Migrate from Zephyr to BrowserStack Test Management

Zephyr, widely used for test case management within Jira, often requires additional tools and manual effort to manage test execution, track results, and support automation workflows. This fragmented approach can lead to inefficiencies, limited traceability, and slower release cycles.

BrowserStack Test Management provides a unified solution that combines test case creation, execution tracking, and reporting, integrated with both manual and automated testing on real devices and browsers. By consolidating these functions into a single platform, teams can reduce tool overhead, increase test coverage, and streamline their QA processes.

This article outlines the key reasons to migrate from Zephyr to BrowserStack Test Management for test management and provides a step-by-step guide to ensure a smooth transition.

Features & Limitations of Zephyr

Zephyr provides essential test management capabilities for teams using Jira, enabling them to create, organize, and track manual test cases. However, as testing requirements grow, particularly in automation, scalability, and integration, several limitations become apparent.

Key Features:

• Test Case Authoring and Organization: Allows users to create, edit, clone, and categorize test cases within Jira projects, supporting test cycles, folders, and versions.
• Test Execution Management: Supports planning and tracking of test executions across test cycles, with the ability to record outcomes, comments, and attach evidence.
• Jira-Native Traceability: Offers direct linkage between test cases, requirements (stories/epics), and defects, enabling basic traceability within Jira’s issue-tracking environment.
• Basic Reporting and Metrics: Provides standard reports such as test execution status, requirement coverage, and defect trends via Jira dashboards and gadgets.
• Manual Testing Support: Facilitates end-to-end workflows for manual test case design, assignment, and execution.

Limitations:

• No Native Automation Integration: Zephyr does not execute or manage automated tests directly. Integrations with CI tools (like Jenkins) and custom APIs are required to sync automation results, which increases setup and maintenance overhead.
• Disconnected Manual and Automated Workflows: Manual and automated test results are tracked separately, often requiring manual syncing or custom scripts, leading to fragmented reporting.
• Limited Execution Insights: Execution data lacks real-time visibility and depth, such as detailed logs, screenshots, or environment metadata, especially for automated runs.
• Scalability Bottlenecks: Managing large volumes of test cases or executions can impact Jira performance. There’s limited support for organizing or filtering at scale.
• No Built-In Test Infrastructure: Zephyr does not include device/browser labs, so integration with external testing platforms is necessary for running tests across different environments.

Pre-Migration Checklist

Before migrating from Zephyr to BrowserStack Test Management, it is essential to evaluate and organize your current test management environment. The checklist below outlines key areas to address before beginning the transition.

1. Inventory Existing Test Assets

• Compile all test cases, test cycles, test plans, and associated metadata stored in Zephyr.
• Identify which items need to be migrated, archived, or excluded based on relevance and usage.

2. Review Project Structure

• Analyze the current organization of test cases (e.g., folders, components, or Jira projects).
• Document folder structures, naming conventions, and labels to maintain consistency post-migration.

3. Map Traceability Links

• Record the relationships between test cases, user stories, requirements, and defects.
• Ensure these associations can be re-established in BrowserStack Test Management after migration.

4. Export Test Data

• Export test cases, steps, execution results, and attachments from Zephyr using CSV, API, or other supported methods.
• Review the exported data for completeness and proper formatting.

5. Assess Automation Integration

• Identify how automated test results are currently integrated into Zephyr.
• Prepare to set up equivalent or improved integrations using BrowserStack Test Management’s APIs or automation reporting features.

6. Define Migration Scope and Responsibilities

• Clarify which projects, teams, and test suites are included in the migration.
• Assign roles for data preparation, validation, and post-migration verification.

7. Review User Access and Roles

• Audit current user roles and permissions in Zephyr.
• Plan equivalent role configurations in BrowserStack Test Management to maintain appropriate access controls.

8. Create a Backup and Version Snapshot

• Back up all Zephyr-related data to prevent any accidental loss during migration.
• Optionally, create versioned snapshots or documentation of test cases for audit or rollback purposes.

Exporting Test Case Data from Zephyr

Before migrating to BrowserStack Test Management, exporting test cases from Zephyr in a structured and complete format is essential. This step ensures that all relevant data, such as test steps, priorities, and attachments, can be reviewed, mapped, and imported accurately.

Access the Test Repository

Navigate to the “Test Repository” in Zephyr and select the relevant project and release that contain the test cases to be exported.

Select Test Cases or Folders

Choose individual test cases using checkboxes or select entire folders/releases through the folder-level export option. This allows for exporting in bulk based on your organizational structure.

Choose Export Format and Fields

Use the export option to select a preferred file format such as Excel (XLSX), Word, PDF, HTML, or XML. Specify which fields to include, such as test steps, expected results, status, and any custom fields, ensuring that all required data is captured.

Initiate Export and Download

Once the configuration is set, confirm the export. After processing, the file will be available for download. Ensure the file is stored securely and is accessible to the migration team.

Validate Exported Data 

Review the exported file to ensure completeness and accuracy. Confirm that test steps, attachments, and key metadata have been exported correctly. If traceability (such as linked Jira issues or defects) is not included, document these links separately for re-creation in BrowserStack Test Management.

Importing Test Case Data into BrowserStack Test Management

BrowserStack Test Management provides a built-in Quick Import feature to seamlessly migrate test cases and related data from both Zephyr Scale and Zephyr Squad. This utility helps teams accelerate onboarding without manual restructuring.

Zephyr Scale Import

• Connect to Jira and Zephyr Scale
  Use the Quick Import tool in BrowserStack Test Management to connect to your Jira instance. Provide the Jira host, credentials, and a Zephyr Scale API token to establish access.
• Select Projects for Import
  Choose the relevant Zephyr Scale projects that contain the test cases, test plans, and test runs you want to migrate.
• Start Import and Track Progress
  Initiate the import process and monitor real-time progress through the import logs. These logs include counts of imported entities, timestamps, and user actions.
• Review Import Summary
  Once completed, an import summary shows successful imports and any errors encountered. Details of failed entries can be reviewed and reattempted if needed.

Zephyr Squad Import

• Configure Access
  Set up connectivity by entering Jira host details, user credentials, and permissions for accessing Zephyr Squad data.
• Import Test Artifacts
  BrowserStack Test Management imports test cases, titles, priorities, statuses, BDD scenarios, and custom fields, maintaining structure and classification.
• Monitor and Confirm
  The process is logged similarly to Zephyr Scale imports, with visibility into how many test cases and runs have been migrated.

Common Capabilities

• Traceability Preservation
  The import process preserves metadata such as test case hierarchy, priorities, and BDD specifications to maintain test coverage integrity.
• Post-Import Logs and Notifications
  Detailed logs are generated for every import session, and stakeholders receive email notifications upon completion. Once relevant access is granted, any unmapped users or items are queued for follow-up.

Post-Migration Validation

Once the migration to BrowserStack Test Management is complete, perform the following checks to ensure data accuracy and readiness for use:

• Verify Test Case Structure: Ensure folders, test cases, and plans are organized correctly and reflect the original hierarchy from Zephyr.
• Check Test Case Details: Confirm that test steps, expected results, priorities, and custom fields are correctly imported and complete.
• Validate Traceability Links: Review the associations between test cases and Jira issues. Re-establish any missing links manually if needed.
• Review User Assignments: Make sure test cases and plans are assigned to the correct users. Resolve any unassigned items from the import.
• Test Automation Integration: Run a sample automated test to verify integration and result reporting into BrowserStack Test Management.
• Run Sample Executions: Execute a few test cases manually to ensure proper status updates and result logging.
• Check Reports and Dashboards: Review test metrics and reporting views to confirm data consistency and completeness.

Best Practices for Migration

Adopting a structured approach during migration helps minimize errors, maintain data integrity, and ensure team readiness. Below are recommended best practices:

• Start Small: Begin with a pilot project to validate the process before full-scale migration.
• Clean Up Data: Remove outdated or duplicate test cases in Zephyr to avoid clutter.
• Use Consistent Naming: Standardize names and tags to maintain clarity after import.
• Document Traceability: Keep records of links between test cases, Jira issues, and defects for post-migration validation.
• Assign Clear Roles: Define responsibilities for preparation, validation, and access control.
• Validate Before Switch-Off: Ensure all data is checked and functional before decommissioning Zephyr.
• Train Your Team: Provide quick onboarding to help users adapt to BrowserStack’s test management features.

Why Choose BrowserStack Test Management?

BrowserStack Test Management provides a comprehensive solution for managing the entire testing lifecycle, from test planning to execution and reporting. It is designed to meet the needs of teams looking to scale, integrate, and streamline their QA processes.

• End-to-End Visibility: Test case management, execution tracking, and reporting are all available in a single platform, enabling clear traceability across both manual and automated tests.
• Built-in Infrastructure: Access to over 3500+ real devices and browsers allows teams to run cross-platform tests instantly, without the need to maintain separate testing environments.
• Seamless Automation Integration: BrowserStack Test Management integrates easily with CI/CD pipelines and supports leading test frameworks, enabling real-time test result reporting and faster feedback cycles.
• Improved Team Collaboration: Testing tasks can be assigned, executed, and tracked centrally, allowing QA, development, and product teams to work together more effectively.
• Actionable Reporting: Built-in dashboards and reports provide insights into test coverage, execution progress, and defect trends for better decision making.
• Flexible Toolchain Compatibility: Unlike Zephyr, BrowserStack Test Management does not rely solely on Jira, giving teams more flexibility to integrate with their existing tools and workflows.
• Enterprise Grade Scalability: The platform supports large-scale test operations, including high test volumes, distributed teams, and complex release cycles.

Talk to an Expert

Conclusion

Migrating from Zephyr to BrowserStack Test Management is more than just a tool switch. It is a strategic upgrade toward faster, more efficient, and better integrated testing. While Zephyr focuses primarily on manual test management within Jira, BrowserStack Test Management provides a complete platform that brings together test case management, real device testing, automation integration, and actionable reporting, all in one place.

BrowserStack Test Management is designed for teams that want to move quickly without compromising quality. It simplifies the entire testing lifecycle, supports both manual and automated workflows, and scales effortlessly with your projects and teams.

With native support for CI/CD, flexible project structures, and access to real browser and device infrastructure, it eliminates the limitations of siloed testing tools.

For teams aiming to accelerate releases, improve traceability, and reduce QA overhead, BrowserStack offers a future-ready solution built for speed, scale, and simplicity.