SAP S/4 HANA Testing
INTRODUCTION
SAP S/4HANA (Business Suite for High-Performance Analytic Appliance) is ERP software that is used in nearly 26 verticals including finance, project management, enterprise portfolio, sales, sourcing and procurement, manufacturing and more. SAP can be customised to operate on Cloud or on-premises system. Also, its functionalities can be configured based on process-specific and industry-specific requirements. SAP S/4 HANA is designed to run only on SAP HANA database and integrates functions from SAP Business suites such as CRM, SCM, and SAP SRM.
SAP has set a 2025 deadline for the end of ECC6 after which its systems will be built to run on just one single database – SAP’s HANA. So, time to plan, prepare and migrate into SAP S/4 HANA.
WHAT IS THE NEED FOR SAP S/4HANA TESTING?
To evaluate proper functioning after implementation
The platform needs to be tested after implementation to check if the functionalities have been configured as per the process requirements. Implementation testing also helps verify if configurations and extensions have been deployed properly and evaluate if the system is delivering the desired results.
To ensure that the platform is ready for the team
End-user acceptance testing needs to be done to ensure that the platform’s functionalities are performing correctly at the user’s end. This real-time testing can help identify bugs or issues that may come up when multiple users are accessing different features of the platform simultaneously.
To check if new updates are affecting existing processes
Businesses need to tests SAP every time new updates are made. It will enable the organization makes the most of the new technology. Regression testing also helps ensure that the existing processes are not affected by the updates. It helps identify process that can be automated based on the new implementations.
WHEN SHOULD SAP S/4HANA TESTING BE DONE?
- Implementing the platform
- Migrating from other SAP or ERP platforms
- Installing new technological updates/upgrades
- While making changes in the existing business processes
- Ensuring real-time capabilities
WHAT SAP S/4HANA FUNCTIONS NEED TO BE TESTED?
Testing teams should first create a roadmap or a plan that will include the business processes that require testing. The user interface, data model, configurations, load performance, accessibility, and other critical factors need to be tested.
STRATEGIES FOR SAP S/4HANA TESTING
Implementation Testing
It is essential to test the capabilities of SAP S/4HANA to evaluate process performance and ensure that the customisations and configurations don’t adversely affect critical operations. The various types of testing that need to be done during platform implementation or migration are:
Unit Testing
This type of testing is done in the development box and checks batch scheduling, security authorisation, data transfer rules, data warehouse and more.
Integration Testing
Evaluates proper functioning of the functionalities in real-time
Performance/Load testing
Checks the performance of the platform during a high volume of transactions
Functional Testing
Evaluates if the platform configurations meet business process requirements
Portal Testing
Tests the function and performance of the platform on different browsers and devices
Security Testing
Evaluation of product security, access control, network security, source code audit and portal security.
User Acceptance Testing
The various testing strategies that can be used for user acceptance testing are:
- Alpha Testing – Testing of capabilities by the testers and/or end-users
- Beta Testing – Testing all the functionalities of the platform with a group of end-users
- Black Box Testing – End-user testing where the user doesn’t see the internal codes
- Operational Acceptance Testing – To check the process flow of the software
- Regulation Acceptance Testing – Ensuring that software functions meet the legal regulations
- Contract Acceptance Testing – Ensuring that the platform functions meet the criteria specified in the contract
Regression Testing
Manual and automated tools can be used for regression testing. Regression testing can be done by
- Re-test All – This option completely re-test all the features of the business suite. It can be a time-consuming and expensive process
- Test selection – This strategy involves testing only certain cases where upgrades have been made
- Prioritise test cases – Testers can prioritise the cases based on the critical and frequently-used features to ensure that the upgrades haven’t affected the current business processes. (recommended)
Tools such as MicroFocus Unified Functional Tester (UFT)/Quick Test Professional (QTP), Tricentis TOSCA, CBTA (Part of Solution Manager), Worksoft, Testim and Ranorex Studio, Rational Functional Tester (RFT) can be used for SAP S/4 Hana automated regression testing.
CHALLENGES OF SAP S/4HANA TESTING
As per the latest World Quality Report, 30-40% of IT spend is on testing customised packages such as the SAP. Testing SAP is not only an expensive affair but also has many challenges.
- Complex architecture
SAP has HANA DB/NewDB, HANA Server, with each structure having a different engine. Testing the function of each structure in a defined scenario can be complex and time-consuming. Assessing the overall performance of the system across multiple devices, applications, and end-users can be very challenging.
- Customisation options
While customisation options give users the freedom to efficiently use the system in different user scenarios, it creates a need for more regression testing. The standard functionalities and customisations need to be checked for each process and user scenario.
- New Upgrades
One of the biggest challenges of testing SAP S/4 HANA is checking the functionality of the regular influx of new upgrades. Each time SAP makes a new upgrade to the system, the new changes need to be evaluated for function, checked if they affect existing systems and also evaluate on how these upgrades can be used to automate processes.
- Smaller time frame for testing
Testers don’t have the luxury of time when it comes to regression testing of SAP S/4HANA. As each new upgrade comes into force, they need to dive into the architecture and test all possible user scenarios and applications as quickly as possible, so that regular project work is not delayed.
SAP S/4 HANA TESTING PROCESS:
SAP HANA on-premise or cloud testing can be done in 3 stages:
Stage 1 – Technical Tests
The technical aspects of the platform are tested separately and in conjecture with other factors. The aim of the test is to ensure proper functioning after technical changes have been made to the system.
Stage 2 – Functional Tests
This stage involves checking application server, SAP S/4 HANA server, and user clients to evaluate if all functions are working as customised. This test will also assess the interactions between the servers and users.
Stage 3 – Performance/Load Tests
The platform’s performance at the user side is evaluated during performance testing. Criteria that are evaluated during this testing are:
- Speed and response time
- Scalability
- Resource usage
- Stability and reliability
- Because they can understand the architecture better than anyone else.
Difference between SAP ECC and SAP S/4 HANA
| SAP ECC | SAP S/4 HANA |
|---|---|
Runs on Oracle, IBM DB2 etc. SAP S/4HANA databases | Runs only on the HANA database |
Legacy suite of enterprise applications | Integrated suite of modular applications |
Integrates enterprise functions such as HR, accounting, logistics and manufacturing process. | Offers functions for finance, HR, IT management, supply chain management, marketing, sales, procurement, manufacturing and product development. |
Limited number of line posted | Up to 99999 line items can be posted |
Tables used (Non-SAP HANA) | Tables not used (SAP HANA) |
SAP S/4HANA is complex! One mistake can result in a catastrophe since SAP is mostly installed on a huge platform. To make sure that everything is going the right way, you need the help of an efficient and experienced testing team who are experienced in SAP S/4HANA testing at every crucial point of the implementation of the software. Above all, various integration used to enhance the functionalities of the software has to be tested at each stage to assure it’s working properly.
Our experienced Test Managers and Test Consultants can help you in designing professional test methods using the latest tools. Contact us for having a detailed discussion about your SAP Testing requirement.
If you’d like to discuss how can you ensure the quality of SAP S/4HANA migration, and how Tritusa Consulting can help, please get in touch with our team.
