Exploring “What” and “How” of UAT

User acceptance testing is a process to ensure that the product developed corresponds to the business and user requirements. It's not just limited to verifying if the software functions correctly; rather, its purpose is to ensure that the product or solution works for the user as expected in line with real time scenarios.

UAT is synonymous with end user testing, and it occurs before a user or client accepts the new system.

UAT helps to detect and fix the issues, if any requirement doesn’t align with business/user expectations. UAT is a final quality check before handing the product over to the end users.

Objective of UAT is to ensure that the product/solution:

· Meets the business/user requirements.

· Is ready to be used in the live environment.

· Has been tested for all the possible scenarios and workflows.

· All the defects found has been fixed and addressed.

· Minimizing the risk of any disruptions in the production environment

· Verifying that any integration with third party apps if involved and data transfers occur smoothly.

· Verify that the security measures effectively protect data and uphold user privacy.

Process

UAT is conducted by the business users or clients. It helps to detect any issues that may have been missed in development phase. An overview of the process:

· Define the scope of UAT with the stakeholders

· Creation of Test plan: Identify test case scenarios for UAT based on the user requirements and ensuring these consider the real-world scenarios.

· Approval of the test plan from the stakeholders

· Creation of test cases based on the test plan approved.

· Execution of the test cases and reporting bugs if any.

· Bug/issue/defect management: ensuring the bugs are fixed and retested.

· Final approval of the system from the business stakeholders.

UAT can be potentially done several times throughout the development process to ensure that the product works as per the business and user requirements. If the software functions as expected, it can be reliably implemented in production.

Best Practices of UAT:

·?Ensure that the stakeholders agree on the scope of UAT, and it is documented clearly in the test plan.

· Test plan must be approved by all the stakeholders.

· Ensuring real world scenarios are included in the UAT scope.

· A structured and detailed test case must be maintained to capture objective evidence.

· Ensuring regression testing is performed for the defects/bugs found.

· There should be a detailed and organised Defect management process must be in place, where the priority, categorization, tracking and resolution are mentioned.

· All the stakeholders must be in loop and there must be a clear communication ensuring the feedback are being captured and tracked.

· Before final sign off all the critical issues should have been resolved and approved.

· All stakeholders must be part of final acceptance formally to push the product to go-live.

User Acceptance Testing (UAT) is a critical phase in the software development lifecycle that ensures a product meets both business and user expectations before deployment. By simulating real-world usage, UAT identifies issues that might have been overlooked in earlier testing phases, thereby minimizing risks and ensuring a smooth transition to production. A well-executed UAT process improves software reliability, enhances user satisfaction, and strengthens data security, particularly when integrations with third-party applications are involved. Adopting best practices—such as clear communication, comprehensive test planning, and structured defect management—helps organizations achieve a seamless launch. Ultimately, UAT is not just a checkpoint but a safeguard, ensuring that the final product is functional, secure, and fully aligned with end-user needs.

Read more about UAT here: https://safiracr.com/blog/