Escaped Defects Per Release

Related KPIs

Escaped Defects Per Release Interpretation

High EDPR values indicate significant quality issues, suggesting that defects are slipping through testing phases and reaching customers. This often results in increased support costs and potential damage to brand reputation. Conversely, low EDPR values reflect effective quality assurance processes and a commitment to operational excellence. Ideal targets typically fall below a threshold of 5% of total defects.

• <1% – Exceptional quality; minimal customer impact
• 1–3% – Good quality; minor adjustments may be needed
• 3–5% – Acceptable; requires further investigation
• >5% – Poor quality; immediate corrective actions necessary

Escaped Defects Per Release Benchmarks

• Industry average for software development: 4% (Gartner)
• Top quartile performance: 1.5% (Forrester)

Common Pitfalls

Many organizations overlook the importance of tracking escaped defects, leading to a reactive rather than proactive approach to quality management.

• Failing to integrate testing throughout the development lifecycle can result in late-stage defects. This often leads to rushed fixes that compromise product integrity and customer satisfaction.
• Neglecting to analyze defect root causes prevents teams from addressing systemic issues. Without this insight, similar defects are likely to recur, eroding trust in the product.
• Overemphasis on speed can lead to quality shortcuts. Prioritizing rapid releases over thorough testing often results in higher defect rates and increased costs.
• Inadequate training for development and QA teams can create knowledge gaps. Teams may lack the skills needed to identify and resolve defects effectively, leading to higher EDPR.

Improvement Levers

Enhancing product quality requires a multifaceted approach that prioritizes prevention and continuous improvement.

• Implement automated testing tools to catch defects early in the development process. Automation increases coverage and reduces human error, leading to more reliable releases.
• Foster a culture of quality by involving all team members in quality assurance practices. Encouraging ownership of quality at every stage helps reduce defects and improve overall performance.
• Conduct regular retrospectives to analyze defect trends and identify improvement opportunities. This practice promotes a data-driven decision-making process that enhances product quality.
• Invest in ongoing training for development and QA teams to keep skills current. Well-trained teams are better equipped to identify potential defects and implement effective solutions.

Escaped Defects Per Release Case Study Example

A leading tech firm, specializing in cloud-based solutions, faced challenges with its Escaped Defects Per Release (EDPR) metric, which had risen to 6% over the last year. This increase was causing significant customer dissatisfaction and mounting support costs. The executive team recognized the need for a comprehensive quality improvement strategy to regain customer trust and stabilize revenue streams. To address the issue, the company initiated a "Quality First" program, which involved cross-functional collaboration between development, QA, and product management teams. The program emphasized early testing and continuous integration practices, ensuring that defects were identified and resolved before reaching customers. Additionally, the company invested in advanced analytics tools to track defect patterns and root causes. Within six months, the firm successfully reduced its EDPR to 2%, significantly enhancing customer satisfaction ratings. The proactive measures led to a decrease in support tickets by 40%, allowing the company to reallocate resources towards innovation and new feature development. This shift not only improved operational efficiency but also positioned the firm as a leader in quality within its industry, driving higher customer retention and increased market share.