Automation was identified as a key requirement in evolving the end-to-end software development life cycle for, the then upcoming, v9. This enabled better preparation for the transformation program to SupportPoint Cloud. Previous versions of SupportPoint did not support this capability and relied completely on manual testing. From the initial request for tender, Planit proposed a complete test automation solution that would enable non-technical resources to manage and drive automation forward across existing and future releases.
“We can rely on Planit to provide quality people, who are across their speciality, learn fast, use initiative and don’t require micro management.”
Geoff Gaylard
Test Manager, Upland Panviva
Continuous Integration
Planit implemented a continuous integration solution to test a core set of functions for each new code set. This test suite completes in less than 20 seconds and reduces the impact of failed deployments. With the addition of this quality gate the testing team are assured of a stable build.
Automation
Over the course of the initial 2 month engagement 70% of the 500 functional requirements defined were included in the Automation Suite. This coverage included all high and medium priority requirements. The following were also part of the complete Planit delivery:
- Installation of a new test tool
- Test Management
- Test Automation
- Test Process Improvement
- Integration of Automation Tool and Defect Management Tool
- Tool Certification
- Regression Test Suite
- Knowledge transfer and handover
The initial engagement covered v9 and despite a complete redesign to the underlying technology as part of the transformation to SupportPoint Cloud, the Planit Test Automation Methodology allowed significant reuse of the v9 test suite. The separation of business logic and technical specification allowed the team time to focus testing on the underlying architecture of the application, reducing overall testing time and increasing test coverage.
“Smoke testing as part of continuous integration is an invaluable mechanism for catching core method logic breakages before deployment”
John Charles
Development Manager, Upland Panviva
Performance
Performance testing focused on SupportPoint Cloud, as its new technology platform enabled rapid development of a performance testing solution. Planit adjusted their Performance Testing Methodology to allow a solution to be developed to deliver maximum benefits with minimal time. Performance testing used a risk based approach with focus on high volume business transactions. Within the first week of engagement, this approach led Planit to identify a memory leak and over the course of the engagement gained early detection of more than 10 significant performance defects.
“Our knowledge and time was limited when it came to testing and integrating into our Continuous Integration pipeline. The Planit solution gives our developers fast feedback into the code quality and, in turn, ensures a stable and testable application.”
Harry Christodoulou
Solutions Analyst Consultant, Upland Panviva