How can you test new business operations tools before rolling them out?

1 Identify your goals and metrics

Before you start testing any new tool, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve with it and how you will measure its impact. For example, do you want to improve productivity, collaboration, quality, customer satisfaction, or revenue? What are the specific indicators that will show you if the tool is working as expected or not? Having well-defined goals and metrics will help you focus your testing efforts and evaluate the results objectively.

2 Choose a testing method

Depending on the type and scope of the tool you want to test, you may need to use different testing methods. Pilot testing, for example, involves selecting a small group of users or teams to try out the tool for a limited period of time and provide feedback. This is an effective way to test usability, functionality, and compatibility without disrupting the entire organization. Alternatively, A/B testing compares the performance of two versions of the tool or two different tools on the same task or process. This is useful for evaluating effectiveness and efficiency. Lastly, sandbox testing creates a separate environment or platform where you can test the tool without affecting real data or systems. This allows you to test security, reliability, and scalability while identifying potential issues or risks.

3 Collect and analyze data

Once you have chosen a testing method and implemented it, you need to collect and analyze the data from the testing process. This may include quantitative data, such as metrics, scores, or statistics, and qualitative data, such as feedback, comments, or observations. You need to use appropriate tools and techniques to organize, visualize, and interpret the data and draw meaningful insights. For example, you can use spreadsheets, charts, dashboards, or reports to display and compare the data and identify trends, patterns, or anomalies.

4 Communicate and collaborate

Testing new business operations tools is not a solo activity, and requires communication and collaboration with various stakeholders throughout the process. This includes the tool provider, to clarify expectations, requirements, and feedback and to resolve any issues that may arise. It's also important to communicate with the users or testers to explain the purpose, scope, and duration of the testing and collect their feedback. Additionally, you need to report results, findings, and recommendations from the testing to the managers or decision-makers and seek their approval for the next steps.

5 Evaluate and decide

The final step of testing new business operations tools is to evaluate the outcomes and decide whether to adopt, modify, or reject the tool. You need to weigh the pros and cons of the tool and compare it with your goals, metrics, and expectations. You also need to consider the costs, benefits, and risks of implementing the tool across the organization. If you decide to adopt the tool, you need to plan and execute a smooth and effective rollout strategy. If you decide to modify or reject the tool, you need to provide constructive feedback to the tool provider and look for alternative solutions.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?