Modernizing SAP Test Automation: Driving Efficiency and Business Confidence for a Leading Agri-Business

Background:

A leading agri-business in Canada faced challenges in its SAP test automation processes, impacting the efficiency and reliability of its IT delivery. With an extensive SAP ecosystem supporting critical business operations, the organization sought to modernize its testing framework, reduce QA cycle times, and improve automation efficiency while maintaining business confidence through rigorous defect management.

Challenges:

The organization faced several critical challenges:

Outdated Test Automation: 35% of the 1,800 automated tests contained manual steps, lacked standardization, and relied on hardcoded test data, leading to high maintenance and flaky tests.

Tool Limitations: The outdated TOSCA version lacked support and stability, and DEX agents were insufficient and outdated.

Execution Inefficiencies: Test execution relied on local laptops with an average productivity of 30 test cases per person per day.

Data Issues: Lack of test data variation led to inconsistencies in automated testing, resulting in delayed defect detection and resolution.

Solution:

Narwal collaborated with the organization to modernize SAP test automation using a multi-faceted approach:

TOSCA Upgrade and Stability Improvements:

Upgraded TOSCA to the latest version (2023.2) for enhanced platform stability.

Addressed flaky tests by externalizing test data and integrating TOSCA Test Data Service (TDS) with SAP for real-time master data.

DEX Migration Framework:

Increased DEX agents from 5 to 10, enabling remote and parallel test execution.
Revamped existing test scripts to eliminate manual steps and improve object recognition, maximizing DEX execution readiness.

Enhanced Performance Testing:

Implemented a performance testing strategy covering SAP FIORI, GUI applications, ABAP reports, and APIs.

Utilized AppDynamics for real-time monitoring, identifying bottlenecks, and addressing root causes.

Outcomes:

The modernization initiative delivered transformative results:

60% QA Cycle Time Reduction: Reduced testing cycles from 7 days to 3 days.

12X Automation Efficiency Gains: Increased daily test execution from 111 to 1,300, with 95% of tests executed on Day 1.

Optimized Resources: Reduced the automation team size by 50% (from 12 to 6 resources) while expanding test coverage.

Improved Business Confidence: Identified and resolved 142 functional defects, 92 of which were high or medium severity, significantly reducing defect leakage into production.

Performance Excellence: Increased performance test coverage by 300% (from 13 to 38 scripts), identifying 8 critical bottlenecks and accelerating revenue cycles by 10 days.

Conclusion:

Narwal’s modernization of SAP test automation transformed the organization’s QA processes, driving efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing business confidence in IT delivery. By leveraging advanced tools, automation frameworks, and performance testing strategies, the organization is now equipped to support future projects with a robust and scalable testing foundation.

Partner with Narwal today to revolutionize your test automation and ensure seamless IT delivery.

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