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User acceptance testing for technology projects
By Kennedy Ougo, Senior ICT Consultant 1 min read
Acceptance testing proves that a delivered system works for the people who will use it — before the project is signed off.
Technical tests confirm that a system works as built. User acceptance testing (UAT) confirms that it works for the business.
Base tests on real work
Write test scenarios from everyday tasks: registering a patient, approving an order, connecting a new laptop to the network. Include unusual but realistic cases.
Involve the right people
Testers should be the people who will use the system, supported by someone who can record issues clearly. Senior managers should see the results before sign-off.
Prepare the environment
Use realistic test data and an environment that matches production. Testing against empty databases hides problems.
Record issues properly
For each issue, record the steps, expected result, actual result and severity. Agree which issues must be fixed before go-live and which can follow.
Sign off clearly
Acceptance should be a documented decision against the agreed criteria in the scope, not an assumption because nobody complained.
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About the author
Kennedy Ougo
Senior ICT Consultant
Kennedy Ougo writes about ICT project delivery, equipment deployment and intelligent transport systems.