Is your organization preparing for its association management software (AMS) implementation? It’s not uncommon for an association to face challenges during its AMS implementation.
If you’re like other organizations, you might have some concerns about data migration, specifically when moving your existing data from a legacy system into your new system. You might wonder which data makes sense to maintain and which to let go.
As you prepare your organization for new technology, you can alleviate some of these implementation concerns by thoroughly testing your platform. Keep reading to learn how software testing will prepare your association for a smooth implementation.
What is software testing?
Associations can use software testing to evaluate and verify that their technology is working as it should. The process of software testing checks an application, platform, or system for bugs, ultimately ensuring the software meets your organization’s requirements.
5 types of testing for your association
Testing your association management software (AMS) is vital throughout the entire implementation process. Software testing can ensure each phase of your implementation meets your association’s requirements by identifying issues early and saving time and costs for your organization.
Ultimately, when you test your platform throughout your implementation, you’ll build confidence among your staff. Now that you understand the importance of testing and how it can lead to a smoother implementation process, it’s important to understand the different types of testing.
Here are five different types of testing your association should consider in assisting your implementation process:
1. Functional testing
Associations should use functional testing to ensure your AMS includes and functions as expected. This type of testing checks each function of your software application, verifying the output against each of your needed requirements.
2. Integration testing
Associations can use integration testing to confirm individual components are functioning together. Integration testing is a great way for associations to test which modules are working well together once integrated. This form of testing can highlight issues with API integration and integration with your other software systems.
3. End-to-End testing
End-to-end testing (E2E testing) empowers associations to test entire processes within the system from start to finish. E2E testing is more comprehensive than integration testing. Since a process can be made of several components within the new system and any dependent external systems, it ensures there are no gaps in system functionality and that the process can move seamlessly through all the related systems.
4. Performance testing
Associations should consider using performance testing to measure your AMS system response times and load handling capabilities. Performance testing can evaluate the speed, responsiveness, and stability of your network and software, helping you identify performance-related bottlenecks.
5. Security testing
To maintain secure member records at your association, you’ll want to leverage security testing. Associations can use security testing to evaluate any risks, threats, or vulnerabilities, preventing malicious attacks at your organization and ensuring the right data protection measures are in place.
The importance of stress testing your software
You already know that testing your technology is a vital part of your AMS implementation process. But to increase the benefits of software testing at your organization, you should consider stress testing your system.
When you stress test your AMS, you can simulate peak loads to identify system limitations. Testing to break your system can also help you identify weak points in your AMS, ultimately uncovering potential failure points before they can affect organizational operations.
How to involve different groups in your testing process
It’s always beneficial to involve more groups in your association’s testing process. One of the greatest benefits to involving more users in the testing process is to help them learn your new AMS and help them acclimate to working in a new system.
Here are three ways your association can get more groups involved in the AMS testing process:
1. Include internal stakeholders
It’s crucial to involve all your departments in your AMS testing process. The more staff departments you include in this process, the greater confidence you’ll build with technology.
Consider including these departments as you begin your AMS testing process: membership, events, marketing, finance, education, and more.
2. Involve end users
As you begin your AMS testing process, be sure to gather feedback from your system users, across departments. Gaining feedback will offer valuable insight into your AMS, helping you validate the system’s usability.
3. Collaborate with IT and AMS teams
As you continue to test your AMS, looking for potential weaknesses and areas where you can improve the system, you’ll want to work closely with your IT team and your AMS vendor. Working closely with your AMS provider will help you leverage their expertise throughout the entire process.
Your AMS vendor can help you resolve challenges like managing realistic timelines, staying on budget, and ensuring the workload doesn’t become overwhelming. Additionally, be sure to maintain open communication with your AMS vendor, keeping them up to date with any challenges you encounter in your testing process.
