Building An Automation Test Framework For Windows-Based ERP

In the versatile domain of software development, maintaining the integrity and functionality of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems is a paramount concern. However, the task becomes increasingly complex for companies relying on ERPs, facing the constant challenge of testing with frequent product updates and multiple versions. Interestingly, recent statistics reveal that the tide is shifting as companies recognize the transformative power of automation testing. More than 24% of businesses have already embraced automation, automating 50% or more of their test cases, witnessing unprecedented efficiency gains. An additional 33% aspire to automate between 50% to 75% of their test cases, while 21% aim to take automation to even greater heights, covering more than 75% of their test cases.

This case study delves into the world of automation testing as a transformative solution to tackle these challenges head-on. We spotlight a mobile warehouse and manufacturing automation solutions provider leveraging Sage 100 —the backbone of their operations.

Problem Statement: Meeting Regression Testing Challenges With Limited Time

The mobile warehouse and manufacturing solutions provider faced a formidable testing challenge. With each Sage product update or Windows update that rolls out periodically, the need for thorough regression testing became critical to ensure product compliance and functionality. Furthermore, the solutions provider grappled with the burden of testing not just one but 32 different versions of their ERP with limited resources—all within a tight 45-day deadline for the 100+ features they offered. Developed in legacy technologies, there wasn’t any readymade framework available for testing.

The sheer volume of testing required for each update and version posed a significant strain on their testing resources and time. The traditional manual testing approach proved inadequate and time-consuming, making it imperative to seek an innovative solution that would enhance testing efficiency and enable them to meet their demanding testing timelines.

Solution: Custom Proprietary Automation Framework

In response to the arduous testing challenges, our experts introduced a groundbreaking solution—the development of a custom proprietary automation framework using Maestro. This innovative framework was meticulously designed to cater specifically to the complexities of the Windows-based ERP integrated with Sage 100, leveraging the ProvideX technology.

Given Sage 100’s longstanding presence in the industry, the products were deeply entrenched in a legacy technology environment. Our custom proprietary framework proved to be the perfect antidote to address the intricacies and challenges posed by this legacy system. Embracing the capabilities of Maestro and WinDriver, our solution transformed the testing landscape, delivering a robust and scalable approach to tackle their unique Windows-based product testing challenges and keeping up with the regular product updates.

Benefits Of Our Solution

The implementation of the custom proprietary automation framework using Maestro resulted in a series of significant benefits, revolutionizing their testing processes.

• Reduction in Testing Time: The laborious 10-day manual testing process for the entire product regression cycle was efficiently condensed to a mere 7 hours, empowering the team to validate their ERP’s functionality and stability swiftly.
• Efficiency Gains: With automation at their disposal, the team saved 7-8 days of manual testing per test cycle. This newfound efficiency allowed them to allocate resources more effectively and focus on other critical aspects of product development.
• Meeting Deadlines: The automation framework was implemented for over 1500 test cases and ensured adherence to tight deadlines by facilitating prompt product compliance testing and regular updates. The company could confidently deliver on time, catering to customer demands and industry expectations.
• Resource Optimization: By automating the testing process, the burden of maintenance testing was significantly reduced. The testing team was liberated from repetitive manual tasks, enabling them to channel their expertise and efforts into new development initiatives, fueling innovation and growth.

A Paradigm Shift In Testing Efficiency

Prior to the implementation of automation testing, the testing process for each of the 32 versions of their similar products was an arduous 7-day endeavor, leaving them with a daunting challenge to complete all testing within a strict 45-day cutoff. The manual testing approach demanded significant time and resources, making it an uphill battle to meet the tight deadline.

With the advent of the custom automation framework, the scenario underwent a remarkable transformation. The testing time for the entire product regression cycle was astonishingly reduced from 7 days to a mere 7 hours. This extraordinary time-saving enabled testing to be completed for all 32 products within the allocated timeframe and achieve resource optimization—reallocating valuable human resources to other vital development activities. Embracing automation paved the way for a new era of efficiency, productivity, and unparalleled success, propelling Scanco to the forefront of its industry.

CI Global – Embrace Automation, Embrace Excellence!

With their custom automation framework powered by Maestro, the customer conquered update challenges, achieving unmatched efficiency and meeting strict testing deadlines. As automation experts, CI Global offers exceptional testing capabilities akin to customer’s success. With a proven track record in optimizing software development lifecycles, CI Global tailors services to your needs. Elevate testing efficiency, streamline processes, and enhance product quality. Take the first step towards transforming your testing process—visit CI Global’s website or contact them today.

Embrace automation’s power for unparalleled success.