Technatic | In the process of creating a new product or software, UAT is an important stage that needs to be carried out to ensure its suitability to user needs. Apart from that, this test is also carried out to ensure whether the product being made is free from various problems and is suitable for production.
For those of you who want to learn more about user acceptance testing, this article will discuss information about User Acceptance Testing, from understanding it to how to do it. So, read the article until the end, OK!
What is UAT ?
When creating new software, developers need to know how targeted users will react. So, to find out this reaction, developers can carry out User Acceptance Testing (UAT). In simple terms, UAT is a method used to test the suitability of software before entering the production stage.
Read Also : What is Software ? This is The Definition, Role and Tips for Choosing it
The focus of UAT is to ensure that the software created is in accordance with user needs and meets business requirements. In other words, a user acceptance test is a method used to ensure that the product being made meets expectations.
Usually, this test itself is carried out at the very last stage, namely after all the software test series have been completed. Please note that, before carrying out a user acceptance test, there are several things that must be confirmed first, including:
- Have completed functionality, integration and system tests
- No defects or damage were detected in the system test and functionality test
- Make sure there are no defects or fatal errors in the integration test phase
- Prepare your business needs or requirements
- Make sure you have fixed any crashes reported from previous testing
- Prepare the requirements for the user acceptance test carefully
Why is UAT Important ?
Basically, the main goal of a user acceptance test is to ensure whether the application created can run well and can answer user needs.
Therefore, if you ask whether user acceptance tests are important? The answer is yes. Several reasons why user acceptance tests are important are as follows:
1. Increase User Satisfaction
As previously mentioned, user acceptance testing is a method that allows developers to ensure the suitability of their products to user needs. The reason is, this method is carried out by involving users directly, so that the developer can get meaningful feedback.
From this feedback, developers can develop and adapt their software to customer needs, while also improving its quality. In this way, the resulting software can be more mature and user-oriented.
2. Reduces the risk of failure and saves costs
The main key to the success of a product is being able to provide solutions to the needs and problems of its users. Therefore, it is important to carry out a user acceptance test to ensure whether the product being made is right on target and can solve user problems.
Read Also : What is a Query ? This is the Definition, Function, How it Works
If during implementation a problem is found in the software being developed, the developer can immediately fix it. Thus, the company will not produce and release defective products. This can certainly reduce the risk of failure and be more cost effective,
3. Validate User Needs
The reason why user acceptance tests are important is that developers can verify the needs of targeted users. So, developers can develop their products to be more user-oriented.
4. Increase Reputation
A product that is mature and meets people's needs will certainly leave a good impression and can grow user trust in the developer. Therefore, it is important to carry out user acceptance tests so that you can verify various crucial things, so that the resulting product is more mature for release.
5. Identifying Bugs
The presence of errors or bugs in the software will certainly affect the user experience and comfort. So, through user acceptance tests, this kind of thing can be prevented properly.
Type of User Acceptance Testing
In practice, user acceptance tests can be carried out in various ways because this method has several different types. The types are as follows:
1. Operational Acceptance Testing (OAT)
The first type is Operational Acceptance Testing (OAT) or can also be called Operational Readiness Testing. The main focus of this testing is to ensure that the software created meets the requirements and can be operated according to expectations.
In practice, an example of this type, namely the User Interface (UI) test, functions to check the functionality and appearance of the software, as well as detect errors in the UI. Not only that, OAT is also used to test software performance and security in various conditions.
2. Black Box Testing
Black box testing is also a type of user acceptance test which is usually categorized as a functionality testing tool. In black box testing, the main thing that is done is to test or analyze the function of the software without showing the code structure. So, in this case, users only know the aims and objectives of the software being developed,
3. Regulatory Acceptance Testing (RAT)
The next type, namely regulatory acceptance testing. Yes, judging from the name, this test is related to certain regulations, such as legislation. The main agenda for this type of user acceptance test is to ensure that the software created is appropriate and does not conflict with existing regulations.
4. Alpha and Beta Testing
Alpha and beta testing are software testing methods carried out by two different groups of users. Alpha testing itself is carried out by internal staff and carried out before the software is used by external testers. Data obtained from alpha testing will be used by the development team to correct errors and improve product quality.
On the other hand, beta testing or what is usually called field testing is carried out by external user groups. Later, the feedback obtained will be used to develop the product.
5. Contract Acceptance Testing
The last type of user acceptance test is contract acceptance testing. This type is carried out to ensure that the software being developed complies with the specifications and criteria in the project contract. Typically, these criteria have been discussed with the client in the contract negotiation process.
How to Do UAT
User acceptance tests need to be done correctly so you can get the data you need. In this regard, the stages of carrying out UAT are as follows:
- Analyze your business needs first
- Create an implementation plan
- Create test scenarios and test cases
- Prepare the data to be used
- Run user acceptance tests and record the results
- Make sure the results meet business needs and answer customer needs
That is an explanation of what a user acceptance test is, complete with types, how to do it, and why this is important in the process of creating new products.
Read Also : Get to Know What Aggregate Planning is Needed in Business
From the explanation above, we can conclude that UAT is a method used to test the suitability of a product or software before entering the production process. This test is carried out by validating several things, such as suitability to business and customer needs and product functionality.