ERP applications have become critical for the smooth running
of enterprises. Since these comprise myriad modules, functions, and processes,
the need to validate them becomes critical.
Enterprises are realizing the need to leverage the SMAC
(Social, Mobile, Analytics, and Cloud) model to accelerate growth. However,
overhauling core processes administered by legacy ERP applications is equally
critical. ERP applications help enterprises manage various functions,
departments, and processes, including the data generated therein.
These applications help enterprises to run as one single unit
and, in the process, generate outcomes such as improved productivity, better
efficiency, reduced waste, enhanced customer experience, and increased ROI. In view
of the criticality of ERP applications for organizations, they should be tested
and validated. Testing ERP applications can ensure the smooth functioning of
multiple tasks within organizations. These may include tracking inventory and
customer transactions, managing finances and human resources, among many
others.
What is ERP?
Enterprise Resource Planning aka ERP is a comprehensive
software that integrates the various functions of an organization into a single
system. The software has a shared database containing all information
pertaining to the various functions or units of an organization. The ERP system
helps to streamline the processes and access to information across the
organization 24×7.
Why is ERP software testing needed?
ERP software is cost-intensive and requires a lot of
investment in time and effort. Every ERP software comes with multiple versions
and requires customization to suit specific business requisites. Moreover,
since every element in the application is connected to some other module,
upgrading them can be a challenging task. For example, creating a sales order
would need access to the inventory management module. If any of the modules
does not function to its optimum, the entire ERP application may be impacted.
This can have a cascading effect on the performance of the company as well as
create bad customer experiences. Hence, testing ERP applications shall ensure
the correct implementation of the software and prevent crashes.
ERP software testing,
besides checking the software’s functionalities, should ensure the generation
of reports and forms accurately. By identifying and removing bugs during the
testing phase, testers can avoid facing post-implementation blues. Moreover, it
can lead to an early adoption of software and ensure its smooth running. ERP
application testing services validate business processes, functions, and the
rules governing them. They help reduce operational risks within the constraints
of available resources and time.
The importance of automated ERP testing
Since the ERP system contains huge volumes of data, testing
the manual procedures can be time and cost intensive. Automated testing can
help to validate all the features and functionalities in minimum time and cost.
Also, since multiple business units of an organization can have different
processes or procedures, automated testing can check the accuracy of their
output against specific parameters. Further, the ERP system needs to be updated
periodically with the advent of new technologies like Cloud, Big Data, and
Mobility, among others. Such updates help the organization to validate
transactions in real-time, which is not possible manually.
Best available ERP testing tools
Since the ERP systems are available in multiple versions
targeting multiple domains, units, and customers, the best testing tools
available are:
·
Microsoft
Dynamics NAV – For SMEs
·
SAP
Insurance – For insurance companies
·
Microsoft
Dynamics AX – For large scale enterprises
·
SAP
Banking – For the banking sector
Approaching the testing of ERP
applications
It is imperative for enterprises to set up a robust testing
strategy. The strategy should prioritize the testing of processes depending on
the short and long-term goals.
Setting up KPIs:
At the outset, testers should setup the KPIs or performance
metrics and evaluate how they will impact the overall organizational goal as
well as departmental objectives. Thus, establishing the KPIs will help derive
the right ROI for the organization.
All-encompassing:
ERP implementation for a large organization with many
departments and processes can be a complex and challenging job. However, it is
important that all stakeholders are taken into confidence and involved in the
process. The process also includes making the necessary investment in training.
When everyone is involved in ERP implementation, there is more cohesiveness in
the administration of the software.
Data migration:
An organization can plan its strategic moves if it can make
use of its data emanating from various processes over a period. To ensure real
data is not lost or distorted in any way during ERP validation and testing, its
proper migration process should be planned beforehand.
Selecting the right automation tools:
As ERP software can have myriad variables interfacing with
various processes, they need to be validated. This requires choosing the right
test automation tools – open-source or premium ones. Automated ERP testing can
validate many variables for various processes against expected outcomes. The
right automation tool will help testers to write and execute test cases.
Identifying test cases:
Since it is not possible to test every sinew of an ERP
application, proper test cases should be written to ensure the maximum test
coverage. Thus, testers should identify the test cases for each test and
document them as well. Also, since ERP processes are linked to each other, and
even to third-party applications or modules, they should undergo automated ERP
testing.
Conducting performance, regression,
and security tests:
As an ERP system helps to run the operations of an enterprise
as a single unit, it should run some critical tests. These include regression,
performance, integration, security, and usability tests. This way the
enterprise can ensure continuous monitoring of the system, save time and cost,
and prevent any sudden downtime or latency.
Proper documentation:
Post testing of components in the ERP system, the documented
glitches ought to be analyzed to preempt any failure in a real environment.
Moreover, the reports can be used for future reference.
Conclusion
To sustain in the competitive business environment of today,
businesses need to take digital initiatives such as implementing an ERP
solution. However, to ensure the successful running of such a solution and
derive benefits out of it, enterprises should carry out ERP testing. The approach
for such a testing should involve automation and carrying out various types of
testing.
This article is already published on softwaretestingmaterial.com
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