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The Many Dimensions of Testing
In complex system projects, successful and timely delivery depends on systematic testing. A well-defined testing plan, based on core business processes and detailing the customer’s acceptance test cases, forms the foundation for execution. Yet, documentation alone is not enough; practical testing competence is equally critical.
Energy and water utilities face ongoing pressure to digitalize their operations. Their process architectures are complex, relying on flawless data flows and automation. Whether introducing new systems, enhancing existing ones, or upgrading to new software versions, testing plays a key role on the client side in ensuring quality and reliability.
However, software testing practices differ from the day-to-day operations of utilities. Therefore, it is essential to foster testing awareness and competence throughout the organization. Developing in-house testing capabilities, especially in version testing, can deliver tangible business benefits and improve readiness for future projects.
Version Testing – Unlocking Business Value and Developing Competence
Customer Information Systems (CIS) are among the most critical platforms in the energy and water utilities sector. Continuous improvements and version upgrades are common, and each carries operational risk. A repeatable version testing plan helps mitigate these risks and ensures smooth adoption of new functionalities.
A structured version testing process, from supplier release to production deployment, provides consistency and control. The benefits include:
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Managed risks during version transitions
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Transparency into new functionalities and their impacts
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Efficient, repeatable testing cycles that improve over time
The experts conducting the tests – usually process specialists – play a vital role. Their deep understanding of the business ensures that potential issues are identified, assessed, and resolved before deployment. Through testing, their system knowledge grows, and cross-functional understanding improves.
For example, testing might reveal that a new version’s change in customer management also affects billing functions, providing insights that prevent costly surprises later.
Sharing testing responsibilities between IT and business functions also eases internal workload. Moreover, experience gained through version testing – such as bug management and vendor communication – builds valuable competence that strengthens future projects.
Testing as the Foundation for Successful System Implementations
In system implementation projects, testing is extensive and business-driven. It ensures that the new system truly meets agreed business requirements and performs effectively in real-world conditions.
Typically, testing in implementation projects includes two major phases:
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System testing: Confirming that the complete system works in a near-production environment with focus on performance and compatibility (e.g., testing MDM integrations or handling large customer datasets).
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Acceptance testing: Verifying that the system meets business requirements and is ready for go-live. This phase often involves end users executing realistic end-to-end process chains, such as a move-in process tested all the way to the Datahub.
Thorough testing is critical to a project’s success. It validates that the system meets business needs and mitigates the risk of post-launch issues. Experienced business testers contribute practical value—logging and prioritizing bugs efficiently and communicating findings with suppliers to ensure compliance with agreed specifications.
Ultimately, testing safeguards project success and the benefits it aims to deliver—streamlined processes, better customer experiences, and new innovations. Conversely, weak testing increases the risk of project failure, which can cause delays, cost overruns, and frustration within the organization.
Building testing capability early is a worthwhile investment. It enables utilities to define testing models that fit their operations and to strengthen the foundation for future project success.
How Utilities Consulting Supports Testing and Implementation
At Utilities Consulting, we specialize in helping energy and water utilities succeed in change and development initiatives related to their information systems.
Our deep understanding of both utility business processes and IT project management – backed by dozens of successful implementations – allows us to support clients through even the most challenging projects.
Our approach is:
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Customer-oriented: We act as a seamless part of your organization.
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Efficient: We move fast and deliver visible results early.
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Practical: We focus on methods that work in your operational reality.
We combine business knowledge with independent ICT expertise to ensure your projects achieve their goals on time and on budget.
Want to strengthen your organization’s testing capability or prepare for your next major implementation? Contact Utilities Consulting – we help utilities ensure reliability, quality, and confidence through structured testing.