Quality remains the fundamental element in
the success of any organization, let alone a digital one. With digital
technology playing a discerning role in improving the quality of our lives,
ensuring the quality of such technology is of primary importance. This calls
for software application testing and fixing the bugs early in the development
(and testing) cycle. The enterprises of today are increasingly using CRM or ERP
solutions to manage operations and other processes seamlessly. Salesforce is
one such CRM software suite, which along with SAP, Oracle, and Microsoft, is
witnessing a steady growth in its adoption. The reasons for the popularity of
Salesforce can be attributed to its ease of customization, implementation,
flexibility, and scalability. Further, Salesforce is leveraged by the industry in
managing leads, contacts, clients, and opportunities. However, not everything
is hunky-dory when it comes to implementing the software. For starters, everyone’s
concurrence is necessary and the objectives of business need to be clearly
defined. Thereafter comes Salesforce
testing.
Why test Salesforce?
Since codes can play a critical role in
integrating various business processes and functions within an organization, they
need to be tested for Salesforce. Salesforce
testing would ensure the underlying codes are performing,
reliable, and qualitatively superior. The test validates the customizations and
configurations done to the software to develop a quality product. The product
in the form of software ought to support the client’s business processes. There
are two types of testing in a Salesforce
testing framework - manual and automated.
In manual Salesforce testing, the application is tested manually with
focus on regression, system, integration, and functional testing. However, Salesforce automation testing is
about validating the software using a test tool like Selenium.
How to develop a robust
Salesforce testing
A business needs to work on automating salesforce application testing
to get the best results. However, the steps to validate the applications
developed on Salesforce are as follows:
·
Business objective: The various CRM features of Salesforce should be aligned
with the business objectives. The main purpose of developing and implementing a
tool on Salesforce should be understood by the testers. To cite an example, by
knowing the purpose of automating the sales process, one can formulate a robust
testing strategy.
·
Test case scenarios: While creating a Salesforce
testing framework make a list of the possible test case scenarios and
exceptions. The list should also contain the expected outcomes for each test
case scenario and action. Based on the same, the test data need to be collated
for each scenario.
·
Test drive: The Salesforce platform comes with a program called
‘pre-release trial,’ which allows the testing of any application before entering
the production area. Since this is not linked to the production area there
would not be any danger of manipulating the real-time data. This gives an ideal
opportunity to check various applications if they meet the expected outcomes.
·
Functional testing: To ensure maximum test coverage and enhance the quality
of the code, testers should go for rigorous Salesforce
functional testing. This will help them validate various functions from the
users’ perspective.
·
Test management:While conducting tests, the testers should ensure the
application, function, or feature is in alignment with the operations or
business objectives. Therefore, the test results should be checked against the
reference data to ensure quality.
·
UAT testing: With Salesforce
automated testing, care should be taken to conduct User Acceptance
Testing (UAT). This way glitches or vulnerabilities inherent in the software
can be identified and fixed before the software is released into the market.
·
Maintaining test records: This is the most crucial aspect of Salesforce testing as
it offers stakeholders a dashboard to understand any underlying issues with the
software. Whether it is Salesforce
automation testing or manual testing, test records help administrators
to identify, understand, and mitigate risks. The records document various failure
scenarios and help in further escalation to responsible persons to fix the
issues.
Conclusion
Implementing a successful test strategy for
Salesforce can help businesses to identify the bottlenecks or glitches and
streamline their operations. Since a lot is at stake, the applications developed
on the platform should be thoroughly tested for various parameters. It is only
after following a successful Salesforce
testing that organizations can remain competitive.
