Medicaid Enterprise Systems (MES), Integrated Eligibility Systems (IES), and Comprehensive Child Welfare Information Systems (CCWIS) are examples of large, complex systems that have moved from monolithic legacy platforms to multi-vendor ecosystems.
A solution comprised of multiple modules from different vendors is where the testing chaos begins. Each vendor brings different development methodologies, release management schedules, testing tools and processes, and defect management classifications.
Supporting role-based access introduces additional challenges.
When multiple vendors release code into a common testing environment, their releases clash, causing instability. Different defect classifications make cross-vendor reporting impossible. Different testing tools add complexity. This creates scope, schedule, and budget impacts in addition to persistent headaches for implementation teams.
With differing vendor practices comes incomplete or ineffective testing input like poor requirements or design—creating negative downstream effects on test case development and execution.
The irony? Many agencies view testing as an afterthought and expendable rather than a proactive investment. Yet studies show that fixing a defect in production can cost up to 100 times more than addressing it during development.
It's critical to have unified and effective strategies, plans, and practices to avoid the testing chaos.
North Highland eliminates testing chaos in multi-vendor ecosystems by implementing unified standards for vendors when creating requirements, developing test cases, identifying automation, releasing code, and managing defects. This ensures everyone aligns to meet desired outcomes.
We develop comprehensive test plans that create unified, step-by-step testing guides, streamlining execution between vendors.
A comprehensive test plan should be unique to your organization's specific architecture, solution stack, budget, resource, and schedule limitations. However, we have consistently found certain elements to be present in strongly developed testing plans.
Comprehensive testing to combat multi-vendor chaos must become a strategic priority. This means allocating budget for testing tools, talent, and training, while fostering a culture that values quality over quick wins.
North Highland will help you create cohesive and effective software testing plans that ensure the successful integration and validation of multi-vendor systems. Our enterprise testing approach ensures you're not just managing multi-vendor complexity, but strategically mitigating technical debt.
The choice is clear: Test well now and thrive, or pay the price later.