title: Executing and monitoring tests description: Refreshing tests, analyzing results and compliance monitoring in Tidal Control sidebar_position: 2

Executing and monitoring tests

Manually refreshing tests

Tests in Tidal Control can be manually refreshed to get the most current compliance status, especially useful after configuration changes or for audit preparation.

Individual test refresh

When to use individual refresh:

After changes in related controls or assets
For important tests before management reporting
When suspecting outdated test results
For validation after remediation actions

Individual refresh process:

Click on test name in Tests overview to open details
Find Refresh button top right in test detail page
Click "Refresh" to re-execute test
Wait for completion - Test status update may take several seconds
Check new results in Last results section

Test detail refresh

Bulk test refresh

When to use bulk refresh:

After major configuration changes in your ISMS
For complete compliance status update before audits
During systematic remediation of multiple failed tests
For periodic system assessments

Bulk refresh process:

Go to Tests overview page
Select desired tests via checkboxes in first column
Bulk action bar appears at top
Click "Refresh" button in bulk action bar
Tests are executed in parallel for fast results

Bulk test selection and refresh

Viewing and interpreting test details

Navigating test detail page

Each test has an extensive detail page with context information and remediation guidance.

Access to test details:

Click on test name in Tests overview table
Test detail page opens with complete information
Tabs available: Details, Previous results
Refresh button top right
Download test results button available in side panel

Test detail page

Understanding "Why is it important?" section

Compliance context explanation:

Regulatory background - Which standards require this control
Business impact - Why compliance is important for organization
Risk implications - Consequences of non-compliance
Best practice guidance - Why this test is industry standard

Following "How to fix it?" instructions

Practical steps to fix tests:

Specific steps to resolve test failure
Links to relevant controls or assets
Timeline guidance for implementation
Verification steps to confirm success

Downloading test results

Using download functionality

The download button in test details allows you to export detailed test results for reporting and audit purposes.

Download process:

Open test detail page of desired test
Click Download button (⬇️) in side panel next to "Last result"
Test result file is downloaded to your computer
Open downloaded file for detailed analysis

Warning

Test results are downloaded as a .json file. Your system may not have a default application for this.

However, JSON files can be opened in regular text editors and also imported into MS Excel.

Test monitoring strategies

Tidal tests

Tidal tests refresh automatically as soon as something changes in the situation they relate to. You typically don't need to refresh these manually.

For example:

Policy tests refresh when a Policy changes status (in the Policies page)
Risk tests refresh when Risk details are adjusted and when Risk assessments are performed or adjusted
Control tests refresh when Control details are adjusted or Control status changes etc.

Integrations

When to refresh?

System being tested is modified - after a major software release or configuration update
Specific remediation actions performed in system - 2FA is enabled causing the Failed test to now Pass
As part of PDCA cycle - when there's a task open under the Control 'Compliance monitored' and you need new results
Periodically - even when no changes are known, it's still wise to run Tests periodically to confirm the situation hasn't changed

Configuring integrations for external tests

Prerequisites for external test activation

Understanding integration requirements:

Settings → Integrations configuration must be complete first
API credentials and permissions correctly set
Network connectivity to external systems verified
Verify scope - Which external data is relevant

Settings → Integrations configuration process

Integration activation steps:

Go to Settings in left navigation menu
Select Integrations section
Choose desired integration from available options
Follow configuration wizard for specific tool
Test connectivity to verify working status

Getting stuck?

Each Integration has its own connection process and guide.

Test scope management

Linking tests to relevant controls

Scope expansion process:

Identify new test relevant to compliance goals
Go to relevant Control that benefits from test monitoring
Link test to control via control configuration
Test automatically becomes "In scope" and counts in scoring
Monitor the new test result and resolve any issues

Tip

You can only link and unlink Tests via the controls page.

Read more about this in Editing and managing controls.

Next steps

Now that you can execute and monitor tests:

Develop periodic monitoring routine for critical tests
Implement monthly or quarterly review process for trend analysis
Configure relevant integrations for complete compliance coverage
Optimize test scope based on priority and requirements