Testing SAP R/3: A Manager's Step-by-Step Guide

Chapter 5. Functional Test Automation^[6]

Functional testing assures that your implementation of SAP meets your business requirements. Given the highly configurable and tightly integrated nature of the SAP modules, as well as the probability that you will also integrate in-house applications or third-party plug-ins, it is a critical and challenging task requiring the verification of hundreds or even thousands of business processes and the rules that govern them.

This chapter explores the business case for automating your functional testing, the alternative automation approaches to consider, and organizational considerations and techniques for maintaining and managing your test automation assets.

WHY AUTOMATE?

Test automation is not a panacea, but it can make a dramatic difference in the quality and stability of your SAP deployment over the long term. The key is to understand when automation works and when it does not, and how to assure your success.

Business Case for Automation

There are three key benefits to automation:

1. Expand your test coverage.

2. Save time and resources.

3. Retain knowledge.

Expanding your test coverage is one of the most valuable benefits of automation because it translates into higher quality and thus less costs associated with downtime, errors, and rework. Over the life of your SAP deployment you will likely experience an increase in the number of business processes it supports, either through the implementation of additional modules or integration with other systems.

As ...