3.4 User Acceptance Test (UAT)

This topic gives information on User Acceptance Test (UAT).

User Acceptance Test (UAT)

The UAT is an exercise conducted by the client wherein a test is conducted on the system to verify that

• All features in the system work and produce results as documented in the functional specifications of the system
• The system is compatible with the hardware provided
• The response time and performance of the system is within acceptable levels
• Technical operations such as backup & restorations smoothly

This exercise is totally the responsibility of the client and the implementation team can assist the users in the following:

• Preparation of a test plan for the UAT
• Execution of the UAT

It is important for the client to be informed during the pre-implementation phase about the UAT and the requirement for them to prepare a test plan and execute the same. The client would prepare a UAT test plan and this would normally cover all the features used by the client. This would allow the client to set aside time and resources for this exercise in line with the implementation plan.

A test plan which is exhaustive in coverage and depth is desirable. The test plan would be executed by the users and the results checked out.

The logical conclusion of this milestone is the UAT sign off from the client. In the event of errors cropping up during the UAT, these have to be resolved either by the team on site or by the support team at Bangalore. For handling of errors that arise during the UAT, refer to the topics Onsite support issues.

The UAT is a very important milestone in the implementation process due to the following:

• The successful completion of this milestone clears the way for the start of a parallel run or live cut over as the case may be.
• An installment of payment from the client is normally associated with the sign off of the UAT and so a successful completion of this exercise leads to cash inflows for the company

Controls

A UAT database should be created for this exercise and the same used for the UAT. On completion of the UAT, this database and the front end modules will have to be backed up for future use in case of audit requirements.