Specialist software consultants should be used for
project and testing purposes, says Omar Sharif.
IT consultancy firms are in business to maximise their
returns, but in the more unscrupulous firms, this pursuit will
often drive them to exploit their clients' weaknesses; primarily,
their lack of IT knowledge and skills. One of the best examples of
this is the use of super-users during software
testing.
Super-users are the client's own employees. Therefore they
understand their own business processes and have been provided with
limited software training. They are by no means software experts or
specialists, but consultancy firms will often try to convince the
client that their business knowledge gives them super powers.
Typically, an IT consultancy firm will advise its client that
super-users should be used for software testing for the following
reasons:
- Super-users already understand the business
- The client can save money as the testing will involve less
consultancy time
- The testing will act as a training ground for super-users and
end-users.
Software testing is a very stressful time. All the stakeholders
are under pressure to meet the impending deadline and super-users
can often find themselves working extra hours without reward or
appreciation.
The result can be that the super-users are given the responsibility
to sign off test scripts, which can sometimes mean that failed
tests are signed off as successes. When this problem arises, an
argument ensues between all concerned, which leads to more money
for the consultancy firm because they have to delay the project and
fix the problem.
After the project has gone live, the problems related to the
inadequate testing will arise. The finger of blame is pointed at
the super-user and it is now time for the IT consultancy firm to
reap extra fees from requests for changes to the project.
The super-user has now lost all of their super powers, so how can
they save face? When so many friends have become foes, it is time
to jump ship.
As a result, the client has lost a valuable employee and their
skills, not to mention their irreplaceable knowledge. They are now
at the mercy of the IT consultancy firm, but fortunately, they have
a solution: a consultant at premium rate.
Software testing is a profession; it requires skilled people with
software expertise and a knowledge of business processes.
Super-users should be used to provide low-level training, support,
and act a medium of communication to fellow end-users.
Independent specialist software consultants must be used for
testing purposes; they will work with the client in an advisory
role and the consultancy firm in an inspection role. The
responsibility of ensuring all parties work together in harmony
must be with the client.
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Omar Sharif is a SAP consultant at 3G
telecoms firm Mobisphere