Kronos Workforce Central is a large investment that requires a complex and detailed implementation process. The complexity inherent in any Kronos roll out makes testing an extremely important part of the overall process. Kronos WFC is meant to deliver an optimal end-user experience for all users. One of the key factors to ensuring your application runs smoothly is creating and implementing a test plan for any new installations, service packs, and upgrades.
Testing your Kronos application for configuration, usability, and interoperability in realistic scenarios will help your organization avoid any miscalculation, delays, or unexpected situations during system roll out. Testing should never be anything but structured and thoroughly planned. Any other approach will not be an effective way to discover and fix any issues before roll out. There are a few different testing approaches you can choose from while testing new installations, service packs, and upgrades.Your testing approach should be based on your organization’s testing experience, desired level of involvement, and overall availability of resources.
Agile test planning is designed to fit organizations who have already taken the time to establish testing processes. If your organization has experienced resources who are willing to be active participants in the testing and certification process, this method may be the right fit for you. Agile test planning involves the incremental validation of application functionality and interoperability. Cross-functional teams identify issues through collaborative testing efforts. It is crucial that the test plan be a living document during Agile Test Planning as the scope will often change. The test plan will need to be a living document that reflects all changes during the project.
Also referred to as the linear-sequential life cycle model, the Waterfall model is the ideal approach for organizations who have limited testing experience and no established testing processes. Highly structured and easy to understand/implement, Waterfall testing functions with a domino effect. In this model software-testing starts only after the development is complete and each waterfall model phase does not overlap. Each testing phase must be completed before moving on the next phase. After every phase, a review takes place to determine if testing is running successfully. If the project team determines testing is moving in the right direction, the process continues. The waterfall model is best used when the requirements are very well known, clear and fixed.
If you are working closely with a vendor to roll-out your installation, service packs, or upgrades – they will often have developed their own structured implementation methodologies that encompass testing and certification. A consultant or project manager will implement their proven processes to streamline and guide the customer through testing. Experience is a valuable asset when completing system, integration, and user acceptance testing. An experience consultant or PM can help organizations resolve any critical issues and prepare for final solution deployment.
To learn more about how Improvizations can assist with your test planning, connect with one of our experienced consultants!