UAT

User Acceptance Testing (UAT) is the final stage of validation before a new platform or capability is released into production. Unlike technical testing, which verifies that software functions correctly, UAT confirms that the solution works for the people who will actually use it in day-to-day operations.

Business users execute realistic scenarios that reflect how the organisation sells, serves customers and manages operations. These scenarios often include placing orders, managing customer accounts, updating product information, processing returns, approving trade pricing, handling fulfilment and completing operational workflows.

Successful UAT demonstrates that the agreed business requirements have been met. It provides confidence that the platform is not only technically sound but commercially ready.

Many ecommerce projects fail not because the technology is broken, but because the solution does not support how the business actually works.

For manufacturers, builders' merchants, KBB businesses and industrial distributors, UAT often validates complex operational processes involving ERP integration, customer-specific pricing, stock availability, account management, fulfilment workflows and customer service activities. These are processes that automated testing alone cannot fully verify.

Well-planned UAT reduces operational risk, improves user confidence and identifies issues before customers experience them after launch.

A bathroom manufacturer is replacing its B2B ecommerce platform. During UAT, sales administrators create trade accounts, customer service teams amend orders, warehouse staff confirm stock movements, finance teams validate pricing rules and customers place test orders. Although every feature technically works, UAT identifies several workflow issues that would have slowed order processing after go-live. These are resolved before launch, avoiding costly disruption.