Testing, Training, and Cutover

Testing

Using the business and technical requirements defined at the start of the effort, JCS will work with members of your functional and technical teams - and with members of the solution vendor's staff - to define a testing strategy and test plan, develop test cases and expected results, define and establish a testing environment, execute tests, and document results.

Testing efforts should address not only whether the system is working as designed, but also that the business processes are functioning as they should.  Testing should confirm that everything from an individual field on the screen to the entire flow of information throughout the system is working properly.  JCS can assist in planning, executing, and documenting the following types of testing activities:

• Unit Testing
• System Testing
• Integration Testing
• Acceptance Testing / Conference Room Pilot
• Volume and Stress Testing
• Failover and Recovery Testing
• Regression Testing

Training

JCS can help define and execute a training strategy and training plan to train just a few or several hundred users of the new system.  We can help clients develop training materials in a variety of formats, including paper-based, electronic, or via the web.  We can design and deliver train-the-trainer programs, or can train groups of users in a classroom or virtual setting.  We can also train individual users in a highly specialized and personalized setting.  We can assist in the delivery of 'at the elbow' training, where one of our team members works side-by-side with your staff as they learn to work with the new system.

Cutover

Cutover planning is another crucial element in the success of a systems integration effort.  A well-planned and executed cutover is extremely important in gaining acceptance and support for the new processes and technology being implemented.

Good cutover planning requires that you think of literally everything that needs to happen, when it needs to happen, and who needs to make it happen.  It involves making sure that everyone is well informed, that expectations are appropriate, and that backup plans exist for any issues that may arise. It includes a variety of important steps, including documentation of a formal go/no-go decision by the appropriate parties, a 'countdown' or cutover checklist of key steps that need to take place - and in what order - just prior to turning the system on, and go-live support which often includes staffing of a specialized help desk or 'SWAT team' function focused solely on supporting the cutover to the new system.

JCS has helped plan, manage, and execute the cutover phase on literally dozens of projects, large and small.  We have a strong reputation for leaving "no stone unturned" in the cutover process, and for helping clients achieve a smooth and positive transition to their new systems.

Contact us to learn more about how we can help you in the final stages of your implementation.