Why is test automation critical to successful Dynamics 365 upgrades?

In the last blog of the Platform Optimization series – Why do you want to test Microsoft Dynamics 365 Updates? – we discussed the importance of testing Dynamics 365 updates in the software lifecycle. The fourth blog of the series discusses the benefits of test automation for Dynamics 365 upgrades.

In today’s fast-changing technological landscape, software upgrades have become a regular occurrence for organizations seeking to stay competitive and meet security and user needs. However, the process of upgrading software systems can be complex, involving numerous components, configurations, and difficulties. Also, the Dynamics 365 upgrade process can be complex and demanding, with potential risks that could disrupt operations. Microsoft Dynamics 365 has revolutionized the way organizations manage their operations, streamline processes, and engage with customers. As businesses evolve and requirements change, upgrades to Dynamics 365 environments become a necessity. This is where test automation is critical and plays a pivotal role in ensuring the success of upgrades by enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and confidence in the final product.

Manual testing is valuable but can be time-consuming, error-prone, and often insufficient to cover all user scenarios. Test automation addresses these limitations efficiently. It involves using software tools to automatically execute tests, validate results, and compare outcomes with expected behavior. The benefits of test automation in the context of upgrades are manifold:

• Comprehensive Testing in a Dynamic Landscape

Dynamics 365 upgrades introduce changes that can affect various facets of the system – from workflows to integrations to customizations. Manually testing every scenario, interaction, form factor, and functionality can be time-consuming and difficult. Test automation enables the execution of test cases in a fraction of the time it would take manually. This ensures thorough testing across different workflows, edge cases, and configurations, leaving no room for untested scenarios.

 

• Mitigating the Risk of Regression

Upgrades have the potential to inadvertently disrupt existing functionality. Test automation excels at regression testing, ensuring that previously validated functionality continues to work seamlessly after the upgrade. Automated regression tests can quickly identify inconsistencies and functionality that previously worked, thus enabling prompt remediation.

 

• Speed and Efficiency

Manual testing is time-consuming, particularly when dealing with multifaceted Dynamics 365 environments. Automated tests can be executed rapidly and repeatedly, making it possible to run many tests in a relatively short span. This expedites the testing of an upgrade and accelerates the overall project timeline.

 

• Consistency, Accuracy, and Reproducibility

Manual testing can inadvertently introduce inconsistencies in testing approaches, due to human errors, varied tester skill levels, time constraints, and other issues—thus leading to variable results. Test automation eliminates this variability by ensuring that tests are executed the same way every time. This consistency and reproducibility contribute to more reliable and accurate test outcomes.

 

• Enhanced Test Coverage

Manual testing might cover only a fraction of possible scenarios due to resource and time constraints. Test automation allows for extensive test coverage by executing a multitude of test cases across various dimensions simultaneously. For example, one dimension is user device type—encompassing PCs, tablets, and mobile phones with various form factors.  This broader coverage reduces the likelihood of undiscovered defects in the upgraded environment.

 

• Early Detection of Issues

Automated tests can be integrated into the continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipeline. This means that tests are executed automatically whenever changes are introduced to the codebase. Early detection of issues allows for timely resolution and prevents the accumulation of defects that could derail the upgrade process.

 

• Resource Optimization

Automated tests reduce the need for manual intervention in the testing process. Testing teams can focus on designing test scenarios, analyzing results, and addressing complex testing requirements. This optimizes the utilization of testing resources and enables the team to focus on higher-value tasks.

 

• Data Integrity and Migration

Dynamics 365 upgrades sometimes involve data migrations or transformations. Test automation can validate data integrity during these processes, ensuring that data is accurately migrated and transformed according to the new application version’s requirements. Automated data validation reduces the risk of data corruption or loss by providing a systematic and efficient way to verify data integrity and accuracy.

 

• Efficient Performance Testing

Performance degradation is a common challenge during Dynamics 365 upgrades.  Performance is a key concern as it heavily impacts user experience. Test automation can simulate a load on the application to measure its performance under stress. By early identification of performance bottlenecks, organizations can optimize the application’s responsiveness before deploying the upgrade.

• Regulatory Compliance

Manual testing may not be sufficient to fully test regulatory compliance e.g., GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation), FISMA (Federal Information Security Management Act), etc. Automation testing can be leveraged to ensure that products, systems, and processes adhere to the relevant regulatory requirements, standards, and guidelines in order to reduce the risk of non-compliance and associated penalties.

 

• Competitive Advantage

Embracing test automation for Dynamics 365 development and upgrades often gives a competitive edge by making the process more efficient, delivering better customer experience, and more quickly adapting to market changes.

Conclusion

Test automation is not just a trend but a fundamental necessity when upgrading Dynamics 365 environments. The complexity, customization, and critical nature of these environments demand a robust testing approach that manual testing alone cannot provide. By leveraging test automation, organizations can ensure that their Dynamics 365 upgrades are successful, delivering enhanced functionality while preserving the integrity of existing processes. The synergy of Dynamics 365’s capabilities and test automation’s reliability creates a formidable combination that empowers organizations to confidently embrace upgrades and unlock their full potential.

About the author:

Himanshu Gosain
Celsior

Read other blogs of the series:

Why do you want to test Microsoft Dynamics 365 Updates?

Lowering your Anxiety over Microsoft Dynamics 365 Upgrades

Optimizing Your Microsoft Dynamics 365 Implementation & Maintenance Environment