Quality Drift
Definition
Result quality changes during operation.
Quality drift refers to a change in the measured outcome quality over time, for example due to different inputs, data, or system states.
Simply explained
A scale initially provides accurate values but increasingly deviates later on.
Why it matters in practice
A single good test is not sufficient for permanently reliable applications.
Example from business
A hypothetical support assistant answers new product topics worse than the original test cases.
Limits and pitfalls
- Quality loss is a finding, not a complete explanation of its cause.
Origin & history
The term combines operational monitoring with the general concept of drift.
Use in mid-sized companies
- Observe fixed reference cases and current samples together.
Frequently asked questions
Is every fluctuation drift?
Individual random fluctuations must be separated from permanent changes.
Sources
Editorially reviewed on: