Automated Testing through SAP Solution Manager

Test Automation is, as it says on the tin , ‘Automated Testing’. The big difference between automated and manual testing is that in manual testing a human being is responsible for testing the functionality of the software in the same way an end-user would. On the other hand, automated testing is performed via an automation tool or machine. This offers many advantages, as shown below, and is well-suited for large projects that have a requirement for multiple test cycles but a scarcity of resources and an ever-diminishing timeframe to complete.

The key advantages of automated testing include:

• Saves time and money by making testing more efficient; a test automation tool does not need a break, does not get sick and will perform at the same level no matter how ‘mundane’ the testing activity may be
• Improves testing accuracy; less chance of human error – 100% accurate, 100% of the time.
• Increases test coverage; we can test more processes in less time, there is no need to divert additional resources to pick up the pace
• Speeds up fault finding, allowing more time for resolution and increasing the chances of going live on time

Testing Functionality in SAP Solution Manager

Within Solution Manager, there is a functional module known as the Test Suite. This suite of tools is used to manage and perform all aspects of testing, including Test Planning, Test Sequencing, Test Execution, Test Reporting, Test Analytics and Defect Management. It can be used to manage all of your manual tests in a project, but also contains useful and FREE functionality to perform automated tests!

Below are some of the key capabilities of the Test Suite in Solution Manager

• Test Planning
  • Organise Test Executions
  • Distribute tests to testers via test plans/sequences
• Change Impact Analysis
  • Understand what’s changed
  • What needs to be tested
• Test Scope Optimisation
  • Risk-Based Testing
  • Remove test redundancy
• Test Execution
  • Record test executions into a reusable test component
  • Parameterise input values, this can be done via excel for mass upload

Have you heard of CBTA before?

Component Based Test Automation or CBTA for short – you’re not alone if you’ve not heard of it. Most SAP Implementation or Support teams usually greet the phrase with a confused response or ‘What is that?’ It’s often a surprise for Project or Test Managers to find out that within Solution Manager, they have a built-in testing tool, already at their disposal, and with no additional license costs.

CBTA is a front-end client which you can use to record and execute test scripts from Solution Manager on your SAP systems (e.g. ECC,BW, S/4HANA, etc). The tool is extremely intuitive and records all screen elements on a screen without the user having to ‘inspect’ them or be an expert test engineer, this makes CBTA ideal for testing on SAP systems.

And significantly,  it’s already included in your SAP Enterprise Support license. yes ,you already have a ready to use Test Automation tool at your fingertips waiting to be used at no additional cost (often a barrier to project teams whenever the subject of Test Automation is mentioned).

SAP Solution Manager Test Suite v Other tools

There are a lot of testing tools out there, products by MicroFocus (formally HP QC), Worksoft and Tricentis are well established and each will have its own USP, but just because Solution Manager is free it does not mean it doesn’t compare favourably in terms of functionality. We often get asked the question ‘What can Solution Manager offer in terms of testing compared to these much more expensive counterparts?’ Well not only does Solution Manager match most of the functionalities these other tools offers, it provides all of the below, which none of the other suppliers mentioned offer as a complete package.

• Test Management
• Defect Management
• Change Impact Analysis
• Manual Testing
• Automated Testing
• Risk Based Test Planning
• Test Data Management

For a deeper insight into how all these tools compare up against one another, get in touch and we will be happy to provide a more detailed review.