integration that enhances productivity and traceability in software testing. On this page, we'll explore what Zephyr is, delve into the pivotal plugins that connect Zephyr with Excel, outline common use cases to leverage this powerful synergy, and provide answers to frequently asked questions, ensuring that you have all the knowledge at your fingertips to streamline your testing process.
What is Zephyr?
Zephyr is an agile test management software tool that is designed to streamline and enhance test management workflows. With its ability to integrate with Jira, it connects seamlessly with CI/CD tools, supporting a robust continuous testing process. Additionally, Zephyr is equipped to support test automation tools, allowing teams to perform both manual and automated test executions efficiently.
The tool offers real-time test management reports, enabling teams to make informed decisions quickly. Zephyr's support for shifting left means it can be integrated early in the development cycle, and its ability to connect with systems that capture customer feedback ensures that user insights are incorporated into the testing process. Furthermore, Zephyr provides flexible deployment options to meet diverse organizational needs.
Zephyr Plugins for Excel
Zephyr Scale 7.2 and Excel Import Limitations
Zephyr Scale version 7.2 and later versions do not support the direct import of test cases from Excel. Users attempting to import data should be aware that Excel time cells and formulas are not compatible with the import process. To ensure successful data transfer, time cells must be manually converted to text format, and users should not rely on Excel to calculate or evaluate formulas as these will not be processed during import.
Importing from Excel Using a Wizard
To facilitate the import of test cases from Excel to Zephyr Scale, users can utilize a dedicated wizard that accepts .xlsx files. However, it is important to note that only the first worksheet tab of an Excel workbook is considered during the import process.
Supported System Fields for Import
When importing from Excel, several system fields are available, with the Name field being mandatory. Other fields such as Precondition, Objective, Test Script (Steps) - Step, and Test Script (Steps) - Expected Result support line breaks. The Folder field can interpret folder structures demarcated by slashes, and fields like Status, Priority, Component, Labels, and Owner accept names or short sentences, with Owner specifically requiring the key of existing Jira users. The Estimated Time field recognizes time in seconds or the format hh:mm, and the Coverage field can contain a list of issue keys separated by commas.
Excel Add-Ons and Import Requirements
Zephyr's add-ons for Excel require files to be in XLS or XLSX format and do not support files with merged cells. It's also mandated that only the data from the first tab of an Excel file can be imported, and each row should represent a single requirement for clarity. Standardization of Excel spreadsheets is recommended to achieve optimal results during the import process.
Common Use Cases
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Use case 1: Importing requirements from Excel spreadsheets into Zephyr for creating test casesZ
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Use case 2: Exporting test cases from Zephyr to Excel format for reporting and analysisZ
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Use case 3: Updating execution of test cases in Zephyr and logging defects using data from ExcelZ
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Use case 4: Mapping Excel spreadsheet columns to Zephyr fields for bulk import of test requirementsZ
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Use case 5: Creating import jobs in Zephyr to regularly update test cases from Excel filesZ
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I import my Excel test cases directly into Zephyr Scale 7.2 and later versions?
No, Zephyr Scale 7.2 and later versions do not support direct importing from Excel. Excel files need to be saved as CSV for import.
What should I do if my Excel file has formulas or time cells when importing into Zephyr Scale?
The Zephyr plugin for Excel does not calculate or evaluate formulas during import and Excel time cells are not importable. They must be changed to text format before importing.
How many worksheet tabs from an Excel workbook can I import into Zephyr Scale?
Only the first worksheet tab in an Excel workbook can be imported.
What fields can I import from an Excel file into Zephyr Scale?
You can import various system fields such as Name, Precondition, Objective, Test Script, Folder, Status, Priority, Component, Labels, Owner, Estimated Time, and Coverage.
What happens to folders that do not exist in Zephyr Scale during the import process?
Non-existing folders specified in the import file will be created during the import process.
Conclusion
While the Zephyr Excel plugin offers a range of features for test management within Jira, such as creating test plans and writing test cases, it comes with certain limitations, including the inability to import Excel time cells, to calculate or evaluate formulas, and restrictions to only the first worksheet tab. Furthermore, for Zephyr Scale versions before 7.2, an Excel import wizard is available, yet files must be formatted and in .xlsx format for successful importing. Despite these constraints, Zephyr remains a widely-used solution that enhances test organization and project management. However, if you are looking for a more streamlined and direct way to import data into spreadsheets, consider using Sourcetable. With Sourcetable, you can bypass the need for a plugin and import your data effortlessly. Sign up for Sourcetable today to get started and simplify your workflow.
