Model-Driven Testing checks standard software application Compex Commerce from mask field up to overall system

Online, May 4, 2010 (Newswire.com) - Compex enlarges its 2BEE® concept for the implementation of its software application Compex Commerce by Model-Driven Testing (MDT). 2BEE, including the Business Process Management tools integrated in the software application, ensures a smooth interfaceless process from specification to implementation and documentation up to project management and control. The software projects are thus easy to plan, control and manage in terms of content, time and required financial means.
Thanks to the enlargement of the 2BEE concept by MDT, user tests are fully automated - with efficient and consistent test quality and limited resource use. Undesirable side effects in development are easy to recognize and thus help to considerably reduce the software development times (time to market).

Process management software integrated in merchandise management

The 2BEE concept is a systematic tool for the implementation of the standard software application Compex Commerce of the Heidelberg software expert.
It consists of Best Enterprise Engineering (BEE), the so-called BEE method, and the corresponding software, the Business Engineering Environment (BEE), the so-called BEE tool.
Best Enterprise Engineering refers to the method and project rule standardized by Compex, which is used for managing projects on the basis of the Compex Commerce standard reference model and for implementing the software solution. The Business Engineering Environment is the framework used by Compex. Based on the BEE method, the tool serves to customize the Compex Commerce standard reference model according to the requirements of the customer.

Key to project success

The integration of MDT into the 2BEE concept allows Compex to optimize the basic criteria for the success of projects in SMEs, since it contributes to significantly shorten the implementation period of Compex Commerce with the quality remaining on the same level and the use of resources being reduced. The test scenarios for the processes, dialogs and functions are already drawn up and modeled in the concept phase prior to the realization.
"During the concept phase, we ask the users to reflect on the workflows, dialogs, entries as well as on the requested results. We also ask them to describe the test scenarios on the interface along with the integrated tools", explains Jörg Kiss, senior manager in charge of product and process management at Compex.

Save time thanks to automated tests

The test scenarios describe the entries of a user in the dialog; the requested results have already been defined beforehand. While in the past the test scenarios were usually described with programs, such as WinWord, it is now possible to directly record the test data within the application. These recordings are then saved in the form of test scripts. The test suite serves to manage the test scripts. These may be replayed by the user at all times according to a certain schedule. The automated test is monitored by an integrated test control center. Possible variances from the expected result will be returned by the system via a cockpit. The test control center allows the user to print out the logged tests. These logs are useful for a better understanding of the test run up to the field entry and the given result.
It is thus possible to immediately and automatically test changes of the application to an extent which - in manual testing - would be manageable by large test teams only or which might not even be realized due to lack of time.

Test of all standard processes

The heart of Model-Driven Testing is the test robot. Once the system is installed, the test robot fills it with master data in order to test retail and wholesale processes on the basis of these data. Compex usually refers to these processes as the so-called "Compex 8" or the "Compex H". While the "Compex 8" represents the integration of all merchandise management and logistics processes in the retail sector, typically occurring in central warehouses and stores, the "Compex H" describes the standard processes for the wholesale sector.
"This means that after a test run with the test robot we are able to tell whether the core processes in the tested functions and processes are working properly - with the test quality remaining the same every day. As far as our customers are concerned, the test robot means a gain in speed, quality, security and trust in the software" concludes Jörg Kiss.