The article provides an overview of the UAT (User Acceptance Testing) Sprint Phase in the Prescriptive Delivery process.
For UAT Sprint these are the key points:
Duration of the UAT Sprint Phase depends on the scope and complexity of the solution.
Main goal of UAT phase is to conduct end-to-end testing of the solution led by the customer.
Last moment for the customer to present the plan for introducing the Pricefx system to the business users.
Preparation of the Business go-live.
GO/NO GO decision for the Business go-live made at the Steering Committee level.
Factors Determining the Duration of the UAT Sprint Phase
The duration of the UAT (User Acceptance Testing) Sprint Phase is contingent upon the scope and complexity of the overall solution being implemented. The timeframe allotted for this phase can vary significantly depending on factors such as the breadth of functionality, the number of integrations, the level of customization required, and the overall project scale.
For more complex and comprehensive solutions, the UAT Sprint Phase may need to be extended to accommodate thorough end-to-end testing and validation by the customer. Conversely, for more streamlined implementations, the UAT cycle may be compressed. Ultimately, the Solution Architect, in collaboration with the project team and the customer, will determine the optimal duration for this critical phase to ensure the solution meets all acceptance criteria before proceeding to the final go-live preparation.
Central Role of the Customer in the UAT Sprint Phase
The primary objective of the UAT (User Acceptance Testing) Sprint Phase is to undertake comprehensive, end-to-end testing of the implemented solution. This crucial phase is led and driven by the customer, who plays a central role in validating that the delivered system meets all their specified requirements and functions as intended across the entire scope of the project.
Through this rigorous testing process, the customer thoroughly examines the solution from multiple angles, verifying the proper integration and interoperability of various components, as well as the overall usability and performance of the system. The customer's active involvement and leadership during this phase ensures that any remaining gaps or issues are identified and addressed before the solution is approved for final deployment.
KEY INSIGHT: By placing the customer at the forefront of the UAT activities, the SA and project team gain valuable feedback and insights that inform the final refinements necessary to achieve full customer acceptance. This collaborative approach solidifies the customer's confidence in the solution and prepares the way for a successful go-live transition.
Customer's Role in Preparing for Pricefx System Go-Live
In addition to the comprehensive end-to-end testing activities, the UAT (User Acceptance Testing) Sprint Phase serves as the final opportunity for the customer to present their plan for introducing the Pricefx system to the broader business user community. This critical step ensures that the transition to the new solution is strategically planned and communicated to all impacted stakeholders.
During this phase, the customer can leverage the UAT Sprint as a platform to finalize their go-live readiness strategy. This may involve outlining the training and change management initiatives they will undertake to prepare the business users for the adoption of the Pricefx system.
KEY INSIGHT: Customer can use this time to solidify their internal communication plan, mapping out how they will effectively disseminate information, gather feedback, and address any concerns from the end-users.
By aligning the UAT Sprint Phase with the customer's plan for Pricefx system introduction, the Solution Architect and project team can provide valuable support and guidance to ensure a seamless and well-orchestrated go-live process.
KEY VALUE: This collaborative approach helps to build user confidence, minimize disruption, and set the stage for a successful long-term adoption of the Pricefx solution across the organization
Collaborative Go-Live Preparation
The preparation for the final business go-live of the Pricefx system is undertaken as a collaborative effort between the project team and the customer. This joint approach ensures that all necessary steps are thoroughly planned and coordinated to facilitate a smooth and successful transition to the live production environment.
During this critical preparation phase, the customer provides invaluable input and guidance based on their deep understanding of the business processes, user requirements, and organizational readiness factors. The Solution Architect and the broader project team work closely with the customer to develop a comprehensive go-live plan, addressing key considerations such as:
Finalizing the deployment and migration strategies
Confirming the readiness of the technical infrastructure and integrations
Defining the user training and change management activities
Establishing the go-live support and escalation procedures
Aligning on the communication and rollout schedule to all impacted stakeholders
KEY INSIGHT: By fostering this collaborative partnership, the project team can leverage the customer's domain expertise and ensure that the go-live preparation aligns with the customer's expectations and internal processes.
Critical GO/NO GO Decision for Pricefx Go-Live
The culmination of the UAT (User Acceptance Testing) Sprint Phase is marked by a critical decision point - a GO/NO GO determination for the final business go-live of the Pricefx system. This pivotal decision is made at the Steering Committee level, drawing upon the insights and outcomes gathered throughout the comprehensive testing and preparation activities.
The Steering Committee, comprising key stakeholders and project leadership, will carefully review the findings from the UAT Sprint to assess whether the solution is ready for deployment into the live production environment. This evaluation involves examining factors such as the successful completion of all acceptance criteria, the readiness of the technical infrastructure, the effectiveness of user training and change management, and the overall confidence in the system's stability and performance.
Should the Steering Committee conclude that all necessary milestones have been achieved, they will grant a GO decision, signaling the green light to proceed with the final Business go-live. Conversely, if any critical issues or concerns are identified, the Steering Committee may issue a NO GO decision, requiring additional refinements or a repeat of the UAT Sprint to address outstanding gaps before the go-live can be approved.
KEY INSIGHT: This strategic decision-making process at the Steering Committee level ensures that the transition to the live Pricefx system is meticulously reviewed and validated, mitigating risks and positioning the organization for a successful long-term adoption of the new solution.