An important part of any implementation of ERP Software is user acceptance testing. Many years ago ERP implementation methodologies called for parallel running of systems (new and old ERP solution). Over the past few years this process has graduated towards user acceptance testing rather than full parallel running.

ERP user acceptance testing allows users and your ERP implementation partner to test key scenarios and business processes in the ERP system before go live. This will highlight any potential issues – with configuration, training or system scope in a test environment prior to the all-important go live date.

ERP implementation user acceptance testing is similar to parallel running in that users can test and compare the results of testing from the new and old ERP systems for correctness. The key difference is that user acceptance testing uses key scenario testing for relatively short periods of time and is therefore less time consuming than the traditional ERP system parallel run which involved double entry of all processes.

Whilst most ERP implementation methodologies include user acceptance testing as part of the implementation what is often overlooked is the detailed plan for user acceptance testing. A good ERP user acceptance plan will include:

–          What scenarios will be tested?

–          Who has responsibility (user and / or implementation partner) for testing which scenarios?

–          What type of testing will be done?

–          How long will the testing be done for?

–          What tools and systems will be used during testing?

–          How will test results be recorded and reported during testing?

Once the user acceptance testing is complete let’s not forget to ensure that feedback is provided to the project team so that any required changes can be made and the system can be re-configured and re-tested as and when required.

Other aspects of ERP user acceptance testing that should be considered include:

–          Availability of a test system,

–          Integration testing of development or third party applications,

–          Remote access testing,

–          Workload testing.

User acceptance testing is one of the many important steps involved in the successful implementation of ERP systems. Plan, execute and report back on user acceptance testing to help your team with a smooth and successful go live of your new ERP solution.