Testing

When software is configured and deployed it will have gone through extensive unit testing to check that the code compiles and runs. If possible, test data will be run through the system to check it’s stability. However, a key element of any software deployment is User Acceptance Testing (UAT) that takes place in a mirror of the live environment. This needs to be performed at three levels:

1. Does it meet the specification?
2. Does it have error handling routines that stop “fatal crashes”?
3. Does it have any omissions that become apparent in using the application that will hinder it’s adoption and use?

However much testing is carried out prior to UAT, there comes a point when clients have to become involved. They understand their data and they understand their business requirements. Testing properly requires a methodical approach and the ability to be aware of (and describe) the error with the context and events leading to the error. The ability to do this is not a commonly found skill. Insource therefore supports testing in two ways.

• We take nominated client users through the testing process and explain what to do and how to do it.
• Where necessary we provide skilled testers who perform the actual tasks whilst working with client users “at their side”

If you would like to discover more about our approach to testing or any other parts of our range of services contact us via email at contact@insource.co.uk for an informal discussion.