Testing:
Testing should not be glossed over and conducted presentation style. It's time to get the hands dirty!
Testing
When you turn on your new system you won't want to see bugs helter skelter into the corners. You need to test your system in a structured and cogent fashion. There are four ways in which your system might not act as you'd expect.
- Genuine software bug
- Incorrect settings
- Incompatible hardware
- The bug is a feature
You need careful management over the synchronisation of your test and live environments, as well as strong visibility on your testing so bugs, like these, don't undermine your investment.
Example Testing Application
If you click "Enter" on the form below an example test application will launch in a new window. I wrote this application to control testing via a database engine rather than paper. It allows a user to create a customised testing environment, i.e. it is not set up with one type of IT solution in mind. The program could be used to test a Finance system, an ERP system, a CRM system etc. Addionally, testing areas are set up in the nomenclature of the user.
Users add main testing areas, such as Finance. Dependant test areas, like AR and AP, are then added to these main testing areas. Finally, tests to perform on the new system are added to the dependant test areas, giving a three level structure to the database. Users will then perform the tests adding their notes and the result of the test to the database.
You can use this application for free as long as it is hosted on my server. Send me an email wth your contact details to set your company up. If you want the application installed on your own server an installation charge or licence fee will apply.
User Buy In
User Buy In is likely to be the most important element of your implementation. A testing system which is accessible to users can accomplish a number of things
- Create buy in by allowing users to participate in the testing process, even if its limited to defining tests they would like run or simply access to reports. Don't underestimate their knowledge.
- If users don't avail of the opportunity, it's difficult for them to be critical of the application after it goes live
Inspired Notes
Resources