Want to learn more about ICG’s software analysis process? We spoke with Leslie Valencia, one of ICG’s business analysts, to dig a little deeper into the process. Here’s what she said:
As a software business analyst, it’s fun to work alongside software developers and test the client applications they develop. It’s intriguing to help and watch a solution being developed that will eventually be used by a myriad of users in many different locations, performing many unique tasks. However, there’s much to consider when testing systems with robust, intermingled functionality. Will it be a completely new application? Or is it an upgrade to an existing application?
It’s imperative to ensure you’re properly testing the app during all stages of development. You are responsible for discovering if a piece of functionality stops working or is not affecting the result it should, and bringing those issues to the attention of the development team. The last thing you want to do is hand over a carelessly analyzed and tested application; nobody wants to deal with the pitfalls of the project taking a wrong turn.
As those responsible for verifying that everything works according to the requirements and as designed, business analysts deal with both customers and software developers, and ensuring that things don’t fall through the cracks is important.
Example
For example, say new code is released to fix bugs and make some improvements. You do your testing for the specific fixes and verify that the changes work.
The company hands it over to the client for their User Acceptance Testing, and they noticed something isn’t working that you completely missed. How could that be? It turns out that the new fixes affected other areas of the application that you didn’t think to check. Now the team has to roll back the code and fix the new issues as well. This additional delay will cost everyone time and money and impact project deadlines.
Fully testing all areas following the release of new fixes is the best way to ensure a well-running, defect-free application. Using test scripts or having a detailed regression-testing regimen always comes in handy. These tools help ensure nothing is missed during testing and help users know the proper outcome.
I enjoy being part of developing an application that delivers lots of value to our customers. It’s a good feeling when our clients are happy with our solutions, which help them save millions, and that is what we strive for. As an analyst and tester, I take great pride in representing my company and our teams, and there is no greater validation of our work than a satisfied customer with a killer new app in their hands. And the only way I know how to do that is… when in doubt, go full out!
Leslie Valencia – Software Analyst, Application Tester
Get Started With ICG
ICG offers a variety of customizable, best-of-breed, back-office solutions. Learn more about ICG’s software analysis process or ask about our cloud-hosted, financial back-office solutions:
- AP Automation
- Vendor Portal
- Vendor Onboarding
- Data Capture and Document Assembly
- PO Dispatch and Update
- Dynamic Discounting
- Workflow Management
Or request a demo and let ICG show your team how you can increase efficiency and add to your bottom line!