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Articles & Deep Dives Into Microsoft Business Applications with a focus on Power Platform & D365 by the Dynamics Hotdish Team

AI

Part 4: Decision-Making and Learning in the AI-Enhanced Development Landscape

Welcome to part 4 of 4 of our special blog series where we share details on our interview with Ryan Cunningham, the Vice President of Power Apps at Microsoft. We had the privilege of talking with Ryan during Microsoft Ignite in November 2023. During our conversation, we touched on a variety of topics around Power Apps and Copilot, and this series will break down the insights and announcements that were made at Ignite around Power Apps.

What does the series include?

  • Part 1: Evolution and Impact of Power Apps and AI Integration
  • Part 2: Building Apps More Efficiently and Following Best Practices with Copilot
  • Part 3: Enhancing User Experience with Power Apps
  • Part 4: Decision-Making and Learning in the AI-Enhanced Development Landscape

Part 4: Decision-Making and Learning in the AI-Enhanced Development Landscape

In this post:

  • Having some knowledge about platform-specific vernacular helps to utilize Copilot
  • Businesses can choose to build their own apps or use the “out-of-the-box” business applications
  • Microsoft is actively working on ways to better integrate Power Apps with ERP solutions (such as Finance & Supply Chain or Business Central)
  • The best way to learn about new tools, such as copilot, is to dive in and gets hands-on experience
  • Spoiler!  Ryan’s favorite hotdish is egg bake

How important is it for citizen developers to understand the terminology and structured jargon to effectively use tools like Copilot?

Ryan: Understanding specific terminology or jargon isn’t strictly necessary to start using Copilot, but having some knowledge can improve the quality of prompts and outcomes. As Copilot evolves, it’s becoming more intuitive, reducing the need for specialized knowledge. However, refining prompts through trial and error enhances results, making even complex tasks more accessible to those without deep technical backgrounds.

How do you advise organizations to decide between using Dynamics 365 and building custom solutions with Power Apps, considering costs, maintenance, and functionality?

Ryan: The decision largely depends on the specific needs and context of the organization. For core business functions like sales, customer service, or field service, leveraging Dynamics 365 is often more cost-effective in the long run due to the continuous improvements and maintenance provided by Microsoft’s engineering teams. The value embedded in Dynamics solutions, with their deep industry and functional expertise, often surpasses the cost difference compared to Power Apps. However, for unique, non-standard business processes not covered by Dynamics 365, building custom solutions with Power Apps can be more appropriate, offering flexibility and cost savings. The key is evaluating the long-term total cost of ownership and the strategic fit of the solution.

How is Microsoft enhancing the integration between Power Apps and ERP solutions to provide out-of-the-box applications and improve data layer interactions for multi-workload projects?

Ryan: Microsoft is actively enhancing integration between Power Apps and ERP solutions by offering out-of-the-box applications and improving data layer interactions. We’re focusing on creating seamless links between different backends, such as virtual entities and dual-write capabilities, to deliver consistent and purpose-built experiences. This approach is key for customers working across various Microsoft stacks, allowing them to benefit from a unified data ecosystem. Moreover, advancements in Power Apps mobile architecture, including native rendering of controls on iOS and Android, stem from these integrations, significantly boosting performance and user experience across all Power Apps.

With the rapid advancements in AI and tools like Copilot, how should users approach learning and interacting with these technologies?

Ryan: Users should dive in and experiment with these tools, understanding that their capabilities are rapidly expanding. Feedback, like using the thumbs down for unsatisfactory responses, directly contributes to improvements. Keeping an open mind and staying updated on new features will help users adapt to and benefit from the evolving landscape of AI-assisted development.

It wouldn’t be a complete interview with the Dynamics Hotdish if we didn’t ask our signature question: What is your favorite hotdish?

Ryan: I’m throwing a curveball with my favorite – egg bake! Is it a hotdish? I’d argue yes, with its one-pan magic, crunchy top, and, of course, copious amounts of cheese. It’s a culinary masterpiece courtesy of my mother-in-law, packed with sausage, broccoli, and that essential Midwest ingredient – cheese. It’s a tribute to my Northwoods family ties in Northern Minnesota, blending tradition with a breakfast twist. Trust me, it’s a dish that unites all Midwesterners, even when we’re braving those ice fishing expeditions at 40 below!

Through this blog series, we’ve explored the evplution of Power Apps, discussed significant enhancements in user experience, examined efforts to simplify app development, and addressed critical decision-making processes for organizations.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Ryan Cunningham for his invaluable insights shared during the interview. His expertise and vision have provided us with a deeper understanding of the transformative strides Microsoft is making with Copilot and app development with Power Apps.

Additionally, we express our sincere appreciation to Microsoft for inviting us to Microsoft Ignite 2023, where we had the opportunity to engage with industry leaders and learn about the latest innovations firsthand.

AI

Part 3: Enhancing User Experience with Power Apps

Welcome to part 3 of 4 of our special blog series where we share details on our interview with Ryan Cunningham, the Vice President of Power Apps at Microsoft. We had the privilege of talking with Ryan during Microsoft Ignite in November 2023. During our conversation, we touched on a variety of topics around Power Apps and Copilot, and this series will break down the insights and announcements that were made at Ignite around Power Apps.

What does the series include?

  • Part 1: Evolution and Impact of Power Apps and AI Integration
  • Part 2: Building Apps More Efficiently and Following Best Practices with Copilot
  • Part 3: Enhancing User Experience with Power Apps
  • Part 4: Decision-Making and Learning in the AI-Enhanced Development Landscape

Part 3: Enhancing User Experience with Power Apps

In this post:

  • Copilot gives key insights to users directly within canvas apps and model-driven apps
  • Microsoft is exploring ways to integrate Copilot functionality into Power Apps on mobile devices
  • Newly introduced offline profiles for canvas apps allows users to access the app in areas with no connectivity

How does the new Copilot functionality enhance the user experience in both Canvas and model-driven apps, specifically in terms of data interaction?

Ryan: The new Copilot functionality is a significant leap forward, automatically embedding in any app built over Dataverse. This means users can ask Copilot questions about their data directly within the app, streamlining how they interact with and navigate their data. For instance, asking about inventory directly leads the user to the relevant view without manual searching. It’s primarily text-based for now, but we’re exploring voice interactions, especially on mobile. This integration creates a more focused and efficient user experience, making data access within apps much more intuitive and immediate.

How do you envision Copilot enhancing the mobile experience for Power Apps users, especially in the context of sales or customer service applications?

Ryan: We’re exploring how to best integrate Copilot into the mobile experience, recognizing the unique needs of mobile users compared to desktop scenarios. Copilot’s ability to minimize manual input and summarize information is particularly beneficial for mobile users. We’re looking into leveraging voice commands, sensor data, and other mobile-specific features to enrich the Copilot experience. This focus on mobile innovation reflects our commitment to improving usability and efficiency for users on the go, particularly in dynamic fields like sales and customer service. Expect more details on these developments in upcoming events.

How has the introduction of mobile offline profiles for Canvas apps improved the experience for users, especially in field service or other frontline work scenarios?

Ryan: The introduction of mobile offline profiles to Canvas apps has significantly enhanced the user experience, especially for frontline workers. By enabling data synchronization over Dataverse, users can access and interact with necessary data even without an internet connection. This functionality allows for more tailored app layouts and specific task-oriented designs, offering a lot of flexibility and efficiency for large populations of frontline workers. It’s a big step forward in making mobile applications more robust and user-friendly in scenarios where consistent internet access is a challenge.

AI

Part 2: Building Apps More Efficiently and Following Best Practices with Copilot

Welcome to part 2 of 4 of our special blog series where we share details on our interview with Ryan Cunningham, the Vice President of Power Apps at Microsoft. We had the privilege of talking with Ryan during Microsoft Ignite in November 2023. During our conversation, we touched on a variety of topics around Power Apps and Copilot, and this series will break down the insights and announcements that were made at Ignite around Power Apps.

What does the series include?

  • Part 1: Evolution and Impact of Power Apps and AI Integration
  • Part 2: Building Apps More Efficiently and Following Best Practices with Copilot
  • Part 3: Enhancing User Experience with Power Apps
  • Part 4: Decision-Making and Learning in the AI-Enhanced Development Landscape

Part 2: Building Apps More Efficiently and Following Best Practices with Copilot

In this post:

  • Copilot is making Power Apps more accessible for citizen developers by making app development more efficient
  • Copilot is guiding users toward best practices within the Power Platform
  • Citizen developers don’t necessarily need to understand underlying code when using low-code platforms, or Copilot, to build applications

How will Copilot integration into Power Platform, especially with the capability to build tables and model-driven apps, impact the efficiency and accessibility of app development?

Ryan: Copilot integration is already significantly enhancing the efficiency and accessibility of app development within the Power Platform. By enabling users to quickly create tables in Dataverse and subsequently generate model-driven apps, we’re simplifying what was previously a complex process. This integration not only accelerates the development cycle but also makes app creation more accessible to a broader audience, reducing the learning curve. With Copilot’s assistance, users can focus more on the functionality and less on the tedious aspects of app design, making the development process both faster and more intuitive.

How do Copilot and Power Platform ensure users start their app development projects following best practices, especially regarding data management and app design?

Ryan: Copilot and Power Platform guide users towards best practices by defaulting to robust and scalable solutions like Dataverse for data management. This approach not only simplifies the development process by reducing the need for deep technical database knowledge but also ensures that apps are built on a solid, secure, and scalable foundation. By integrating best practices directly into the user experience and leveraging modern, responsive templates, the platform removes decision points that might lead to less optimal outcomes, ensuring users start their projects on the right foot.

Is it essential for citizen developers to understand the underlying code, like PowerFX, when using tools like Copilot to build apps?

Ryan: Not necessarily. The philosophy behind low-code platforms and tools like Copilot is to elevate users beyond the need to deeply understand or manage lower-level coding details. This abstraction enables greater efficiency and innovation by allowing users to focus on solving business problems rather than coding complexities. However, a basic understanding of the underlying principles can enhance a user’s ability to leverage these tools effectively and creatively. Copilot can also serve as a learning tool, helping users to gradually understand PowerFX by example.

AI

Part 1: Evolution & Impact of Power Apps and AI Integration

Welcome to part 1 of 4 of our special blog series where we share details on our interview with Ryan Cunningham, the Vice President of Power Apps at Microsoft. We had the privilege of talking with Ryan during Microsoft Ignite in November 2023. During our conversation, we touched on a variety of topics around Power Apps and Copilot, and this series will break down the insights and announcements that were made at Ignite around Power Apps.

What does the series include?

  • Part 1: Evolution and Impact of Power Apps and AI Integration
  • Part 2: Building Apps More Efficiently and Following Best Practices with Copilot
  • Part 3: Enhancing User Experience with Power Apps
  • Part 4: Decision-Making and Learning in the AI-Enhanced Development Landscape

Part 1: Evolution and Impact of Power Apps and AI Integration

In this post:

  • Community has shaped the development of Power Apps
  • Copilot Studio is shaping technology transformation within organizations
  • The importance of governance with Copilot and how Microsoft is ensuring appropriate security of businesses’ data
  • Microsoft is on a continuous journey to ensure the output of Copilot prompts are high-quality to reduce misinformation
  • AI is democratizing development for functional and technical people, making application development more accessible

With Power Apps having evolved so significantly since its early days, could you share a key lesson or insight you’ve gained from this journey?

Ryan: Absolutely, one of the biggest lessons we’ve learned is the importance of listening to our community. It’s not just about creating powerful tools but also about understanding the real-world problems our users are facing. This journey has been about connecting technology with those who need it most, in ways that genuinely add value to their work. Seeing over 20 million users engage with Power Apps recently just underscores the impact of that focus. It’s been an incredible journey of growth and learning.

How do you envision these announcements, especially Copilot Studio and the expanded governance, transforming the way organizations approach software development and management?

Ryan: These innovations are game-changers. By integrating Copilot Studio, we’re making it easier for anyone to build sophisticated, AI-powered applications without deep coding expertise. This democratizes app development, opening up new possibilities for innovation across all levels of an organization. And with the advancements in governance, we’re ensuring that this wave of democratization doesn’t compromise security or manageability. It’s about empowering organizations to rapidly adapt and innovate while maintaining control and compliance. It’s a balance of freedom and framework that truly transforms how software serves business needs.

How does Microsoft ensure the Copilot integrations adhere to complex enterprise security models, especially when handling sensitive business data?

Ryan: Microsoft takes enterprise security very seriously, especially in the AI era. Copilot integrations are designed with the enterprise’s complex security models in mind. This means that access controls, such as role-based access and conditional access, are strictly enforced, ensuring that users can only interact with data they’re authorized to access. Our advantage lies in our deep understanding of these security requirements, from role-based access control to data sovereignty, making our AI experiences not only innovative but also trustworthy and compliant at an enterprise level. It’s about enabling businesses to confidently leverage AI, knowing their data is secure.

With the rapid advancements in AI and its integration into tools like Copilot, how does Microsoft ensure the quality of the code generated, especially considering the varied best practices in software development?

Ryan: Microsoft sets high-quality standards for the code generated by Copilot, preferring to err on the side of caution. If Copilot isn’t confident in its output, it opts not to provide potentially misleading advice. This careful approach underscores the importance of human oversight in the development process. Users are encouraged to exercise judgment and provide feedback, enhancing the system’s accuracy and reliability over time. This collaboration between AI and human insight aims to maintain high standards of quality and adherence to best practices in software development.

How does integrating AI into development tools like Copilot change the landscape for both technical and non-technical users?

Ryan: AI integration into development tools democratizes technology creation by making it accessible to a broader audience. This shift encourages a focus on the valuable expertise individuals bring from their respective fields, rather than on their technical coding skills alone. Copilot acts as a collaborative partner, enhancing users’ capabilities by providing coding assistance, thereby expanding the potential for innovation across all sectors. It’s about augmenting the human workforce with virtual technology experts, making sophisticated development more intuitive and aligned with natural language understanding.

Training

Unleashing End User Potential: Effective Training Unveiled

Training plays a crucial role in the successful implementation and adoption of new systems or processes within an organization. However, it is important to recognize that training and testing are not the same thing. In this blog post, we will delve into the distinction between training and testing, highlighting why effective training is essential for empowering end users.

When discussing the differentiation between User Acceptance Testing (UAT) and training, it becomes evident that these activities serve distinct purposes. UAT primarily focuses on testing the system, ensuring its functionality and identifying any potential issues. On the other hand, training aims to educate end users on how to effectively use the system, tailored to their specific roles and responsibilities.

One of the fundamental differences between testing and training lies in the target audience. UAT typically involves a small subset of individuals who are directly involved in the testing process. In contrast, training aims to reach the entire group of end users, providing them with organized and comprehensive knowledge of the system. It is essential to ensure that training occurs after the system has been thoroughly tested and errors have been rectified. This prevents end users from perceiving the system as flawed, which can hinder their adoption and enthusiasm for utilizing the new solution.

Furthermore, training caters to the diverse needs and requirements of different user groups within an organization. Employees in various roles and positions may interact with the system differently, emphasizing the importance of tailoring training content accordingly. Effective training should address the unique challenges and workflows of each group, enabling end users to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their tasks efficiently.

Attempting to combine testing and training into a single activity can be counterproductive. It may lead to confusion, frustration, and a lack of clarity for end users. By keeping testing and training separate, organizations can optimize the effectiveness of each process. Testing identifies and resolves issues, ensuring a stable and functional system, while training equips end users with the expertise required to leverage the system effectively.

In conclusion, training and testing are distinct activities with separate objectives and target audiences. By recognizing the differences between these two processes, organizations can enhance the effectiveness of their training programs and empower end users to embrace new systems confidently. Tailoring training content to specific roles, conducting training after thorough testing, and ensuring clear communication with the intended audience are essential steps toward successful training implementation. Embracing these principles will enable organizations to maximize end user satisfaction, system adoption, and overall business efficiency.

Check out our training topic podcast episodes to learn more!

Change Management

The Power of ADKAR Unlocks Change Success

Different models and frameworks in the field of change management assist firms in navigating the difficulties of carrying out successful transitions. The ADKAR model, which offers a structured method of managing change at the person level, is one example of such a model. We shall examine the ADKAR model’s definition and practical applications in this blog article.

The ADKAR model, developed by Jeff Hiatt and popularized through his book, ADKAR: A Model for Change in Business, Government and our Community, is an acronym that stands for Awareness, Desire, Knowledge, Ability, and Reinforcement. These five elements represent the key stages an individual undergoes during a change initiative. Let’s dive into each component of the model.

Awareness of the Need for Change: The first stage is to raise people’s knowledge of the justification and goal for the change. It entails explaining the motivations, advantages, and prospective effects of the change.

Desire to Support Change: It is crucial to foster people’s desire and willingness to support and participate in the change once they are aware of its necessity. This entails resolving reservations, supplying inspiration, and highlighting the advantages for both the individual and the company.

Knowledge of How to Change: It is vital to provide people with the knowledge and abilities needed to accept change. Individuals can gain new skills, increase their confidence, and comprehend the process of transformation with the use of educational materials, training programs, and workshops.

Ability to Demonstrate Skills and Behaviors: Individuals must be able to use their newly acquired information successfully; knowledge alone is insufficient. Giving people the chance to practice, receive coaching, and receive feedback enables them to build the necessary skills and behaviors to successfully implement the change.

Reinforcement to Make the Change Stay: As a continual process, change necessitates ongoing reinforcement in order to be sustained. It is easier to establish new behaviors and guarantee long-term success when people are praised and rewarded for their efforts, when milestones are celebrated, and when the advantages of the change are emphasized.

The ADKAR model offers practitioners of change management a framework for comprehending and addressing the personal component of change. Organizations can support their employees through the process of change and improve the likelihood of successful adoption by concentrating on each component of the model. The following are some helpful hints for applying the ADKAR model:

  1. Determine the present situation: Analyze the organization’s preparation for change and pinpoint any areas where people might encounter resistance or skill or knowledge deficiencies.
  2. Make strategic communication plans: Create compelling and unambiguous communications to spread information about the change throughout the organization and to raise awareness of it.
  3. Ensure sufficient training and resources: Provide thorough training courses and other materials that address the precise knowledge and abilities needed for the change project.
  4. By providing coaching and mentoring, you can: Assign mentors or change champions to help people through the process of change, offer encouragement, and reinforce the desirable habits.
  5. To ensure that the change is ingrained in the corporate culture, it is important to continuously track the progress of the change, recognize achievements, and offer reinforcement.

For change management professionals, the ADKAR model is a useful tool for navigating the challenges of successfully implementing transformations. Organizations may improve the efficacy of their change programs and boost employee buy-in by recognizing and addressing the distinct aspects of change. Keep in mind that change involves people as well as processes and systems. Organizations can use the ADKAR model to foster an environment where people feel more supported and empowered to accept change and produce long-lasting results.

Check out our podcast episode to learn more!

Change Management

Change Management

Change Management: Navigating Successful Transitions

When launching new initiatives or projects, organizations must go through a crucial process called change management. Understanding how change will affect people, teams, and the entire organization is necessary for successfully guiding people through the shift. User Acceptance Testing (UAT) and training are crucial components of change management, but they only cover a small portion of its overall breadth. We will discuss what change management comprises and why it is essential for getting successful results in any transformative endeavor in this blog article.

A comprehensive strategy for moving from the present condition to a desired future one is included in change management. It starts by acknowledging that people are impacted by change at different organizational levels and throughout the course of a project. Organizations may reduce resistance to change, boost participation, and support a smoother transition by proactively addressing the human element of that change.

A number of essential elements go into effective change management. It demands early engagement and planning, first and foremost. Significant obstacles and resistance might arise if change management is postponed or ignored entirely. Organizations can set themselves up for success by starting change management initiatives as soon as the project is conceived.

Another essential component of change management is having a thorough understanding of the affected people and teams. This entails determining what will change for them and offering the required resources and assistance to get them ready for the upcoming transition. Change management requires understanding who will be impacted and how the change will affect their roles and duties, much like gathering requirements before beginning a project.

The emotional journey that people typically take when transitioning is illustrated by the change curve. Beginning with doubt and denial, it descends before rising to acceptance and problem-solving. By assisting people in passing through the early stages more quickly and without as much resistance as possible, change management seeks to flatten this curve. Organizations can speed up the adoption of new procedures, procedures, systems, or tools by doing this.

If change management is neglected or put off people may get trapped in the bottom section of the curve, which is marked by uncertainty, blame, and resistance. This might cause stress and reluctance to accept the change, which eventually jeopardizes the project’s success. Organizations can proactively address concerns, allay anxieties, and lead people toward acceptance and involvement by beginning change management early.

Change management is a multidimensional discipline that is essential to the execution of projects successfully. It encompasses the full change process, from planning and preparation through adoption and integration, going beyond training and UAT. Organizations may reduce resistance, maximize involvement, and raise the possibility of attaining desired results by giving change management top priority from the start of the project.

Effective transition management requires an understanding of the human element of change and the provision of people and teams with the right resources, encouragement, and direction. Organizations may foster a culture where people welcome change and collaborate to achieve common goals by proactively addressing concerns, regulating emotions, and enabling a smooth transition.

In conclusion, change management is a continual activity that promotes organizational resilience and flexibility, not just a box to be checked during project implementation. Organizations can position themselves for success in a constantly changing business environment by adopting change management as a core component of each transformative endeavor.

Check out our podcast episodes to learn more!

Change Management

Change Management

Roles in Change Management: Holistic Strategies for Success

The process of change management is intricate and involves more than just identifying end users. It necessitates taking into account all parties impacted by process modifications brought on by technological improvements. It is crucial to carry out an impact assessment and offer assistance during the transformation. The involvement of management and executive sponsorship is also significant, as their communication is essential to the success of the initiative. Effective detractor management and the development of system advocates are also essential for successful change management. This blog explores the numerous roles that are involved in change management and offers tips for navigating these crucial elements.

Identifying the end users is essential in change management, but it goes beyond just the system users. Other stakeholders who might be impacted by the process changes brought on by the technological upgrade must also be taken into account. In order to determine the whole list of people impacted by the change, an impact assessment must be conducted. For instance, because of system changes, some people downstream might need to be notified in a new way or receive information in a different way. Change managers can evaluate what needs to change for each group, their current processes, the new processes, and the differences (delta) between them by understanding the scope of impact. To avoid ignoring any affected parties and guarantee their happiness with the change, help and direction must be given throughout. Additionally, it’s critical to classify people depending on their possible influence on the change, such as whether they will be supporters, opponents, or neutral, and pay attention to them appropriately during the identification phase.

The engagement of management and executive sponsorship is an important factor that is frequently overlooked in change management. It is crucial to plan how to involve the right leadership team members and to emphasize the value of their communication regarding the project. Misinformation, a lack of communication, or unfavorable management styles might compromise a deployment’s success. To ensure team buy-in and promote a favorable attitude toward the change, leadership participation is essential.

A key component of change management is cultivating supporters of the system and change. Collaboration and direction are made possible by locating people who are eager to support the change and are willing to spread the word about it. Change managers who work closely with these champions can give them messaging and approaches for motivating and supporting others. Conversely, it’s as crucial to interact with critics and comprehend their issues. Change managers can lessen resistance and boost acceptance by addressing their concerns and figuring out how to get them on board. An efficient strategy to move through the change process is to categorize people according to their level of support and adjust the approach accordingly. To avoid unneeded stress and keep a good attitude on the project, it is also crucial to regulate the flow of information.

In conclusion, effective change management necessitates a comprehensive strategy that takes into account the effects on all parties involved. Finding end users is just the beginning; it is essential to comprehend the impact’s wider range and carry out careful assessments. Management involvement and executive sponsorship are essential for effective communication and team buy-in. The key to reducing opposition is cultivating champions who advocate the change and attending to the worries of critics. Change managers may traverse the complexity of change and guarantee a successful conclusion by regulating information flow and customizing methods based on specific responsibilities. Successful change management activities will be facilitated by accepting these roles and responsibilities.

Check out our podcast episodes on similar topics to learn more!

General

Rediscovering the Joy of Reading: Liz’s 2023 Reflection

One of Liz’s 2023 personal highlights was rediscovering the joy of reading. This year, she immersed herself in the pages of 28 books. She knew had read “a lot”, but didn’t realize how many until she counted for this post. It fills her with amazement and gratitude that she found THAT MUCH time to read…

Project Management

UAT: Key Differences and Best Practices between Agile and Waterfall

User Acceptance Testing (UAT) is essential for making sure that Dynamics 365 projects are successful. Depending on whether the project uses Agile or Waterfall approaches, the approach to UAT can vary greatly. We will examine the distinctions between UAT in Agile and Waterfall in this blog article, as well as highlight the crucial factors to take into account when organizing and carrying out the best UAT sessions.

UAT is a continuous procedure that occurs throughout the project in agile approaches. Users can test new features and give feedback after each release since features are released incrementally as they are created. This ongoing feedback loop makes it possible to quickly handle any problems or changes in requirements, which results in a more responsive and adaptable development process. UAT sessions may be shorter and more frequent in an agile setting, with users actively participating in testing and offering feedback as the project moves along.

A sequential approach is used by Waterfall techniques, which have separate phases for requirements gathering, design, development, and testing. After the system has been fully implemented and at the end of the development lifecycle, UAT normally takes place in a Waterfall project. In contrast to Agile, where UAT is a continuous process, Waterfall UAT sessions typically focus on a more thorough system verification against predetermined acceptance criteria. The main responsibility of users is to confirm that the finished product fits their needs and expectations.

The project’s nature also affects the UAT strategy. Both Agile and Waterfall UAT for enhancement projects on existing systems may require testing new functionality or changes in isolation to make sure they do not impair the stability of the existing system. Net new projects, on the other hand, where a system is developed from scratch, need a more thorough UAT procedure. This guarantees that the new system satisfies user needs and successfully replaces the old one.

UAT should not be the first time a system is tested, regardless of the approach. There are preliminary testing phases in both Agile and Waterfall, such as unit testing, where the development team confirms the system’s fundamental correctness and functioning before delivering it to users for acceptance testing. This lowers the likelihood of significant issues during UAT by identifying and resolving problems early in the development lifecycle.

In conclusion, User Acceptance Testing (UAT) is a crucial component of both Agile and Waterfall techniques, although their methods and schedules are different. Waterfall UAT is more thorough and occurs toward the conclusion of the project, whereas Agile UAT is ongoing, iterative, and frequently involves user involvement. Planning and carrying out the most efficient UAT sessions requires a thorough understanding of the project’s approach and its unique requirements. Customizing the UAT process to the project’s demands can guarantee successful user acceptance and produce high-quality software solutions.

Check out our podcast episodes on similar topics to learn more!

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