05.
Testing
Testing includes establishing a well-defined strategy, creating test scenarios based on real business data, ensuring entry and exit criteria are met, and effectively managing defect resolution throughout the implementation process.
Testing is not generally considered one of the most challenging system implementation phases, which demonstrates how this critical stage is often undervalued. By not giving testing sufficient attention, organizations risk encountering significant issues that could have been prevented with a more structured approach.
Challenges and Recommended Remediations
1. Incomplete Test Coverage
Organizations often struggle with ensuring that critical business situations are comprehensively tested while balancing the need to not create too many test scenarios.
2. Ambiguous Entry and Exit Criteria
Establishing clear benchmarks for different testing phases is essential, yet many organizations face difficulties effectively defining these.
3. Defect Resolution Bottlenecks
Testing frequently encounters bottlenecks when defects are identified but not effectively prioritized or addressed, causing delays in the testing schedule.
Testing is more than a procedural step in the system enablement journey—it is a strategic pillar for application deployment success. Organizations that adopt a disciplined approach, rooted in clear planning and risk mitigation, can avoid costly pitfalls at go-live and maximize the value of their technology investments.
