SkinChem gets ready to save time with 135 use cases for automated regression tests
Test updated software without interrupting business as usual
The demand for top-quality local and export cosmetic products is on the increase. SkinChem has grown to be a leading contract manufacturer, filler and packer of cosmetic products, serving companies all over South Africa. From developing products in the laboratory to manufacturing cosmetics, they offer their customers premium service with high-quality products.
Microsoft Dynamics 365 is the enterprise resource planning (ERP) tool that keeps the business operating smoothly. To make sure data is secure and the ERP solution is up to date, SkinChem must update the platform’s software at least twice a year. After every upgrade, they run tests to verify that the upgrade has not affected how well their solution works.
This testing was outsourced, incurring additional costs, and with the available test cases often outdated, the SkinChem team was not always sure if processes were tested accurately. The manufacturer wanted to take a more efficient approach to testing, have a fast turnaround time and reduce the risk of deploying faulty code into production.
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We went into this knowing that NTT DATA is an established Microsoft partner and an expert in automation. In just eight weeks, their team worked with us to put together and refine automated tests. The test run demonstrated that the solution would provide faster Dynamics 365 updates and better quality control. Exactly what we wanted.
”Setting up repeatable, reusable automated testing
We worked closely with SkinChem to scope their environment, see what was needed and then propose a solution. We recommended using Executive Automats for Dynamics 365 to automate and speed up regression testing.
We started by setting up a pilot Executive Automats environment and hosting business-process workshops to review test cases and identify performance metrics.
Once we established which test cases were most important and had test datasets, we could design and test automation scripts — because our proposed solution also had to be tested to make sure it delivered the hoped-for improvements.
The test results helped us refine the solution and develop an automation and performance test strategy that the manufacturer could use to prepare for wider adoption.
For the final sprint, we submitted the automated tests to SkinChem. We also negotiated a license agreement for Executive Automats.
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Our employees would groan every time it was time to update Microsoft Dynamics 365. Testing to see if software changes had impacted functionality took a long time. These updates are absolutely worth it.
”Focus on business, not manual testing
The pilot project demonstrated that automated testing was an efficient way to test that every feature worked before deploying updated software.
SkinChem’s employees will be able to focus on their core tasks, instead of spending time manually regression-testing updates before they’re rolled out.
Run tests more accurately
Automated testing consistently identifies and addresses problems, leading to improved software releases.
Decrease business risk
By improving the accuracy and coverage of testing, each upgrade cycle carries less risk of introducing critical errors that can interrupt manufacturing.
Opportunity to expand use cases
Once established, the testing framework can be expanded to include more use cases.
About SkinChem
SkinChem was founded in 2010 as an initiative of a successful South African cosmetics line that had struggled to source contract manufacturers that met their high standards. With competitive rates and an emphasis on quality and efficiency, SkinChem has grown to be a leading contract manufacturer, filler and packer of cosmetic products, servicing companies all over South Africa.
Industry
Consumer Packaged Goods
Headquarters
South Africa