When it comes to launching a Salesforce project, internal testing and User Acceptance Testing (UAT) are two critical steps that serve different goals. Both are vital, but they focus on separate parts of the puzzle. Internal testing is about ensuring everything works, while UAT is about ensuring everything works well for users.
Why It Matters
Rolling out a project without both internal testing and UAT is like building a car without test-driving it. Internal testing ensures the engine runs smoothly; UAT makes sure the driver’s experience is comfortable, intuitive, and effective. Skipping either one means risking a rocky launch, frustrating users, or costly reworks down the road.
Breaking Down the Difference
Internal Testing: The Foundation Check
Internal testing is the first round. Here, the project team dives into the nitty-gritty of every feature, automation, and integration, aiming to identify any technical errors, gaps in workflows, or issues in data flow. This stage isn’t about how the project looks or feels to an end user; it’s purely about functionality and technical accuracy. Key points include:
- Error Detection: Catch bugs, logic errors, or misconfigured automation that could disrupt processes.
- Process Validation: Confirm that each step in a workflow is accurate and that integrations connect data as expected.
- Gap Identification: Ensure all intended functionalities are there and working. If anything is missing, it’s flagged and fixed before moving forward.
User Acceptance Testing (UAT): The Final User Experience
Once internal testing is complete, it’s time for UAT—a test with a user-centered lens. UAT brings in end users (or user proxies) to review the project from their perspective. Here, the focus shifts from technical function to ease of use and real-world application. Questions to consider during UAT:
- User-Friendly Design: Is the process intuitive for the user? Are all fields, buttons, and instructions easy to find and follow?
- Efficiency: Does the new process save time compared to the old one? UAT ensures users find it simpler to complete tasks rather than more complicated ones.
- Accuracy and Usability: Are users able to complete tasks without errors or confusion? The goal is to eliminate user frustration and improve accuracy, ensuring a seamless experience.
Bringing It All Together
Internal testing is all about quality control and technical assurance. UAT, on the other hand, is about user experience and making sure the project delivers practical value to the people who will use it every day. Only by using both can you be confident that a Salesforce project will not only work but work well—aligning with the needs and workflows of your end users.