Acceptance testing is frequently performed in the last stages of a software development project. This is a method of determining whether or not a software system fits the required specifications.
You might discover that your team is made up of non-testers. Developers, UX designers, business analysts, project sponsors, and business stakeholders are examples of these individuals.
These non-testing individuals assist in identifying any flaws or difficulties with the product.
What Is Acceptance Testing?
Acceptance testing is used to ensure that a software system is ready for production before it is deployed. The produced software must adhere to the project’s criteria. In essence, this entails a review of the system’s compliance with a company’s criteria. Before it is given to the end-users, this guarantees that it fits the written required criteria as well as the current needs of the end-users.
As a result, it indicates that a test object’s needed methods execute in a manner that is appropriate for real-world situations and usage. The product or application should meet all of the important business requirements flawlessly.
This is usually done at the end of the testing process, after the functional integration and system testing have been completed. Either software developers or end-users are to blame.
It’s worth noting that there are several types of acceptability testing that can be done at this stage:
- User acceptance testing
- Business acceptance testing
- Alpha testing
- Beta testing
The Benefits of Acceptance Testing
Acceptance testing guarantees that the finished product adds genuine value to the company. In general, it enhances the quality of the program and the solution’s acceptance rate. After that, the product is ready for use in the actual world.
If a piece of software fails to meet the specifications, it might be returned to the developers for revisions. This ensures that whenever the product is launched for full-time usage, there will be few to no bugs.
Bugs can damage the user experience and make software unusable in some cases. This suggests that the advantages of acceptability testing far outweigh the disadvantages of not doing so. Defect detection at this stage is also less expensive and riskier for the company.
It also assists customers in identifying any installation-related concerns, which is unique in a verification process. This stage usually entails testing for software flaws, but it also assures that the software will work smoothly for consumers.
Users will also be more familiar with the product if they undertake their own acceptance testing. As a result, while utilizing the new system before it goes live, they will learn additional abilities and confidence.
How To Get Non-Testers Involved in Acceptance Testing?
In general, agile development teams strive for shared quality ownership. Some team members must be willing to test in order for this to happen. This creates a situation where a competent tester oversees the testing process while also allowing non-testers to participate.
There are various options for accomplishing this:
Pair Testing
This improves a company’s transparency. It allows non-testers to ask questions to assess a tester’s comprehension. Furthermore, each employee is on the same level – in this situation, an analyst and a tester are both valuable contributors to the assignment.
Although this process may take longer to obtain your desired result, it is well worth the time and effort. It provides a lot of value to each team member, which compensates for the extra time commitment.
Find Test Activities That Play to Your Colleagues Strengths
In actuality, pairing may not be the best option. Employees, for example, must be in the same office for logistics to operate.
If this isn’t the case, look for test activities that play to the talents of your non-tester coworkers. Employees can concentrate on separate areas of the testing process while yet working together toward a similar goal.
Individuals with varying skill sets can observe the process through different lenses using this strategy. As a result, they may find faults that a tester would overlook.
Coaching Non-Testers
If your company’s acceptance testing staff is tiny, non-testers may be brought in to help with the process. However, scaling a project can be difficult without proper training and delegating. As the need arises, this can be done on a one-on-one basis.
You may also host a series of testing courses for non-testers. This not only gets them involved in acceptance testing, but it’s also a really efficient way to do it. Everyone may learn at the same time, which saves money and time. Furthermore, it may assist your team in identifying knowledge gaps.
This also allows testing colleagues to demonstrate their abilities. This might draw attention to the value they add to the testing process. It also underlines the advantages of having a large number of employees who can participate.
If you’re successful, your organization may be able to quickly scale up testing. Testers, for example, would be given the option to provide feedback and insight to non-testers as the code is developed through multi-disciplined mob programming sessions.
Final Thoughts
Acceptance testing is one of the most crucial steps in the software development process. It ensures that the program meets all of the client’s and end-users’ requirements. It also identifies any flaws that the developers may have overlooked. Fixing these issues assures that the software will function properly in the actual world.
Companies frequently do acceptance testing using multi-disciplinary teams, which means that certain members lack testing experience. By identifying testing activities that play to their skills, you may get them involved in a beneficial way. Pair testing or one-on-one coaching may be more effective with smaller groups. Alternatively, if your firm has a significant number of non-testers, group training may be beneficial.
For more info: https://www.qaaas.co.uk/testing-services/
Also Read: https://www.guru99.com/software-testing.html