The importance of User Acceptance Testing and what is required from the customer
What is UAT?
The importance of User Acceptance Testing and what is required from the customer – User Acceptance Testing (UAT) is the process of verifying that the eCRF study meets the requirements provided to the Study Build Team. UAT is the last phase of the build process prior to the system going live. UAT is one of the most important steps in the build process because when implemented correctly, it’s the most effective in reducing both time and cost, whilst increasing customer satisfaction.
What is expected from the customer?
Once the system is at the point of UAT, the customer will be given a log in to a test environment which allows them to go into the database and test it to ensure it meets their requirements. There is no particular process a customer must follow when testing the database, they may have their own internal procedures and test scripts as part of their own quality system however it is important that this is done thoroughly to ensure the system meets the requirements set out initially, to avoid any changes when the system goes live which will require additional time and money.
Datatrial’s change controls state: ‘It is the customer’s responsibility to determine and perform the level of user acceptance testing they require’ T
5 top tips when completing UAT
- Attempt to simulate real-world data during tests
- Involve end users as much as possible to ensure user satisfaction
- Allocate sufficient time aside to do appropriate and thorough testing, once the system is live it is harder to make changes
- Discuss any findings with your team, before collating a list of unique, non-clashing findings
- Be specific with your findings to ensure any additional changes can be implemented efficiently
