Testing is one of the most critical phases in implementing an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, yet it is often overlooked. Failing to prioritize it can be costly, with 44% of enterprises reporting downtime expenses exceeding $1 million per hour, along with the frustration it causes for end users.
A well-planned testing strategy does more than catch technical issues. It ensures your new ERP applications function as intended, integrate smoothly across modules, and support your business processes. It also builds user confidence, encourages adoption, and provides a structured way to train new staff long after go-live.
The strongest cloud ERP testing strategies are supported by comprehensive test management solutions. These may include predefined scripts for common business processes, tools for engaging users in realistic scenarios, and options for both automated and manual testing. Together, they help your team verify workflows, explore edge cases, and fine-tune the system before it goes live.
Now, let’s look at what makes an effective testing strategy, the benefits it delivers, and how the right testing solution supports every stage from pre-implementation planning to ongoing optimization.
5 Phases of a Successful Cloud ERP Testing Strategy
Your cloud ERP testing strategy should involve the following phases, in this sequence.
1. Conference Room Pilot (CRP)
A solid testing strategy begins with your people. The idea here is to provide your key subject matter experts and business process owners with hands-on experience of the system before formal testing begins.
As part of this introductory phase, use real-world scenarios to look at the system’s functionality. Then, identify and document any gaps in the processes or enhancements needed.
This phase is also an excellent time to train “super users” in system workflows, and to gather feedback on refinements you can implement, before you advance to the next phase…
2. Unit Testing (UT)
In this phase, you’ll validate individual modules and configurations in isolation; that is, you’ll verify the core functionality of each ERP module, making certain it aligns to your business process. You’ll also confirm that your configurations meet your business requirements.
Now’s the time to execute those pre-defined scripts mentioned above, to check for functional validation. One specific example is to conduct “Payroll Parallel Testing” to ensure your payroll calculations deliver the outcomes you expect.
Also, be sure to identify and triage any system process issues that you encounter. At that time, you can move forward to…
3. System Integration Testing (SIT)
Here’s when you begin to validate end-to-end system processes across multiple modules and external systems. Key players in this phase include members of your (and your ERP provider’s) implementation team, integration specialists, and external providers of integration points.
This group will perform tasks such as verifying cross-module process flows (such as Procure-to-Pay and Hire-to-Retire), along with testing system interfaces, APIs, and data exchanges.
Along the way, they’ll also validate security (turned on for SIT) and role-based access controls, as well as continue Payroll Parallel Testing. Next up is…
4. User Acceptance Testing (UAT)
At this time, your team’s end users, super users, and business process owners should go hands-on to try out real-world scenarios and make sure the ERP works and meets your business requirements. This includes validating reports and workflows, and testing security and role-based access controls.
You’ll also want to document your users’ feedback, and adjust configurations as needed. This is also a great time time to make sure all your business stakeholders have buy-in regarding how the system’s working. Only once these steps are complete should you move on to…
5. Cutover Testing (Mock Go-Live)
Finally, it’s time for a full-scale dry run with regard to data migration and cutover procedures. This testing is conducted by your implementation team in collaboration with your ERP partner. In the process, you can determine the timing of actual migration activities that lead up to your go-live.
Introducing Dokimi: Complete ERP Implementation Testing Software
Now that you’ve seen what the ideal cloud testing strategy looks like, let’s examine a solution with features and functionality developed specifically to support each of these requirements. This solution, designed by RPI Consultants ensures that your organization’s cloud ERP implementation will deliver the results you’re expecting.
This proprietary solution is called Dokimi, which is Greek for “to test, trial, or rehearse.” Dokimi prioritizes active involvement on your organization’s part, making every testing scenario a training scenario.
By treating testing as an iterative training opportunity, subject matter experts and end users gain direct exposure to system functionalities. This makes formal training sessions more effective and reduces the post-go-live learning curve.
Put another way, by allowing your users to interact directly with the system, Dokimi reinforces their understanding of business processes, system workflows, and configuration decisions.
For example, your team can explore edge cases, evaluate system performance under actual working conditions, and provide immediate feedback, leading to more refined system configurations—and fewer post-implementation surprises.
In summary, Dokimi cultivates a sense of ownership and confidence in your ERP software, both during and after go-live.
Key Features of Dokimi
Loaded with over 1,600 test scripts, Dokimi is organized by functional area and sequenced into business processes. It allows you to build, customize, and assign testing activities specifically for your organization, including sample data.
The solution also includes the ability to toggle on/off automated script updates as well. So, for example, if new feature functionality is rolled out as part of a cumulative update, your teams will have the ability to automatically update scripts to reflect these changes.
What’s more, Dokimi tracks progress and results in real time, providing visibility for all stakeholders. With intuitive dashboards and reports, project managers can easily monitor testing completion and success. And, Dokimi automatically assigns failed tests to the relevant consultant for troubleshooting.
Dokimi is built and maintained within Infor CloudSuite, so it provides a consistent look and feel to ensure easy adoption. It’s also tied into the CloudSuite security model for role-based access.
Finally, there are no additional hosting costs related to Dokimi, and you can continue using it even after your successful CloudSuite implementation, making it an excellent job aide for new hires who are learning your system and your business processes.
Ensure Testing with Dokimi is Part of Your CloudSuite ERP Implementation
At RPI, testing is not just about validating functionality, it’s an opportunity to empower users, reinforce business processes, and ensure critical ERP adoption.
That’s why we created Dokimi: to help your organization reap the benefits of deeper user engagement with your cloud system. RPI’s testing methodology is built off decades experience helping organizations get more out of their ERP system and fosters deeper user engagement, ensuring that business teams are fully prepared for success at go-live and beyond.
To find out more about how RPI Consultants can support your organization with our proprietary cloud ERP testing strategy and Dokimi testing solution, contact us below.
