Inspection is more formalized than a walkthrough, typically with 3-8 people including a MODERATOR, reader, and a recorder to take notes. The subject of the inspection is typically a DOCUMENT such as a requirements spec or a test PLAN, and the purpose is to FIND problems and see whats missing, not to fix anything. Attendees should prepare for this type of meeting by reading through the document; most problems will be found during this preparation. The result of the inspection meeting should be a written report. Thorough preparation for INSPECTIONS is difficult, painstaking work, but is one of the most cost effective methods of ensuring quality. Employees who are most skilled at inspections are like the eldest brother in the parable in Why is it often hard for management to get serious about quality assurance.

Inspection is more formalized than a walkthrough, typically with 3-8 people including a moderator, reader, and a recorder to take notes. The subject of the inspection is typically a document such as a requirements spec or a test plan, and the purpose is to find problems and see whats missing, not to fix anything. Attendees should prepare for this type of meeting by reading through the document; most problems will be found during this preparation. The result of the inspection meeting should be a written report. Thorough preparation for inspections is difficult, painstaking work, but is one of the most cost effective methods of ensuring quality. Employees who are most skilled at inspections are like the eldest brother in the parable in Why is it often hard for management to get serious about quality assurance.