Purpose

Defects by State is used to monitor how many defects at a point in time are in each defect state (e.g. open, review, testing, and closed). This information is used to help understand the state of the project.

Definition

Count: number of project defects in each defect state for the reporting period

This metric can also be tracked at the program level.

Analysis

During a project cycle, most defects should be resolved or closed. A substantial number of defects that are new or in progress might indicate a problem with the product or result from increased testing activity.

In the example report below, the majority of defects are closed.

Collection and reporting tools

IBM® Rational® ClearQuest®, IBM® Rational® Team Concert®  and IBM® Rational® Quality Manager®  collect Defect data by state. IBM® Rational® Insight® reports on this metric.