HCM Implementations need great Test Cases

Effective test scripts can be the difference between a successful, seamless HCM Implementation and a much rockier road to your go-live date. Let’s explore the importance of test scripts and how we can confidently move into go-live, knowing that we have checked all the boxes that need to be checked.




What do effective test scripts look like?



How can we ensure that we are writing the scripts in the ‘right’ way?




What is a Test Case?



While project teams may express test cases in varying ways from organization to organization, the underlying definition of what a test case embodies remains the same. Test cases, defined in the ISTQB Standard Glossary of Terms Used in Software Testing, are a “set of preconditions, inputs, actions, expected results, and post-conditions, developed based on test conditions.”



How to Write an Effective Test Script



Test scripts can vary based on the implementation of Human Capital Management (HCM) or Workforce Management (WFM) systems, but they should always follow a consistent standard. This standard typically consists of:







When building test scripts, it’s also important to name the team members who will be testers and create the scripts with these stakeholders in mind. This will familiarize future system users with the system as they navigate test cases, and the same scripts can also be reused for future software implementations with slight tweaks to the data.



When do you begin writing Test Scripts?



When we consider writing test scripts, we have several options. If your company has experienced prior implementations, rebuffing some of the already established test scripts can be a huge time saver. However, if this is the first go-around with the creation of test scripts, getting a head start on identifying the structure of the test scripts is crucial. Typically, we see clients beginning the creation of test scripts around the three-quarter marker in the current phase’s requirements.



The project implementation team can establish requirements at this stage by creating test scripts and negating additional time spent reworking test scripts as new requirements or adjustments are defined. This preparation will also give your development team enough time to create the scripts and set up User Acceptance Testing (UAT) sessions with stakeholders immediately upon sign-off of requirements.



Let’s Get Testing!



Testing can seem like a daunting part of an implementation, but it truly doesn’t have to be. The proper preparation, structure, ensuring the right stakeholders are in the room, and creating a reusable test script are all pivotal parts of a successful testing phase in any HCM Implementation.



HRchitect has more than 27 years of experience assisting organizations with successful HCM Implementations, including a robust testing phase with test scripts crafted for your organization . Contact us for more information on how we can help you implement your HCM or WFM system. 



Meet The Author






Tyler Purcell brings five years of experience as an HRIS Analyst focused on WorkForce Software Implementations to the HRchitect team. Tyler gained experience in the technology and manufacturing industries when he started working as an Information Systems Analyst in 2018. Since joining the information technology space, Tyler has supported public and private companies in time and attendance projects. In a previous role as an HRIS Specialist and Analyst, Tyler provided support to payroll, manufacturing, benefits, business partners, finance, and timekeepers alike through custom quarterly financial reports, conduction of UAT on project implementation, configuration to support payroll processing, and maintenance of schedules to ensure accurate timekeeping.



Learn more about Tyler on LinkedIn .
The post HCM Implementations need great Test Cases appeared first on HRchitect .