The implementation of ERP software is a large undertaking that will have far-reaching impacts on your business. As such, it is crucial to test the new system throughout the implementation process and beyond. This will ensure it is working as intended and optimised for meeting your business objectives. Read on to learn more about effective ERP testing.
What is ERP testing?
The term ‘ERP testing’ refers to continuously evaluating the workings of a new Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system throughout the implementation process. Essentially, it is a quality assurance procedure that maximises the chances of an ERP system being fully operational before launch.
It is advantageous to carry out ERP testing across multiple stages of the implementation process. This:
- Helps avoid unwelcome surprises like a system crash at go-live.
- Decreases the risk of bugs that manifest after implementation.
- Is not a new concept – the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) has been encouraging it for over a decade.
Cloud-based ERP software has to be configured during implementation to fit with the needs of the company. This is where bugs and issues can creep in. The customisation of on-premise ERP solutions has the same problems. Without ERP testing, there is an increased risk of implementation failure. Everything from software functionality to the appearance of dashboards and forms needs to be verified to avoid costly problems further down the line.
What types of ERP testing are there?
Several types of testing are available to help with quality assurance during an ERP implementation.
Functionality Testing
This is based around a predetermined list of definitions and goals. The features within functional categories are comprehensively tested to ensure they work and fulfil your organisation’s needs.
Performance Testing
This looks at the running of the ERP solution when interacting with different integrated systems. The solution must be put through its paces with demanding, high-data-flow transactions to verify that it can handle peak demand.
Integration Testing
ERP systems must be integrated with various processes and potentially other software to operate correctly. The individual modules and components of your system must be tested together as this is how the software will run once launched. Testers will simulate real-world scenarios that are likely to be encountered during work activity. This assesses how the system will cope with the issues your business will encounter in day-to-day running, testing how well everything works together.
Generally speaking, functionality and performance testing are carried out in tandem well in advance of the go-live date. It starts early in the implementation and continues right through to launch, enabling you to make adjustments as you go.
Other types of testing for ERP systems include:
- Security testing.
- User acceptance testing.
- Stress testing.
- Recovery testing.
- Regression testing.
- Exploratory testing.
What are the benefits of ERP testing?
The complexity of ERP systems revolves around the fact that they manage such diverse departments as financials, HR, supply chain management and CRM. As such, it is important that everything works correctly. There are several key benefits of ERP testing that make it essential:
It verifies that the ERP system is working as intended
There are complex integrations and processes within a single ERP system. If any of these have glitches or errors, the entire system could fail on go-live. Testing enables you to ensure that everything is working as expected before going live.
It enables you to identify bugs and other issues
Testing is a great way to discover bugs in the system. You can then work to fix them before users actually begin working with the system. If you don’t do this, you could experience significant problems later on.
You can evaluate whether the system meets your business needs
An ERP system is designed to meet your business needs but this is all theoretical until you test it. Put the system through its paces to verify its efficacy and improve efficiency and effectiveness as you go.
It reduces risk
With thorough ERP testing, organisations can keep the risk of a plethora of potential issues to a minimum. This enables you to head into go-live with confidence and a stronger chance of swift implementation.
What is the basic process for ERP testing?
ERP testing places the emphasis on evaluating each module’s functionality by running it through different scenarios. The process can be automated or carried out manually. Generally speaking, the testing process consists of three phases:
- Preparation.
- Execution.
- Evaluation.
These same phases apply to all the testing methods, though they will look a little different depending on the specifics. Let’s look at these phases in a little more detail.
Preparation
This is the initial stage of the testing cycle. It includes things like setting up the test system, preparing test suites and creating data for the specific tests in question.
Execution
This is where the tests that were prepared in the previous phase are actually carried out. Scenarios are run and data is collected, logging all issues and reporting the test status in real time.
Evaluation
The final stage is where the data is explored in detail. Any defects that were identified are analysed closely. This involves:
- Assessing test plans and causes.
- Looking at the test suites and examining what happened.
- Documenting the overall process, making recommendations for improvements where appropriate.
5 Tips For Successful ERP Testing
There are a few things you can do to improve the chances of your testing processes working. Efficient testing is important for a good outcome, so consider the following:
- Give yourself ample time for testing.
- Test as much as possible – it’s better to err on the side of caution.
- Follow all the steps before implementation – there are no shortcuts.
- A project manager from your team is important.
- Practise patience throughout.
If you still feel like ERP testing is something you can’t do yourself, help is out there. With real expertise in your corner, you can feel confident that your ERP testing is effective and comprehensive. This will give you the maximum chance of success when it comes to the implementation. Don’t underestimate the role of testing in implementing a new ERP solution successfully.
Why Choose Eventura as your ERP Implementation Partner?
Eventura has been providing robust business solutions to countless organisations for over two decades. We are ERP experts and can identify all of your business needs, including issues surrounding supply chain, and deliver a comprehensive ERP solution that works for you.
As Sage 200 Partners and NetSuite Solution Providers, we can help you identify which solution will fit your business needs the best. Our expert team of business analysts, developers, consultants, technicians and support staff can guide you through your entire project, from initial scoping through to implementation and on-going support.
We’re also managed IT service providers meaning we can help you identify your entire IT infrastructure requirements from day one. If you would like to speak to one of our ERP experts to discuss your options or request a free demo, you can request a free call back here.
