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!

We are excited to announce the partnership between TheTestMart, a leader in automated testing solutions for Microsoft Dynamics 365, and Mismo Dynamics, a trusted Microsoft D365 partner known for their innovative development, implementation, and support services. Together, we are creating a powerful synergy that will elevate Dynamics 365 experience for businesses across the globe. 

Unlocking New Possibilities with Automation and Expertise 

This partnership combines TheTestMart’s cutting-edge automated testing platform with Mismo Dynamics’ deep expertise in delivering comprehensive Dynamics 365 solutions. By joining forces, we aim to help businesses streamline their operations, improve system reliability, and enhance their ability to scale efficiently. 

Almas Sehic of Mismo Dynamics, shares in this enthusiasm: “Partnering with TheTestMart enables us to offer an even more robust solution to our clients. Automated testing has become essential in today’s fast-paced cloud environment, and TheTestMart’s tools are second to none when it comes to reducing the complexity and time involved in D365 updates and customizations.” 

What This Partnership Means for Businesses: 

1. Streamlined Testing and Upgrades: With TheTestMart’s automated testing, businesses can drastically reduce the time and effort required to test updates and customizations. Mismo Dynamics will integrate these tools into their implementation and upgrade services, ensuring smooth transitions between versions and minimizing downtime. 
2. Improved System Reliability: By leveraging TheTestMart’s prebuilt test libraries and AI-powered test script management, businesses can ensure their D365 environments remain robust, secure, and reliable—without the hassle of manual testing. 
3. Comprehensive Support at Every Step: Mismo Dynamics’ global support team, combined with TheTestMart’s automated solutions, offers businesses peace of mind. Whether you’re upgrading, implementing new features, or maintaining your existing environment, this partnership ensures you have a trusted team to back you up. 
4. Accelerated Growth: The combined power of automated testing and expert D365 consulting will empower businesses to accelerate their digital transformation, optimize operations, and focus on growth. 

About TheTestMart 

TheTestMart is a Microsoft-recommended automated testing solution for Dynamics 365, powered by AI. Our platform simplifies testing at every step—from test creation to execution and remediation—helping businesses keep pace with frequent cloud updates while drastically reducing the effort and duration required for testing. 

About Mismo Dynamics 

Mismo Dynamics is a trusted Microsoft Dynamics 365 partner offering expert development, design, and support services across the globe. With a team of seasoned professionals, Mismo Dynamics is committed to helping businesses harness the power of Microsoft technologies to achieve seamless operations and drive business success. 

Looking Ahead 

This partnership represents our shared commitment to helping businesses achieve greater efficiency, reliability, and scalability in their Dynamics 365 operations. Stay tuned for more updates on how TheTestMart and Mismo Dynamics are transforming the landscape of automated testing and cloud ERP solutions. 

To learn more about how our partnership can benefit your business, contact us today or schedule a demo to experience our solutions firsthand. 

When it comes to managing the complexities of testing within Microsoft Dynamics 365, finding the right solution can be challenging. For JMP Equipment Company, a leader in commercial HVAC and plumbing equipment, their journey from manual testing to automated efficiency was transformative, thanks to TheTestMart. 

The Challenge: Time-Consuming Manual Testing 

JMP had relied on Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 for several years before migrating to Dynamics 365 Finance. While the upgrade promised innovation, it also came with a surprising frequency of updates. With each update, JMP was forced to manually test their system to ensure stability—a process that required significant coordination, effort, and time. This manual approach left the team concerned that they might miss critical issues that could impact usability. 

Exploring Automated Solutions 

For a year, JMP tried Microsoft’s RSAT testing tool. However, the results were disappointing. While RSAT was intended to streamline testing, it often required just as much effort as their manual methods. Unpredictable costs and time-consuming tests continued to plague the team, leading them to search for a better, more efficient solution. 

Enter TheTestMart 

JMP evaluated various automated testing tools and ultimately chose TheTestMart due to its ability to dramatically reduce the effort required for testing while providing predictable annual costs. 

“We evaluated TheTestMart in a detailed comparison and felt it was a better solution,” said Martin Messick, VP of Information Technology at JMP. “With TheTestMart, we know what we will be paying every year. With RSAT, we never knew how long it would take to complete the tests, and there were variable costs every month to keep it operating effectively. With TheTestMart performing all the tests for us, we instantly have higher confidence in our testing processes.” 

The Results: Efficiency, Confidence, and Cost Control 

The impact of TheTestMart on JMP’s testing process was profound: 

• 89% reduction in testing duration: What once took weeks to complete now takes just two days. 

• 98% reduction in effort: The number of internal resources required for testing dropped significantly, from four people to just one. 

• Predictable annual costs: Unlike RSAT, TheTestMart provided a clear, fixed cost structure, ensuring no surprises at the end of the month. 

• Streamlined testing system: TheTestMart created a library of test scripts, customized to JMP’s processes and easily adaptable to changing features or upgrades. 

Beyond these measurable outcomes, TheTestMart has brought JMP increased confidence. They no longer worry about whether they have tested every feature properly. If something fails, TheTestMart quickly alerts them and coordinates remediation, ensuring minimal disruption. 

“The transition to TheTestMart has saved time for the JMP team and increased their confidence in their testing process. They no longer have to search for problems or anticipate failures, as TheTestMart keeps them informed and resolves issues promptly,” Messick added. 

A Future of Growth with TheTestMart 

By simplifying and automating their testing process, JMP’s team can now focus on what matters most: growing their business and embracing the full potential of their Microsoft Dynamics 365 solution. The partnership with TheTestMart has allowed them to work more efficiently with system upgrades, knowing their testing is in expert hands. 

This case study is a testament to the power of finding the right solution for your unique challenges. For JMP, TheTestMart wasn’t just a new tool; it was a game-changer that revolutionized their entire approach to testing. 

For a deeper dive into how TheTestMart transformed JMP’s testing process, read the full case study. 

Learn More About TheTestMart

Are you ready to streamline your testing processes like JMP? Contact TheTestMart today and see how we can help your business achieve efficiency and confidence in your Microsoft Dynamics 365 environment. 

Learn more about how TheTestMart can help your business achieve faster, more efficient, and cost-effective testing processes.

At first glance, manual testing for Microsoft Dynamics 365 may seem like a cost-effective approach. However, it conceals significant financial and operational burdens that many organizations overlook. These hidden costs can have a profound impact on your resources, time, and overall business operations. Understanding these challenges is crucial when deciding on a testing strategy for your Dynamics 365 environment. 

Time and Resource Consumption 

One of the biggest hidden costs of manual testing is the sheer amount of time and resources required. Dynamics 365 receives frequent updates, and each update demands a comprehensive review of business processes. Manual testing can take up to 25 days per year to complete, which not only slows down your ability to adopt updates but also diverts valuable IT resources from more strategic, business-driving tasks. 

• Dynamics 365 updates are frequent. 

• Manual testing is time-consuming. 

• IT resources are redirected away from more valuable tasks. 

Increased Risk of Human Error 

Human error is an inevitable part of manual testing. Testers may miss critical bugs or overlook inconsistencies, especially when dealing with repetitive tasks or large datasets. This leads to costly issues that may affect your business operations or customer satisfaction down the line. 

• Manual testing is prone to error. 

• Missed bugs can lead to business disruption. 

• Customer satisfaction may be negatively impacted. 

Scalability Challenges 

As your organization grows, your Dynamics 365 implementation will become more complex. Manual testing struggles to keep up with the growing scope, often requiring additional personnel or extended testing periods. This lack of scalability results in project delays and rising labor costs, limiting your ability to move quickly. 

• Testing complexity grows as your business grows. 

• Scaling manual testing is difficult and costly. 

• Delays in projects and increased labor costs are common. 

Opportunity Costs 

Every hour spent on manual testing is time your IT teams could spend on innovation or other strategic initiatives. The opportunity cost is significant: instead of driving process improvements or adopting new technology, your skilled professionals are stuck performing repetitive tasks. This misallocation of talent can slow your organization’s ability to stay competitive and agile. 

• Manual testing leads to lost opportunities for innovation. 

• IT teams are diverted from strategic work. 

• Business agility and competitiveness can suffer. 

Inconsistent Test Coverage 

Manual testing is often inconsistent. Testers may focus on certain areas while neglecting others, leading to incomplete assessments of your system’s functionality. Inconsistent test coverage increases the risk of unexpected issues in production, which can cause business disruptions and affect your bottom line. 

• Inconsistent coverage can lead to missed issues. 

• Unanticipated problems in production environments are common. 

• Business disruptions are costly. 

Delayed Time-to-Market 

In today’s fast-paced business environment, quick implementation of updates and new features is critical. Unfortunately, manual testing significantly delays this process, making it harder to meet evolving customer needs or take advantage of competitive opportunities. 

• Manual testing delays software updates and new feature rollouts. 

• Missed competitive advantages can result in lost revenue. 

• Customer expectations may not be met in a timely manner. 

Hidden Licensing Costs 

Manual testing can inadvertently contribute to inefficient license management. Without automated tools to track and optimize user roles and permissions, your organization may overpay for unnecessary licenses or higher-tier access. This can quietly drain your budget over time. 

• Manual processes lead to inefficient license management. 

• Unnecessary licenses result in hidden costs. 

• Automating testing can optimize license tracking. 

Long-Term Financial Impact 

While the initial investment in automated testing tools may seem steep, the long-term benefits far outweigh the costs. Automated testing saves both time and money, and many organizations see a return on investment (ROI) within the first year. By adopting automated testing, you can mitigate the hidden costs of manual testing while improving accuracy and efficiency. 

• Automated testing offers long-term cost savings. 

• Organizations can achieve ROI within the first year. 

• Automated testing improves accuracy and efficiency. 

In conclusion, the hidden costs of manual testing for Dynamics 365 are significant and often overlooked. Time, scalability, human error, and opportunity costs all contribute to making manual testing a far less efficient solution than it may initially appear. Automated testing offers a way to overcome these challenges, providing faster, more consistent results, improved accuracy, and long-term financial benefits. 

Consider automating your Dynamics 365 testing to unlock these advantages and propel your business forward. 

Learn More About TheTestMart

Ready to revolutionize your testing? Learn more about how TheTestMart can help your business achieve faster, more efficient, and cost-effective testing processes.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and ensure your business is fully prepared for the latest updates. Let’s work together to streamline your processes and keep your operations running smoothly.