Microsoft Dynamics 365 (D365) is a powerful enterprise solution. However, with each update that gets introduced, organizations face potential risks that can disrupt business operations and compromise system stability if not tested properly.
Without a structured testing strategy, critical workflows, integrations, and user experiences can be impacted. Learn more about creating a robust testing framework in our guide here on Test Automation Best Practices.
In this blog post, we will explore three common pitfalls in D365 testing and how to effectively avoid them.
Common Pitfall #1: Not Testing After Updates
Every new D365 update brings enhancements, bug fixes, and security improvements. However, these updates can also introduce unforeseen issues that may break workflows, disrupt customizations, or affect integrations.
Many organizations assume that Microsoft’s testing covers all scenarios. However, Microsoft’s built-in testing may not account for unique customizations, integrations, or workflows that are critical to a business’s daily operations.
How to Avoid It:
- Establish a structured update testing process before deployment.
- Conduct functional and regression testing to ensure core processes and customizations remain intact.
- Leverage automated testing solutions to streamline and accelerate update validation. Automated regression testing for D365 ensures that every update is thoroughly vetted with less manual effort required.
Common Pitfall #2: Relying on Manual Testing
Many organizations still depend on manual testing for D365, which is time-consuming, repetitive, and prone to human error. For example, JMP initially relied on manual testing, leading to delays and overlooked issues. After implementing test automation, they reduced testing time by 90% and cut their testing effort by 98%.
Manual testing struggles to keep up with frequent updates, often resulting in delayed deployments, increased costs, and a higher risk of undetected issues making their way into production.
How to Avoid It:
- Implement automated testing tools to efficiently test large volumes of scenarios. The best D365 testing tools help identify issues faster and reduce deployment risks. See the full list of Microsoft’s recommended options for regression testing here.
- Leverage automated test data management to automatically create and manage test data within your test scripts.
- Increase test coverage and consistency, ensuring all critical workflows function properly.
Common Pitfall #3: Skipping End-to-End Testing
A common mistake in D365 testing is focusing solely on isolated functionalities instead of evaluating complete end-to-end business processes, which include cross-module interactions and third-party integrations.
Because D365 is often integrated with third-party applications, skipping end-to-end testing can lead to unexpected failures in interconnected systems, disrupting data flow and user experience.
How to Avoid It:
- Conduct end-to-end testing that includes all integrated applications and external systems.
- Validate workflows across different modules, ensuring smooth data transfer and communication.
- Use test automation to simulate real-world scenarios and identify issues before they reach production. Automated testing for D365 ensures system reliability and performance under various conditions.
Using Automation to Strengthen D365 Testing
Test automation plays a key role in reducing the risks associated with D365 updates and system changes. While it doesn’t replace a well-thought-out testing strategy, it helps streamline the process, making it faster, more efficient, and more reliable.
With automated testing, organizations can:
- Quickly validate updates without relying solely on manual efforts.
- Identify issues early, preventing disruptions before they reach production.
- Improve test coverage by ensuring critical workflows and integrations function properly.
By integrating automation into your testing approach, you can minimize downtime, enhance efficiency, and maintain a stable D365 environment with greater confidence.
Final Thoughts
Testing is essential for maintaining a stable D365 environment. By avoiding common pitfalls and using automation, organizations can ensure smooth updates, improved efficiency, and better performance.
Streamline your D365 testing with automation to minimize disruptions and enhance reliability. Reach out to TheTestMart to see how we can help keep your business running smoothly!
