Checklist to support testing and QA in your path to go-live.
Last updated: Dec 13, 2024
Context
Ensuring that the platform is configured correctly, performs optimally, and meets specific project and business goals before launch is essential to avoid costly rework, user dissatisfaction, and operational disruptions. Without a structured, comprehensive approach to implementation testing and quality assurance, it’s easy for integration issues, data inconsistencies, and usability flaws to go undetected.
The following is designed to provide a robust framework to systematically test, validate, and refine Sitecore Content Hub configurations, workflows, and integrations, ensuring a smooth and successful launch.
Execution
The checklist provides a structured approach to thoroughly testing all aspects of your Content Hub implementation. By covering key areas such as User Acceptance Testing (UAT), content migration, integration, and workflow validation, this checklist enables the project team to identify and resolve potential issues early in the process. With clearly defined checkpoints and quality assurance guidelines, we ensure that Content Hub performs as expected, aligns with project objectives, and delivers an intuitive, seamless experience for end users.
The checklist is designed to streamline testing efforts, enhance quality assurance outcomes, and ultimately set a strong foundation for ongoing platform success post-launch.
Application
Objective
Checklist
User Acceptance Testing (UAT)
Verify the platform’s usability and alignment with user requirements
Confirm that all stakeholders understand UAT objectives and processes.
Prepare UAT scenarios based on real user workflows, covering content creation, review, and publishing tasks.
Ensure all user roles and permissions are correctly configured and test them for accuracy.
Record feedback on any areas that do not meet user needs or have usability issues.
Address all feedback and retest problem areas until issues are resolved.
Outline acceptance criteria that must be met before launch.
Content Migration Quality Checks
Ensure that content migrated from legacy systems is accurate, organized, and functional.
Validate that all intended assets have migrated, with no missing files.
Validate metadata mapping and content categorization.
Check the accuracy of content categorization and relationships between assets
Test asset previews, downloads, and other basic functionality.
Identify and correct any inconsistencies or errors in content structure or formatting.
Define protocols for handling any inconsistencies or data loss during migration.
Integration Testing
Confirm seamless communication between Sitecore Content Hub and other systems.
Test integration points with external systems, such as CRM, CMS, analytics tools, and eCommerce is operational.
Validate data flow, synchronization, and data integrity across integrated systems.
Confirm API endpoints function correctly and securely.
Validate content sharing between Sitecore Content Hub and other channels (e.g., websites, social media).
Ensure alerts and notifications are sent as expected for actions like asset updates or approvals.
Define error-handling processes for integration failures or data sync issues.
Workflow and Automation Validation
Ensure all workflows and automations support efficient content processes and perform as expected.
Map and test content creation, review, approval, and publishing workflows.
Verify that role-based permissions and notifications are set up correctly.
Ensure that automated tasks (e.g., content distribution) are triggered and executed accurately.
Test for ease of use and intuitiveness in workflows for different user roles.
Review workflow customization for specific teams or roles, ensuring no unnecessary complexity.
Role-Based Permissions and Security Testing
Verify that users have appropriate access levels to ensure data security and proper workflow management.
Check that roles and permissions align with organizational hierarchy and project requirements.
Test for unauthorized access attempts to sensitive content or configurations.
Validate that external users or vendors have limited access, as defined.
Confirm access control configurations restrict permissions for critical actions, like asset deletion.
Ensure changes in user roles reflect immediately across the platform.
Performance and Load Testing
Assess platform responsiveness and scalability under expected workloads.
Establish performance benchmarks and test system speed, responsiveness, and reliability under load.
Define protocols for load testing across various scenarios, including high-user traffic.
Identify any areas of performance degradation and develop action plans for optimization.
Test platform performance under simulated peak traffic conditions.
Verify system response to multiple users uploading or downloading assets simultaneously.
System Usability Testing
Ensure the system has been built in an intuitive, user-friendly, and meets the needs of all end users, including non-technical staff.
Assess system ease-of-use for end users, including non-technical staff.
Conduct navigation and functionality tests to identify potential UX issues.
Gather feedback from representative user groups on interface and overall usability.
Documentation and Training Readiness
Ensure that all necessary resources are in place to support end users and administrators in effectively utilizing and managing Sitecore Content Hub from day one.
Verify that all configuration, integration, and workflow documentation is comprehensive and accessible.
Ensure training materials for users and administrators are complete, covering key functions.
If there are new processes, features and functionality that didn’t exist previously or are different than the previous system ensure that end users understand how to navigate in the system and where to reach out to for help.
Establish a feedback loop for post-launch documentation improvements.
Post-Launch Monitoring and Quality Assurance
Establish ongoing testing routines to maintain quality after launch.
Set up monitoring tools to track platform health, performance, and user behavior.
Plan regular audits of content metadata, tagging, and organization.
Collect and evaluate user feedback to address any new issues or optimization needs.
Develop a continuous improvement plan based on monitoring insights and user feedback.
By following this comprehensive checklist, you can ensure Sitecore Content Hub meets technical and user requirements, is secure, and performs well under load, supporting a successful launch and adoption across the organization.
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