Pilot testing is a type of software testing where a group of users uses the software in totality before the final deployment of the product. it verifies the core functionality of the software before it goes into production. It verifies a component of the system or the entire system under a real-time operating condition.
Objectives of the pilot testing are:
- To evaluate the feasibility, cost, and other attributes.
- To better utilize time and resources.
- To find whether the software is successful or not.
Prerequisites:
- Appropriate Environment: To perform pilot testing we need such an environment as a real-time user would have. After that, the proper hardware and software have to be present. Therefore, it is essential to build the same situation for the testing process that end users would have to face.
- Correct group of testers: Ensure that there is a correct group of testers that represent the target audience.
- Adequate Planning: While performing the pilot testing it has to be ensured that all resources are in place in the right measure. All the attributes right from manpower to equipment should be sufficient and there should not be a shortage of any. In addition to this, planning leads to the creation of suitable test scenarios that are useful in creating the test environment.
Process:
Planning: This is the first step of pilot testing which includes the creation of various plans regarding the testing process.
Preparation: Once the planning is done, then the preparation for a gathering of different attributes for the testing process is done. A lot more preparation is done to perform the testing successfully. A group of end-users is selected in this step.
Deployment: Once all the preparations are done and a group of end-users is selected then the software is deployed. Every end-user is kept in such conditions which target audience will face.
Evaluation: Now the result is evaluated by the group of testers and is recorded in the response of the software. If the software meets the required tasks then further step is taken.
Product launch: Once the evaluation of the testing process is done and it is found that the software meets the requirements of the end-users then the software is launched in the market.
Advantages:
- It helps guess the success rate.
- It perfects the software.
- Reduces test time.
- Gives reliable test results.