Digital transformation is occurring everywhere. Whether through mergers/demergers, system upgrades, enhancements, or adoption of new digital technology.
However, it is important to remember that properly planned and executed testing plays a crucial role in the success of these initiatives. Time and time again, the results of corners being cut in software testing involve expensive program delays or embarrassing failure.
Idea Science, Functional Test Specialist – Jeremy Hicks shares 7 key testing tips to help ensure your transformation project is delivered successfully and your end users are delighted.
1. Engage Stakeholders Early
It is important to involve business and technical stakeholders early in the project. Collaborative communication with key stakeholders ensures that all perspectives are considered and understood. Additionally, potential issues are identified in advance so that everyone understands scope, purpose and impact. This approach also assists in clearly defining functional and non-function requirements.
Open lines of communication are an essential component of digital transformation
2. Use an Expert forTest Estimation
Accurate test effort estimation is an essential component within any IT transformation program. While there are many different estimation techniques, engaging an experienced test specialist to provide accurate estimation is highly recommended. Their knowledge from past projects and understanding of your test teams strengths and weaknesses will enable you to provide stakeholders with more accurate estimation on testing resources, budget and risk. This will build confidence in the testing phases from key stakeholders and reduce the risk of blowouts or corner cutting later.
3. Prioritise Risk-Based Testing
Identify and prioritise critical areas of the transformation that could have a significant impact on the business. Risk-based testing allows you to focus your test efforts on what matters most, to mitigate risk and ensure that potential risks are proactively addressed.
4. Establish Proper Test Environments and Data Management Processes
Create Test Environments that replicate Production as closely as possible. Ensure that the test data is realistic and sufficient to cover all possible scenarios. Proper test data management ensures reliable results and minimises the chances of data-related issues during the actual transformation. It’s also important to confirm who will be creating the test data and that sufficient time is allocated to this person to complete the required tasks.
Investing in test automation for repetitive tasks brings obvious benefits
5. Automate Testing Processes
Leveraging test automation to streamline testing processes will improve efficiency and reduce manual effort. This will accelerate testing cycles and allows manual testers to focus on other critical areas. Automation of regression testing will reduce pressure on the testing schedule and minimise the risk of accumulating tech debt over time.
6. Conduct a Cycle of Early-Stage User Acceptance Testing (UAT)
UAT is a pivotal to establishing business end-user confidence in testing the system before its final release. Engaging end-users early in the testing process also helps ensure that the transformed solution will meet their needs. This provides business and IT with valuable early insights into whether the system is on target to meet expectations.
Receiving early-stage end-user feedback is invaluable
7. Communicate, Communicate, Communicate!
Maintaining communication with all stakeholders throughout the testing process is essential. Regular updates addressing progress, issues, test results and defects keep everyone informed about the transformation's status establish trust between the testing and stakeholders. For larger programs, an effective test management solution improves collaboration and provides significant reporting benefits. For regulated industries this approach greatly assists with the creation of a Requirements Traceability Matrix.
In Conclusion
Proper Testing is essential to the success of any transformation project. By defining clear objectives, involving stakeholders, prioritising risk-based testing, leveraging automation and leveraging specialist test management expertise, organisations can ensure the smooth execution of their initiatives. Effective test management mitigates risks, validates change, and ultimately contributes to the overall success of the transformation project.
