User acceptance testing (UAT) is a process of verifying that a software solution meets the business requirements and expectations of the end users. UAT is usually performedin a test environment by a representative group of users before the software is deployed to production. UAT is essential for ensuring the quality, usability, and functionality of the software, as well as the satisfaction and adoption of the users. To make UAT efficient, some of the planning strategies that should be taken are:
Define and agree on acceptance criteria with customer: Acceptance criteria are the specific and measurable conditions that the software must meet to be accepted by the customer. They are derived from the business requirements and user stories, and they serve as the basis for designing and executing the UAT test cases. Defining and agreeing on the acceptance criteria with the customer before the UAT phase ensures that both parties have a clear and common understanding of what constitutes a successful outcome, and reduces the risk of ambiguity, confusion, or disagreement during the testing process. 12
Train UAT testers on the new functionality: UAT testers are the end users who will evaluate the software and provide feedback on its performance, usability, and suitability for their needs. They should be familiar with the businessprocesses and workflows that the software supports, as well as the new features and enhancements that are being tested. Training the UAT testers on the new functionality before the UAT phase helps them to prepare for the testing activities, understand theexpected behavior and results of the software, and identify and report any issues or defects that they encounter. Training also increases the confidence and competence of the UAT testers, and improves the quality and efficiency of the testing process. 34
Finalize test plans before the build phase completes: Test plans are the documents that outline the scope, objectives, approach, resources, schedule, and deliverables of the UAT phase. They specify the test cases, scenarios, data, tools, and methods that will be used to verify the acceptance criteria of the software. Finalizing the test plans before the build phase completes ensures that the UAT phase is well-planned, organized, and ready to start as soon as the software is delivered to the test environment. It also allows for early detection and resolution of any gaps, risks, or dependencies that may affect the testing process. [5] [6]
[References:, Learn About User Acceptance Testing, User Acceptance Testing Strategies for Large Data Volume Scenarios, 5x Salesforce Professional Revenue Cloud Tests 2023, A Guide to Salesforce User Testing (UAT), , , ]
