Why Testing Matters
Before any software goes live with real data and real users, it needs testing. Not just does it work testing, but does it work the way we need it to testing. As the person who knows your business best, your input during testing is essential.
Functionality Checklist
Can you create a new record with all required information? Can you edit an existing record? Can you search and filter records effectively? Do all the buttons and links go where they should? Do dropdown menus contain the correct options? Can you export data to CSV? Do email alerts arrive at the right time with the correct information?
Data Accuracy Checklist
Do calculations produce the correct results? Are dates formatted correctly? Do expiry alerts trigger at the right time (not too early, not too late)? Do reports show accurate totals? If you enter the same data that is in your spreadsheet, do you get the same results?
User Experience Checklist
Is the system intuitive for your team to use? Can a new user figure out the basics without training? Does it work well on a phone or tablet if your team needs mobile access? Is the text readable? Are important buttons easy to find? Does the system respond quickly enough?
Edge Cases
What happens if you leave a required field blank? What happens if you enter a date in the past? What happens if two people update the same record simultaneously? What happens if you try to delete something that is referenced elsewhere? These edge cases reveal robustness issues that normal testing might miss.
Report Issues Clearly
When you find something wrong, describe what you did, what you expected to happen and what actually happened. A screenshot is worth a thousand words. Do not worry about being too picky — it is much easier to fix issues before launch than after.
Testing Is Collaborative
I test extensively before handing anything over, but you are the domain expert. Your testing catches the things that only someone who understands the business can spot. Get in touch if you have questions about the testing process.
Got a Spreadsheet That's Driving You Mad?
Send it over — I'll tell you what an app version would look like and what it'd cost. No obligation.