Significance of UAT in ERP projects

An Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) application refers to a kind of software that companies and organisations build to manage their day-to-day business activities, like project management, risk management, procurement, accounting and supply chain operations and so on. Such applications streamline and organise things in a better way to ensure smooth functioning of the business.

However, creating such an application is not that easy, as it has to be implemented in the existing system in an efficient manner. In fact, studies suggest that almost 50% of the ERP projects fail to take off due to improper implantation and inadequate user-centric tests done on them. This is where UAT (User Acceptance Testing) comes into play. It helps you determine if the application is fit to use by the end-users or not.

In this article, we will take you through the significance of using UAT in ERP projects and how it benefits the overall cause of the software.

What is UAT (User Acceptance Testing)?

UAT is practically the last stage of testing, and is performed even after the completion of unit, performance, integration, system and security testing. Even though the test cases are created by developers and testers, it is performed by the actual end-users or the potential customers. Here, the reliance is not on user-case simulations but real-world users, hence making it one of the most important types of software testing that should be performed on an EPR project before its release.

What are the top benefits of using UAT in ERP projects?

If you use UAT properly in an ERP project, then there are numerous things that you can benefit from. Since such projects are so user-centric, it is absolutely necessary to perform UAT. Here are a few points that signify its importance.

Involves actual users

When it comes to testing software for its true functionalities and performance in the end, no simulations can match the information that real-world users can provide. This is exactly why performing UAT is the key to ensuring the quality of the product, as it involves actual end-users. They know what to expect from the software and hence check exactly for those things.

UAT enables you to understand the flaws in the software from the perspective of the users, which is crucial to make it a robust platform. You should not forget that controlled testing before the release of the product is always better than receiving complaints from the live environment later on.

Adopts and engages the software in a better way

When it comes to ERP software, one of the major issues that it faces is how difficult it can get for users to adopt the software within their existing environment. UAT solves this issue to a certain extent as it is the actual end-users who will be testing the software.

As a result, they are already accustomed to the features of the ERP and hence will be in a better position to use the software later on. This way, the users can help the developers fine-tune the software to the last point.

Helps in achieving clear goals

Setting clear goals for an ERP system is absolutely crucial in every sense and that is exactly what UAT helps you achieve. Since it is the end-users who will be testing the software, they are better equipped to determine the end goals. With this piece of information, developers and testers can make the changes accordingly, in the final stages of the development.

Aids in building the right management team

Performing UAT on ERP not only helps in developing the software but also helps you in making the right business management decisions. During the UAT cycles, users and product owners get a better idea of all the features in the software, which gives them a clear picture of the people who should be part of the management team. An inefficient management team can cause huge problems and even lead to the downfall of the project, which makes UAT a significant step in the overall process.

Finds the flaws in the communication chain

Communication is the very essence on which EPR projects operate. Employees, project teams, management teams, software vendors and many more form this communication chain. If this chain doesn’t function the right way, then it can lead to the failure of ERP. This is where UAT comes into play and make the ERP project a success. UAT gives you enough information about the working of the ERP project, which you can use to formulate the correct communication chain.

Makes the product easier to use

Since all the user-related flaws are solved using UAT, it becomes a lot easier to use than before. Furthermore, it also helps you create the simpler version of the software. A software with less complications is a lot less prone to experiencing technical issues. As a result, a simpler version of the ERP project will be much more durable than otherwise.

User Acceptance Testing can be particularly useful to integrate different processes in the project, in a way that makes the whole process easily usable. Project based accounting, human resource management, supply chain management, project management and customer relationship management are just few of the many customer or user-centric ERP projects where UAT can work as the game changer, in terms of the quality of the end product.

To put your ERP project through efficient and effective UAT cycles, get in touch with TestUnity. With professional testers and developers from around the world partnering with us, we create ideal test cases that will help you determine the efficiency of the software before you release it to the public. 

TestUnity

Testunity is a SaaS-based technology platform driven by a vast community of testers & QAs spread around the world, powered by technology & testing experts to create the dedicated testing hub. Which is capable of providing almost all kind of testing services for almost all the platforms exists in software word.