Case Study
Fully automated, multi-environment testing and traceability solution enhances software delivery for a U.K. retailer
OUR CLIENT
As a leading digital retailer specializing in fashion and homeware, the client caters to a broad spectrum of customer needs. The company operates primarily through online platforms and offers an extensive range of clothing, footwear, and home products. Leveraging advanced data analytics and technology, the company personalizes customer experiences and continuously optimizes its operations to enhance performance. The business celebrates a heritage spanning over 150 years and currently employs more than 1,800 people across the U.K.
THE CHALLENGE
Overcoming team silos, legacy system limitations, and high-risk testing practices
UST’s client required a comprehensive solution to improve collaboration, streamline data management, and establish more efficient software testing processes. The client struggled with a legacy system that could not handle high volumes of data or manage a complex product catalog. This situation caused data inaccuracies, duplication, and slow decision-making, particularly during critical product launches. To compound the problem, an inconsistent implementation of agile practices and communication silos between business, program, development, and testing teams resulted in misaligned objectives, delayed project timelines, and reduced responsiveness to evolving business needs.
Workload modeling for end-to-end scenarios was another bottleneck, as fragmented approaches hindered accurate performance forecasting and resource planning. Moreover, business-as-usual (BAU) testing was conducted directly in live production environments, introducing substantial risks of system outages and performance issues.
THE TRANSFORMATION
Transformed software delivery with automated testing and a comprehensive quality engineering solution
UST’s solution empowered the client to achieve greater testing efficiency with improved software quality, validation of business-critical functionality, and faster time-to-market. UST provided a comprehensive testing solution, including customization of tools and enhancing the quality and efficiency of the company's software delivery. The solution encompassed multiple services, including static testing, system testing, system integration testing, test automations, performance engineering, and test management. The client can now execute fully automated, multi-environment testing with comprehensive traceability from requirements to defect resolution, significantly reducing manual effort and human error. The IT team can conduct real-time performance testing with optimized test management and defect-tracking processes. Advanced tools, like HP Application Lifecycle Management (HP ALM), Unified Functional Testing, and Agile Designer, were integrated to enhance testing accuracy and efficiency across diverse environments.
To optimize the requirements and review processes, the requirements assistant tool automated the validation and approval of requirements, significantly reducing manual effort and minimizing errors in the early stages of the development lifecycle. Functional test automations streamlined repetitive test scenarios and multi-browser testing. This approach enhanced test accuracy and reduced the time required for regression testing. The solution simulated real-world conditions and identified potential bottlenecks by leveraging cloud-based workflow testing during the performance hardening sprint. To streamline defect management, UST customized JIRA’s defect workflow, ensuring effective traceability, quicker issue resolution, and improved collaboration between development and testing teams.
THE IMPACT
Achieving 98% defect removal efficiency and saving $95,000 a month with advanced testing solutions
The client can now execute fully automated, multi-environment testing with comprehensive traceability from requirements to defect resolution. The company can also conduct real-time performance testing with optimized test management and defect-tracking processes. The engagement achieved these impressive results:
- 98% defect removal efficiency—Early detection and defect resolution minimized production issues and enhanced software reliability.
- 70% automation coverage—The solution reduced manual testing efforts and improved accuracy across diverse scenarios.
- 50% reduction in test design efforts— Accelerated end-to-end testing cycles allowed the company to deliver critical releases to the market faster.
- $95,000 monthly savings—Shift-left performance testing mitigated costly late-stage fixes, delivering significant cost efficiencies.
- Enhanced traceability—We improved collaboration and streamlined defect resolution with HP ALM and customized JIRA workflows.
- Robust system reliability—Cloud-based performance testing ensured systems could handle real-world conditions effectively.
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