In recent years with rapid digitalization across business sectors, the Retail industry has been the most impacted by these digitization moves. The Retail segment mainly delivers an omnichannel experience. This includes a user-friendly and stable customer experience at the front end and a load of transaction data at the back-end. The retail segment software includes inventory, CRM apps, data warehousing, e-commerce channels, supply chain management, and Point of sale (POS) systems, etc. Undoubtedly, the effective working of retail software drives the return on investment (ROI) for retailers.

Especially, for the retail industry, the customer experience is at the center of their business. A poor quality experience at the storefront or with mobile apps that process the payment transactions would greatly impact customer experience and affects their business bottom line!

Also, the retail marketplace centered over POS needs to satisfy customers by delivering effective user experience. This can be achieved by a specialized POS testing process, else it has a significant impact on overall retail business outcomes.

What should Retail industry CEOs Look for in 2024?

• Digital readiness to deliver an exceptional customer experience (CX)

• Deliver high-quality solutions to best meet consumer behavior with early-to-market

• Data and insights-driven approach to digital eCommerce and omnichannel presence

• Focus on products for better performance and sustainability by adopting proper market approaches to appeal to the audience (especially Millennials & Gen Z)

• Process automation, artificial intelligence (AI), and data analytics to help eCommerce & retail businesses achieve more by enhancing solutions with improved CX

• Introduce effective business models that drive higher ROI and, at the same time, innovate with new services and offerings to meet ever-growing customer demand

Today, the retail sector is constantly changing and there are new challenges faced by all players. The challenges are faced at both the business as well as application level. These challenges should be properly fixed to ensure retail business success.

Overview of Present Retail Sector

For today’s businesses, the online channel has evidently become the most effective platform to perform their business transactions. Every business domain continues to take the complete advantage of online marketing to enchant their customers. Evidently, internet retailing has become a modern pathway for shopping to many internet surfers and online users. The increase in the usage of mobile phones, e-commerce, and internet services has truly simplified shopping means and effectively multiplied the scope of online shopping.

Over the past few years, online retailing is trending and accounting to over 1.5% sales across the globe. This is because of the available easy shopping ways being enabled through mobile apps, online channels and the availability of umpteen online payment and transaction methods. Among the many industry types that are emerging today, retail is one of the finest and fastest-growing sectors. It is the industry where products or services are provided for consumers by following a set of selling methods or practices. Also, it is the sector that is experiencing year-over-year progress.

The main reason why the retail sector is receiving the prominence is due to the changing lifestyle of the people and the increased dependency on obtaining services and products with ease. The need for retail services is tremendously increasing and the statistical report prepared for the total worldwide retail sales is a clear example with a total number of retails estimated over trillion dollars for the coming years.

As per the Global Retail Industry Analysis, in 2017 the retail industry was valued at USD 23,460 billion, but this effective number has been gradually increasing and during the period 2018-2023, it is aimed to reach USD 31,880.8 billion. This is because the retail markets have become more competitive and are excelling to target many developed and small countries to expand their consumer base. Also, the retail giants are preferring the online mode to follow their consumers and provide them the best offers that can result in future sales and increase their brand reputation with the usage of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning.

Internet channels help in increasing the production and as well introduce several other complications for the retail sector. It has become essential for the retail sector to choose mobile technology and leverage proper infrastructure to deliver the best customer experience.

Though the retail segment has been expanding in recent years, it continues to face certain challenges that have been categorized as generic challenges and application-level challenges.

What are the Generic Challenges Faced by Retail Businesses?

• Challenges faced while embracing in the facet of digital transformation across lines of business
• Maintaining customer loyalty continues to be an important challenge for the retailer’s success
• Delivering a good customer experience is a major factor to uphold their brand and protect their business
• Keeping up with the ever-changing customer expectations is another critical factor of concern
• Seasonal trends influence customers, and retailers need to balance to upkeep their customer shopping experience both online and offline
• Adopting new technology solutions for the retail industry is an important challenge to deliver secure and safe transactions
• New innovation trends of Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning (ML) continue to have a great impact on the retail sector

What are the Common Software (Application) Challenges Faced by Retailers?

• App performance issues negatively affect customer experience and damages brand loyalty
• Security glitches while processing transactions across e-commerce channels also disengages customer from using them
• Customers continue to abandon apps due to payment processing delays
• Increased/Heavy app loading time also adversely affects customer experience
• App usability plays an important role, as complex navigation flows will refrain users from using i

Software Testing for Retail

Primarily, in e-commerce websites and apps, any sort of design issues can greatly hinder business growth. As customers demand the latest features, the online channels failing to deliver these, suffer from customers disengaging.

Any sort of performance and security issues prevailing in online shopping apps adversely affects the customer experience. Hence, in order to overcome these challenges, retailers must adopt effective software quality assurance. The Next-gen software testing services will ensure and deliver a great customer experience.

What are the testing services required for Retail Apps?

An Overview of the Retail App Features and the corresponding testing service required to achieve Quality at speed

• Retail apps are generally integrated with several external hardware and software peripherals. There is a need for thorough functional testing and non-functional testing services
• Retail apps user interface (UI) and business processes change frequently. Hence they need thorough testing with automated regression testing
• Retail apps are integrated with various payment systems which need payment gateway integration testing
• Security testing is essential as customers across their digital journey need fast, effective, safe and secure transactions
• Retail apps require a digital assurance and testing strategy which can be applied to ensure apps perform stably under varying loads
• E-commerce channels should deliver great user experience for which usability testing should be taken up
• Retail apps testing needs embracing Test automation frameworks to test various scenarios of the application with test automation tools
• Test automation helps to deliver faster releases within shorter timelines which helps software developers and QA teams to deliver faster.

What are the Benefits Retailers Get with Effective Software Testing?

Benefits to customers

• Improves customer experience across the e-commerce channel as the application becomes glitch-free
• Quicker development is ensured as defects are identified early in the SDLC
• Improves business outcomes as new features are thoroughly tested before go-to-market
• Enhances user experience with great UI and stable performance with load testing across the e-commerce channels
• The application becomes accessible to one and all and achieves accessibility norms

Benefits to Businesses

• Considerable cost savings assured as faster releases are ensured by embracing test automation
• Reduced time to market as faster releases are achieved with DevOps Continuous integration and continuous development (CI/CD)
• Reduced human intervention as test automation is leveraged
• Efficient and comprehensive reports deliver quality insights
• Faster time to market results in a quicker return on investment (RoI)

Conclusion

Retail business use cases are not identical as the retail industry cannot be generalized, unlike other sectors. There is a huge challenge involved in combining retail software with wide integrations all through. This all requires attention to detail and an effective focus on quality.

Hence, testing e-commerce applications is critical to drive online sales and deliver a great user experience. It also makes sure the website or the apps on mobile devices are globally available and accessible to all. Therefore, an effective end-to-end digital testing is essential for retail software.

Leverage our experts with domain knowledge in digital testing to achieve quality retail software. Connect with our automated testing services team.

The post Why Software Testing is Critical for Retail Sector? first appeared on TestingXperts.

Testing Point of sales(POS) Systems

A point of sales (POS) system is at the hub of every retail business and is a large technology investment. An efficient POS software package increases productivity by reducing unnecessary work and managing the entire business. However, as technology is improvising day by day, POS systems are also evolving with technology.

As omnichannel initiatives are grabbing the attention, retailers are deploying shopping initiatives mobile POS, such as click-n-collect across mobile and other digital channels.

These are innovative ways to provide mobility and freedom to the customers and keep the cash register ticking. However, along with these demand creation opportunities with digital technologies, companies need to be wary of various application pitfalls like unpleasant customer experience, functional issues, payment fraud, security breaches, and server crashes, etc. This necessitates the need for continuous testing through quality assurance, performance management, and security.

Areas to Test in a Mobile POS System

Here are some focus areas that need focus in testing for a mobile POS system.

– Teller Activity:
This includes transactions such as the entry of items, tender, Store Value Cards, discounts etc.

– Transactions:
Return, exchange, regular sale, sale with credit/ debit/ gift card, loyalty member purchase, items, quantities, and prices.

– Store Server and Integration:
Verification of POS interaction with store servers and back-office systems.

– Data of Loyalty Members:
The system keeps track of what your customers are buying and who they are. It keeps track of what’s selling, at what times of day or week, to which types of customers and by which salespeople.

– Ability to Read all Cards:
There are various types of cards in the industry today such as Magnetic Stripe, CAV, etc.

– Performance:
Speed or the time taken to send a request (read) and receive a response and applying the transaction based rules like Rebates/Discounts/Tax etc.

– Negative Scenarios:
Several transaction declined scenarios such as invalid card/PIN/expired Card etc.

Types of Testing Needed for POS(Point of Sale)

Here are some major types of software testing that must be implemented for effective omnichannel retailing initiatives:

1. Functional testing:

Validates whether each component of the mobile POS functions in coordination with the requirements and specifications.

2. Mobile Testing:

Helps in ensuring ensures proper functional and usability of the mobile POS

3. Compatibility testing:

Identifies  whether the application is functioning as intended across different browsers, hardware, database, operating systems, mobile devices, and networks.

4. Load & Performance Testing:

Assesses the end-user experience under varying amounts of load and traffic on the system.

5. Security testing:

Identifies whether the mobile POS system is able to protect the data as intended.

6. Big Data/ Analytics Testing:

End-to-end testing from data acquisition to data analytics helping retailers take right business decisions and thoroughly understand the customer buying behavior. Test Data management strategy is also needed to reduce time-to-market and improve efficiency.

7. Test Automation:

Supports in achieving accelerated time-to-market and better quality

Conclusion

In the age of digitally connected customers, superior customer experience is critical to the success of the retail industry. TestingXperts has wide industry experience and has been testing the Omnichannel initiatives of global clients from retail industry. Connect with us and identify how we can help you improve the performance and functionality of your mobile POS systems.

The post Proven Approach for Testing Mobile Point of Sales Solutions first appeared on TestingXperts.

1. Automation of POS Testing
2. Benefits of Automating POS Testing
3. Key Points for Selecting Automation Testing Tool
4. Conclusion
5. Why Partner with TestingXperts for Automated POS Testing?

“Automating the testing process can save approximately 70% of cycle time during regression testing.”

This statement is true in the current competitive business environment, especially in the case of retail businesses, where POS is the core aspect. A point-of-sale system is a combination of multiple hardware and software components that form a complete system. It must be scalable, highly secure, reliable, and easily customizable, as it greatly influences retail business growth. POS testing plays a crucial role in ensuring that the point-of-sale application is ready for market use.

POS testing is complex due to its integration and multifunctioning with several devices like scanners, card readers, barcode readers, printers, handheld devices, etc. Testing POS applications is not a simple task for retail software development companies, as it requires comprehensive testing and evaluation to ensure that the software is ready for market use. Good POS software can increase efficiency, improve customer loyalty, and intelligently manage the entire retail process. With point-of-sale systems supporting major retail operations, implementing automation testing for POS systems will add value and reduce obscurity around POS integration.

Automation of POS Testing

In order to automate POS testing, including secure payment interface and transactions to back-end systems, requires a detailed automation process with advanced computer vision to replicate user behaviour and evaluate system outputs. The process involves using software and tools to test POS software systems automatically. It will ensure the improvement in reliability, efficiency, and functionality of the POS system. Automation is necessary for retailers to enhance their customer services and operations. Following are the reasons why automating POS testing is necessary for retail business:

Improve Customer Experience:

POS test automation results in reliable and efficient checkout processes. It’s crucial as customers prefer a fast and error-free checkout system. Retailers can minimize errors and delays by ensuring their point-of-sale software systems function at their best. The result – is a faster, smoother, and more satisfying shopping experience, promoting customer loyalty.

Streamline Retail Processes:

Automating POS systems improves the efficiency of retail operations. Retailers can avoid operational disruption by detecting and addressing bugs that may cause POS malfunction early. It ensures a streamlined flow of sales transactions and inventory management, and staff will be less burdened by technical issues. This will allow them to focus on customer-centric and other important retail processes.

Reduce Time-to-Market:

As the retail industry constantly evolves, it is necessary to introduce new features and updates to the POS systems regularly. Retailers can fasten the testing process by integrating automation practices, thus resulting in faster implementation of new updates. It will keep retailers ahead in adopting new technologies and ensure they are updated on the changing market and customer demands.

Benefits of Automating POS Testing

Retailers can improve their POS systems’ efficiency, functionality, and performance by shifting to automation testing. As technology constantly evolves, this testing approach is vital for today’s retail environment. The benefits of automating POS testing are diverse and impactful, some of which include:

Improved Accuracy and Consistency:

Test automation offers consistency and accuracy across retail operations. From payment processing and product scanning at POS to warehouse management, automation testing helps evaluate the accuracy of payment transactions, product prices, discounts, etc. It provides a comprehensive view of application performance, highlighting bugs or potential deviations from expected outcomes. For instance, during flash sales, automated POS testing can help validate that the discounts are in sync with the promotional offers, ensuring customers are correctly charged and thus maintaining brand trust.

Assessing Scalability:

Test automation can simulate various scenarios to check whether POS software adapts to new upgrades or changes. It ensures the system is scalable and can handle workload without negatively affecting performance. Automating POS testing is crucial for retail businesses as they have varying peak seasons during which transaction volume rises exponentially.

Improvement in Security Compliance:

Automation testing has security checks to ensure the POS system complies with data protection and payment security standards. It is a critical component for protecting customer data and maintaining brand image.

Improved ROI and Cost Reduction:

Setting up an automation framework could cost a bit, but its long-term benefits are worth investing in. It reduces manual processes and speeds up the testing process, reducing time spent and labor costs. This results in better business ROI and faster resolution of issues.

Continuous Testing and Feedback:

Automation enables continuous POS testing with regular feedback and insights. It helps in faster identification and fixing of defects, improving system performance and health.

Key Points for Selecting Automation Testing Tool

To automate test cases in POS testing, one must have suitable test automation tools to recognize the UI controls of the application. It involves a step-by-step process to select an appropriate testing tool for the application under test (AUT). However, the wrong choice could result in increased costs, wastage of time, and flawed software. Following are some of the key points to consider when selecting an automation testing tool for POS testing:

• Ensure the tool supports the programming language, databases, and technologies in developing the POS software.

• Analyze the user-friendliness of the tool, as it should be easily accessible by the testing team such that they don’t spend excess time on training.

• The tool should easily integrate with the existing development and testing environment. This includes continuous integration pipelines and version control systems.

• The tool should have customization capability to align with specific testing requirements. It must easily sync with varying testing scenarios and environments.

• It should be easy to scale as the testing requirements change and the project grows.

• Check the tool’s efficiency in executing test cases and how often it provides feedback.

• The tool must have reporting features for tracking test progress, team communication, and analyzing failures.

Conclusion

Automating POS testing is necessary for retail businesses to remain competitive in the current digital marketplace. As POS systems are the backbone of retail operations, they should be reliable, customizable, secure, and scalable to drive business growth. Automation in POS testing ensures that the complexities in the software are addressed promptly, and the system can seamlessly integrate with various devices like card readers, scanners, printers, etc. However, to ensure the successful implementation of the automation process, businesses should partner with a reliable QA service provider like TestingXperts.

Why Partner with TestingXperts for Automated POS Testing?

Partnering with Te­stingXperts for automated point-of-sale te­sting helps your retail company stay ahead in a quickly transforming marke­t. TestingXperts focuses on giving top-tie­r automated POS testing service­s that are fundamental for contemporary re­tail activities. Our automation testing services are customized to satisfy the­ exceptional nee­ds of every customer, confirming most e­xtreme productivity and adequacy. He­re are some reasons to pick TestingXperts for your automated POS testing require­ments:

Expertise­ in Retail Domain:

TestingXperts has a de­ep understanding of the retail industry. This helps us create solutions that work we­ll for retailers’ unique ne­eds, not just technical quality.

Advanced Automate­d Testing Tools:

We use the­ latest automated testing tools and in-house accelerators like Tx-Automate and Tx-HyperAutomate. This ensures your point-of-sale syste­m is tested quickly and reliably for smooth pe­rformance.

Customized Testing Plans:

Our te­am tailors testing plans for each retaile­r’s specific POS setup. Every store­ has differences, so we­ adapt our approach for the best results.

Focus on Se­curity and Privacy:

With data protection a big concern, TestingXpe­rts makes security a top priority. We ke­ep customers’ information safe and prote­ct your business reputation.

Cost-Effective­ Testing:

Our automated service­s are of good value. We re­duce costs by minimizing manual work and speeding up te­sting, giving you more benefits for your mone­y.

Faster Updates:

Automating testing le­ts us quickly test new feature­s and updates for your POS software. This faster timeline­ is important in retail’s always-changing environment.

Scalable Solutions:

As your busine­ss grows, our solutions grow too. We can manage increase­d activity and complexity to keep your POS e­fficient.

To know more, contact our QA experts now.

The post How does Automating POS Testing Drive Retail Business Growth? first appeared on TestingXperts.