Slate Implementation Testing Plan
Executive Summary
This document outlines the testing plan for the Slate to Banner integration project, focusing on key areas such as front-end user testing, admissions workflow validation, data mapping, and integration flow testing. The primary objective is to ensure a seamless and accurate data synchronization between Slate and Banner, with an emphasis on system usability, error handling, and real-time data transfer. The plan is designed to identify any issues early in the process, track progress, and ensure that all stakeholders are aligned on goals, responsibilities, and timelines.
Through structured test cases and continuous monitoring, this plan aims to validate every aspect of the integration process, from initial user interaction with the application to the final data transfer and synchronization between the two systems. With successful implementation, the integration will enhance the user experience and streamline admissions workflows at Cayuga Community College.
1. Front-End User Testing
Objective: Ensure that end-users can successfully navigate the application, submit forms, and receive clear feedback from the system.
Key Activities:
Testing 20 different personas, including new students, international athletes, nursing students, etc.
Collecting user feedback on application ease of use and identifying areas for improvement.
Testing form submissions and tracking submission success rates.
Responsible Team: QA Team, Admissions Team, Student Volunteers
Metrics:
90% successful submissions without errors.
80% of personas tested.
User feedback on ease of use and clarity.
2. Admissions Workflow Testing
Objective: Validate that the admissions process is streamlined, and that applications, checklist items, and status updates flow smoothly between Slate and Banner.
Key Activities:
Testing the review of applications and completion of checklist items.
Verifying real-time status updates between Slate and Banner.
Confirming that the admissions staff can perform their tasks without delays or issues.
Responsible Team: Admissions Team, IT Integration Team
Metrics:
75% of admissions processes successfully validated.
15% of processes flagged for improvement.
Real-time synchronization of checklist items.
3. Data Mapping and Validation
Objective: Ensure that all data fields are correctly mapped from Slate to Banner and that data transformations (e.g., date format, GPA scale) are accurate.
Key Activities:
Finalizing data field mappings, including test score fields and student information.
Validating field accuracy between Slate and Banner.
Testing sample data to ensure it matches expected results.
Responsible Team: Data Integration Team, IT Team
Metrics:
95% of fields mapped and validated.
Resolve mapping discrepancies (e.g., Zip+4, relationship loader).
Completed mapping document with all fields confirmed.
4. Integration Flow Tests
Objective: Ensure that data flows seamlessly between Slate and Banner during key processes like application submissions, checklist updates, and data synchronization.
Key Activities:
Running test cases for application submission and data synchronization.
Verifying real-time syncing and data round-trip from Slate to Banner.
Testing error handling for invalid data and data loss prevention.
Responsible Team: IT Integration Team, QA Team
Metrics:
100% successful data transfers.
Successful real-time synchronization for key data points.
Identification and resolution of integration issues (e.g., data mismatches, sync delays).
5. Error Handling and Notifications Testing
Objective: Ensure that errors during the data integration process are logged correctly, and that notifications are sent to the appropriate stakeholders.
Key Activities:
Testing error logging for invalid data and failed data transfers.
Verifying that error notifications are sent to stakeholders in a timely manner.
Responsible Team: IT Team, QA Team
Metrics:
100% of integration errors logged.
Notifications triggered for all critical errors.
Accurate error reporting with actionable insights.
6. Real-Time Data Sync Testing
Objective: Test that data is synchronized between Slate and Banner in real-time without delays or data mismatches.
Key Activities:
Confirming that updates in Slate are reflected in Banner immediately.
Ensuring that real-time data sync does not impact system performance.
Responsible Team: IT Integration Team, Admissions Team
Metrics:
Real-time data sync for all critical fields.
Sync latency under 5 seconds.
Successful synchronization during peak usage periods.
7. Documentation and Reporting
Objective: Ensure that all testing phases are thoroughly documented, and that reports are generated for analysis and future reference.
Key Activities:
Creating reports for each testing phase, including test results, issues, and resolutions.
Maintaining detailed documentation on test cases, user feedback, and risk mitigation strategies.
Responsible Team: QA Team, Project Management Team
Metrics:
Complete and accurate testing documentation.
Comprehensive test case reports and final summary.
Overall Success Metrics
90% successful form submissions (front-end testing).
95% of mapping fields accurately transferred between Slate and Banner.
Real-time data sync with less than 5-second latency.
100% error logging and notification for integration failures.
Implementation Checklist
This checklist will guide you through the key initial tasks required to implement and kick off the testing and integration process.
Implementation Checklist for Slate to Banner Integration
1. Review Project Goals and Scope
[ ] Confirm project objectives (data synchronization, user interface testing, workflow validation, etc.).
[ ] Define and document the scope for testing (front-end, data mapping, integration, etc.).
[ ] Align stakeholders on overall goals and success metrics.
2. Finalize Testing Plan
[ ] Confirm all test cases (e.g., front-end, integration, user acceptance).
[ ] Finalize the Testing Plan Overview with key activities and success criteria.
[ ] Review test case documentation and ensure all personas are represented.
3. Assign Responsibilities
[ ] Identify key stakeholders for each phase (e.g., QA team, admissions staff, IT team).
[ ] Assign team members to responsible areas (front-end testing, data mapping, integration flow).
[ ] Schedule recurring check-ins with project managers and relevant stakeholders.
4. Prepare Personas for User Testing
[ ] Finalize the list of 20 detailed persona profiles.
[ ] Ensure each persona is clearly defined (e.g., international athlete, part-time student, nursing student).
[ ] Distribute persona profiles to testers and provide instructions.
5. Set Up Testing Environment
[ ] Confirm testing environments are set up for Slate and Banner integration.
[ ] Ensure all required test data (student information, applications, etc.) is available.
[ ] Set up the test application in Slate with relevant fields for user testing.
6. Prepare Data Mapping and Integration Documents
[ ] Review and confirm data field mappings between Slate and Banner.
[ ] Document any unresolved data mapping issues (e.g., Zip+4, relationship loader).
[ ] Test and validate the data synchronization process between the systems.
7. Conduct Initial Testing
[ ] Start Front-End User Testing with selected testers.
[ ] Begin Admissions Workflow Testing to validate real-time process flows.
[ ] Run Data Mapping Validation tests to ensure correct data transfer between Slate and Banner.
[ ] Perform Integration Flow Tests to assess syncing and error handling.
8. Set Up Tracking and Reporting Mechanisms
[ ] Set up tracking for test results and document feedback from testers.
[ ] Establish a system for reporting issues, bugs, and blockers.
[ ] Define metrics for success (e.g., submission success rates, real-time data sync).
9. Identify and Mitigate Risks
[ ] Review the Risk Management Log and identify potential risks.
[ ] Plan mitigation strategies for identified risks (e.g., synchronization delays, data mapping discrepancies).
[ ] Monitor progress and adjust mitigation strategies as necessary.
10. Review and Adjust Test Cases
[ ] Review initial feedback from front-end and back-end testers.
[ ] Adjust test cases or create new ones based on test results (e.g., update for error handling or performance).
[ ] Conduct additional testing as required based on feedback.
11. Communicate with Stakeholders
[ ] Share regular progress updates with stakeholders (project managers, IT, admissions).
[ ] Discuss any blockers or issues identified during testing.
[ ] Schedule meetings or check-ins with relevant stakeholders to address any concerns.
12. Document All Findings
[ ] Update the Testing Reports and Error Logs regularly with findings.
[ ] Compile any qualitative feedback received from testers.
[ ] Create final documentation summarizing testing outcomes, risks, and next steps.