Picture this: you’re part of a software development team. While developers create and run unit tests, serious validation of software functionality and performance doesn’t usually occur until the first build.

As logical as it might seem to take such a linear approach to testing, there’s a downside: no matter how good your coverage is, bugs will always find a way to be a nuisance, even after they are fixed.

Resembling that of a ripple effect, constantly retracing your steps to fix bug-related complications brings with it high levels of frustration and low morale.

We’ve all been there, right?

The evolution of SDLC methodologies: From Waterfall to Iterative

But it’s not just about emotional stress and frustration: it’s common knowledge that the longer you put off testing to a later phase, the expense involved in fixing bugs grows exponentially. There’s just no way you can resolve each bug in isolation, without affecting the larger system. It’s risky, to say the least. With the increased adoption of iterative development by teams, this phase-based approach to testing is dated. Now, the focus lies on testing incrementally with automation and artificial intelligence leading the way.

When you take such an approach, bugs are detected much earlier in the lifecycle, preventing rework, project schedule extensions as well as budget overflows too. If that’s not enough, less work needs to be carried out with respect to bug fixes, resulting in minimal complications and additional rework.

As lean and effective as this approach has been known to be, there are instances when it is used uniquely. Particularly, with respect to S/4HANA implementations, where the SAP Activate methodology holds sway.

The pitfalls of limiting testing to the ‘Realize’ phase in SAP Activate

It’s no secret that S/4HANA implementations are large, bringing with it complex challenges that require a unique development approach. It’s probably the reason why SAP Activate takes a hybrid approach.

At the program level, it’s plain to see that the phase-based Waterfall methodology is used, with testing scheduled much later in the lifecycle. With user acceptance testing being mandatory before go-live, it should come as no surprise as to why this methodology has been adopted and will remain unchanged

At the project level, the iterative approach to development takes effect, with a focus on iterative testing after build-config is completed. In this way, every ‘increment’ is built and tested during Sprints, where development teams can respond to changes and deliver value accordingly. As unique as this approach is, iterative testing takes place at a later phase in the S/4HANA transformation lifecycle.

Even if it’s very possible to detect bugs quickly at the project level, there are reasons why carrying out testing after build-config still isn’t optimal. Some of these reasons include:

  • Complexity is higher: S/4HANA transformations involve multiple systems, integrations, and business-critical processes. Waiting until the end to test increases the risk of discovering critical issues too late.
  • Change is constant: Iterative and hybrid delivery models mean that requirements evolve. Testing must keep pace with these changes right from the outset.
  • Dependencies are deep: A change in one module can impact others. Early and continuous testing helps identify these ripple effects before they become production incidents.

In short, testing is best not considered as a ‘gate’ but regarded as a guiding force throughout the lifecycle transformation. Instead, it’s better to take a “Testing as a Lifecycle” Approach in your S/4HANA transformation.

Testing as a lifecycle: A new paradigm for S/4HANA migrations

If you’re not aware of what “Testing as a Lifecycle” means, it merely means embedding testing activities across every phase of the SAP program. We refer to this as continuous testing, where validation takes place right from Discovery to post-go-live support. With quality built in throughout the transformation lifecycle, the agility, quality and resilience of your S/4HANA transformation can reach unprecedented levels.

Simply put, here’s what you can enjoy, in terms of straightforward benefits, when you adopt ‘continuous testing’:

  • Faster feedback loops for developers and business users.
  • Reduced cost of defects by catching issues early.
  • Improved agility to adapt to changing requirements. 
  • Higher confidence in go-live readiness.
  • Better alignment between IT and business goals.

That said, here’s an overview of how ‘continuous testing’ can be implemented across each phase in an S/4HANA transformation: 

PhaseTesting activities
Discovery & Blueprinting Requirements validation, test strategy definition, risk-based prioritization 
Design & Build Test case design, early automation, unit & integration testing 
Realize System integration testing, regression testing, performance testing 
Deploy User acceptance testing, cutover validation and go-live readiness checks 
Post-Go-Live Hypercare testing, monitoring and continuous regression testing 

What continuous testing promises to deliver

In an S/4HANA transformation, testing is not a checkbox or a phase. It’s a continuous, strategic activity that spans the entire lifecycle. By breaking the myth of “test after build” and embracing Testing as a Lifecycle, organizations can de-risk their transformation, accelerate delivery, and ensure long-term success.

Keeping this in mind, if you’d like to adopt continuous testing in your S/4HANA transformation, speak to our experts at Qualitest.