UAT stands for User Acceptance Testing. It is the final stage of application testing performed by the end-users. It is majorly crucial to the successful implementation of any application. UAT provides transcendent opportunities to identify issues with the software if there is any. Then fix it as per the end user’s vision. Ensuring real-life usability should be a top priority of all software developers. During User Acceptance Testing, the intended user or client will perform necessary tests to confirm they can effectively navigate the software program without running into glitches or system errors. UAT testing occurs in the software development process’s final stage before the developer releases the program to the public.
Why is it important?
Every major software program will need to undergo comprehensive UAT testing if the software developers overseeing the project want insight into the end user’s response. It is critical for potential clients to interact with the software program, given that the initial version is limited to the developers’ feedback and geared towards their level of software knowledge up to that point.
To ensure the process runs smoothly for the client, conducting a User Acceptance Testing would be an ideal choice as a final screening opportunity. This step allows end-users to communicate the difficulties they face when using the system. Without this client feedback, developers can’t refine their software programs and cater to their target market’s needs.
Prevention is always better than cure. Most organizations, mainly tech startups, brush aside the testing step of the product they are soon aiming to make live. The reasons could be many, however, when the usability issues come on the scene, it appears to be terribly late. UAT is the footing of the successful deployment of the application. Do not turn blind eye to one crucial step that could malign your brand image in the future.
How is UAT testing done?
There are usually six steps involved in the UAT process. Based on the system developer and the client’s preferences, you may also come across additional steps. However, almost every type of UAT includes the following:
Review of business requirements
Before the client conducts testing, the user will need to share the business requirements with system developers. For instance, the project manager can provide the developer with process flow diagrams, business use cases, and business specifications to help software program developers understand how the software team should execute the testing process for maximum efficiency.
UAT Plan
Once the system developer has compiled all necessary documents to implement the UAT, the next stage involves creating a plan, which will ensure that the software application meets a variety of business requirements outlined in the initial draft. At this stage, system developers create multiple test scenarios and establish a timeline for testing. They also communicate their testing plan with the end-user to ensure that the client completes testing in a streamlined manner.
Identify test cases
When the system developer and the end-user agree on a UAT Plan, it’s time for the system developer to generate multiple test cases, which usually cover a variety of high-level business processes. Each test case contains clearly defined steps, allowing the software to undergo this intensive process to satisfy the client’s requirements.
To create multiple test scenarios, system developers use the business requirements outlined in the first stage of UAT testing as a means of guidance.
Prepare test data
For test cases to yield meaningful results, system developers require some type of data to input. Following data entry, developers can review the outcomes of the test case. After interpreting the UAT results, a mobile application developer can utilize different picture formats’ input data to test if the application will support the picture format that the client specifies.
Similarly, the system developer may use this data collection within a limited time window to evaluate if the system can work under a specified load and designated stress parameters. Experts also recommend using real-time or accurate historical data for testing the system, as hypothetical numbers may not successfully represent a real-world scenario.
Record the results
In the fifth stage of UAT, these system developers must record the results of the test case. If there’s a bug, they should fix it immediately. Then rerun the software to ensure the smooth running of day-to-day operations. At this time, the end-user can also use the software management tool to simulate different scenarios.
Confirmation
Once the system testers and business analysts have tested various business scenarios and most high-profile business cases, they’ll need to communicate with the system developer and express their satisfaction with a nod of approval in the form of an email, phone call, or in-person meeting. Typically client sends a sign-off email to the system developer, indicating that the application is ready for public release.
Even if testers approve all the UAT stages, the system developers need to ensure there aren’t existing critical defects. To prevent such last-minute issues from arising, system developers should request that the stakeholders select independent testers familiar with the business process while offering a relatively unbiased perspective as an unknown user.
Another critical step to consider is to contact all stakeholders before deploying the software system. Exit criteria for UAT include holding a UAT sign-off meeting with stakeholders and discussing the business process that may need further improvement after the software program’s release.
Final Thoughts
Do not let the financial reason pop up abruptly and become the cause of cutting short the UAT phase. If you want to ensure the successful deployment of the application, run a User Acceptance Testing. If a team of developers chooses to disregard UAT, they risk jeopardizing their software program’s success on the market. Without this extra precaution, developers may overlook critical errors that could soil a company’s reputation. Guarantee a high sales volume with thoughtfully executed UAT.
