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.
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.
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 of time. 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 a large number of 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.
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