A Complete Guide to Salesforce QA Testing in 2024

Salesforce, the leading customer relationship management (CRM) tool, is widely adopted across industries and company sizes for its flexibility and support. However, businesses must continually test, maintain, and upgrade their Salesforce systems to stay competitive. This is where Salesforce QA testing, a crucial process that ensures the system's quality and alignment with business needs, comes into play.

But what is Salesforce? Why is Salesforce quality assurance necessary? And how can teams overcome the challenges of Salesforce testing?

This comprehensive QA guide is designed to equip your team with the knowledge and best practices for successful Salesforce QA Testing. It covers various topics, from the types of quality assurance Salesforce should execute to the best practices for Salesforce QA across various projects.

What is Salesforce?

Salesforce is the first cloud-based CRM system that’s highly recognized worldwide. Founded in 1999 by former Oracle executives Marc Benioff, Parker Harris, Dave Moellenhoff, and Frank Dominguez, this CRM platform aids users in selling, marketing, analyzing, and connecting with clients and prospective consumers.

SFDC provides various standard features designed to improve the management of relationships with prospects and customers. This CRM also securely stores data in the cloud, supporting engagement and collaboration with internal employees and business partners.

What is Salesforce QA Testing?

Quality Assurance (QA) Salesforce testing ensures a setup meets quality standards and business needs. It checks functionalities, integrations, customizations, and workflows to find and fix performance, user experience, or data integrity issues.

QA Salesforce testing plays a pivotal role in maintaining Salesforce's reliability, efficiency, and security. It employs various methods to ensure all system parts function correctly and can handle real-world scenarios. This not only paves the way for a smooth and error-free Salesforce experience but also boosts business operations and productivity. This empowerment allows businesses to reach their full potential, knowing their Salesforce system is robust and error-free.

What are the Key Phases of Salesforce Quality Assurance?

The ultimate goal of QA Salesforce testing is to deliver a robust and error-free Salesforce experience. Ensure the following components can enhance overall productivity:

• Requirement Analysis: Understanding and documenting business requirements to ensure that the Salesforce implementation aligns with business goals.
• Test Planning: Develop a comprehensive test plan that outlines the scope, objectives, resources, and schedule for testing activities.
• Test Case Development: Creating detailed test cases that cover all functionalities, integrations, and workflows within the Salesforce environment.
• Test Execution: Involves running test cases to identify defects or issues. It involves both manual and automated testing approaches.
• Defect Management: Logging and tracking defects identified during testing. This includes prioritizing and addressing issues based on their impact on the system.

Why is Salesforce QA Testing Important?

Like any software application, SFDC testing must be performed during each development cycle to ensure that the system retains the expected functionality for all users. Having a dedicated Salesforce QA team to measure the system's integrity regularly is not just good practice; it's a necessity for businesses to stay competitive.

Quality assurance Salesforce should be routine for business because of the following:

• Confirms that the code and configuration are functional
• Verifies that the system can support all business processes
• Establishes that the system’s initial build meets approved requirements
• Allows QA teams to identify issues in the initial phases so that the development team can provide fixes
• Checks the working conditions and behavior of the application
• Increase the overall quality of the system to improve the User experience

What are the Types of Salesforce Quality Assurance?

When it comes to Salesforce Quality Assurance, your checklist should cover a range of tests. These include environmental and execution tests, as well as crucial compatibility and user experience tests for applications. By developing and performing all necessary test scripts, your team can ensure the system's soundness.

• Unit Testing: This type of testing is performed initially by the developers when functionality is developed to verify if Happy Paths are working as expected for the application. This helps find issues at a very early stage of development.
• Functional Testing: QA Salesforce teams validate the application against the functional requirements and specifications. This type of Salesforce test reviews each software function by providing appropriate input and measuring the output against the functional requirements.
• Persona-based Testing: Salesforce has different sets of users with different permissions assigned to them on the application. Verifying the application according to the various roles and permissions assigned to the users is essential.
• Integration Testing: This testing involves Salesforce integrating software modules logically and testing them as a group. Because different programmers code modules, these tests aim to expose any defects when they are integrated into the application.
• UI/UX Testing: Salesforce supports two types of views, Classic and Lightning, so we can always verify software applications' user interfaces and user experiences. This helps identify issues and ensure users have a positive experience using the application.
• UAT TestingU A T Testing: This type of Salesforce testing encourages intended system users to test Salesforce to confirm that the application can support intended business processes. This SFDC testing follows a test script based on business practices, where testers verify whether or not Salesforce performs as expected.
• Regression Testing: Performing tests to verify whether or not code and configuration releases affected any existing user processes or Salesforce functionality. As a type of Salesforce test that appears on every QA checklist, testers keep a running list of expected behavior and create test cases applicable across development cycles.
• Sanity Testing in Production: Executing tests within production repeats testing previously performed by the Salesforce QA team in other environments. In this type of testing, Salesforce confirms whether or not the configurations and code pushed into the production environment deployed successfully.
• Load Testing: This type of SFDC testing reviews the system’s performance under a specific load. Testers examine how well Salesforce behaves when multiple users access the system simultaneously.
• Security Testing: As a vital test for your QA checklist, testers uncover threats, vulnerabilities, and risks within the Salesforce application. This type of Salesforce test identifies possible weaknesses and loopholes within the application to create solutions that prevent cyberattacks and unauthorized invasions.

Best Practices for Salesforce QA Testing

Salesforce may support complex scenarios for its users, but a simplified testing cycle leads to strong, streamlined practices. Follow the best practices on this Salesforce quality assurance checklist so that your next development cycle is efficient and effective.

Technical Best Practices

• Create and validate test cases as real user profiles
• Confirm test data is prepared to validate the report’s functionality
• Execute all applicable testing, including functional testing, regression testing, UI testing, and system testing, as well as these Salesforce-specific automated tests
• Recreate all the classic tests for Salesforce’s Lighting Web Component lightweight framework
• Run all automation testing through reliable automated testing tools
• Construct and test user roles using Workflows
• Timely update test cases as per the updated requirements from the business
• Provide full QA testing coverage with all the positive and negative scenarios on sandboxes

Project Management Best Practices

• Recruit all necessary testers across test cases, including technical experts, business stakeholders, and target users
• Deploy and test regularly
• Establish clear testing guidelines
• Set up feedback templates for testers
• Proofread all tested content within the system to verify it’s correct and appropriate for the user
• Use project management tools like Jira, Rally, Azure, and Redmine
• Follow project management methodologies like Agile or Kanban

6 Reasons Why You Need to Implement Salesforce QA Testing for Your Business

By implementing automated testing services in your Salesforce QA system, you can streamline your business operations and reduce reliance on manual troubleshooting and fixes. This not only enhances the quality and reliability of your Salesforce system but also boosts your overall business productivity and efficiency.

1. Get More Test Coverage

   With automated testing, testers can execute hundreds of test cases and cover any number of scenarios and eventualities, which can be both likely and unlikely. Moreover, with automated Salesforce testing, businesses can quickly adapt to new updates and releases, as they already have the scope for running new tests.

2. Plan Testing More Efficiently

   By negating the need for manual testing, businesses can reduce the risk of human errors, thereby ensuring that the test data is reliable. Constant repetitive tasks increase the chances of human errors, and the longer a tester works on the same project, the greater the risk of making errors. Hence, the implementation of automation testing can completely negate such mistakes.

3. Schedule Repeat Tests

   Once test cases have been set up, they can be repeated numerous times by clicking a button. This reduces the dependence on manual testers required to run large-scale testing programs. By setting up a schedule for repeat tests, testers do not have to manually trawl through the same process for hours, or even days, at a time.

4. Generate Automatic Reports

   Once the tests have been completed, detailed reports must be generated to evaluate the Salesforce platform's successes and failures. Typically, generating these reports manually is time-consuming, but with automation, these reports can be generated automatically, reducing the chances of manual errors. Tests can be quickly recorded and saved, making it easy for testers to watch recordings at a later point to gain more valuable insights.

5. Free Up Testers Schedules

   With the implementation of automation, testing experts can dedicate their time to designing more significant projects and improving CRM performance. Rather than overseeing and running existing test initiatives, they can focus on strategizing new test ideas and initiatives.

6. Identify Issues Quickly

   The main objective of running any software test is to find issues and their root causes that may prevent the Salesforce CRM from functioning efficiently. Tests can locate broken lines of code or configuration issues that need to be addressed quickly by testers. With automation, the whole process can be streamlined.

What are the Top Quality Assurance Salesforce Tools?

Effective Salesforce QA testing requires the tools to ensure thorough testing and seamless integration. Here are some of the top tools widely used in the industry for Salesforce testing:

1. Selenium

   Selenium is a powerful open-source tool for automating web applications. It supports multiple programming languages, including Java, C#, and Python, and is highly extensible. It is best for automating UI tests and regression testing for Salesforce applications.

   Key Features:

   • Supports cross-browser testing.
   • Integrates with various test frameworks like TestNG and JUnit.
   • Allows parallel test execution to speed up the testing process.

2. TestComplete

   TestComplete is a versatile automated testing tool that supports many web, mobile, and desktop applications. It offers robust capabilities for testing Salesforce and is best for automated functional and regression testing.

   Key Features:

   • Provides a powerful object recognition engine.
   • Supports keyword-driven and data-driven testing.
   • Integrates with CI/CD tools like Jenkins and Azure DevOps.

3. QTP/UFT (Quick Test Professional/Unified Functional Testing)

   QTP/UFT is a widely used commercial testing tool by Micro Focus. It provides comprehensive testing capabilities for a variety of applications, including Salesforce. It is best for comprehensive functional and regression testing of Salesforce applications.

   Key Features:

   • Supports both GUI and API testing.
   • Provides advanced features for test automation, including AI-based object recognition.
   • Integrates with the ALM/Quality Center for test management.

4. JIRA and Zephyr

   JIRA and Zephyr offer potent solutions for test management and defect tracking. While JIRA is primarily a project management tool, Zephyr enhances its capabilities for QA testing. It is best for test management and monitoring for Salesforce projects.

   Key Features:

   • Provides comprehensive test planning, execution, and reporting features.
   • Integrates with automation tools like Selenium.
   • Supports real-time collaboration and reporting.

5. Copado

   Copado is a native Salesforce DevOps platform that provides tools for continuous integration, delivery, and automated testing. It is best for DevOps and continuous testing for Salesforce.

   Key Features:

   • Offers a complete DevOps solution with built-in test automation.
   • Supports version control and change management.
   • Provides robust reporting and analytics.

6. Cucumber

   Overview: Cucumber is an open-source tool that supports behavior-driven development (BDD). It allows the creation of test cases in plain language, making it easy for non-technical stakeholders to understand. It is best for BDD and collaborative testing for Salesforce applications.

   Key Features:

   • Uses Gherkin syntax for writing test cases.
   • Integrates with Selenium for test automation.
   • Supports various programming languages.

Latest Trends in AI SDFC Testing in 2024

In 2024, AI is revolutionizing Salesforce testing with several key trends given below:

1. AI-driven Test Automation: It enhances efficiency by generating test scripts based on user behavior and historical data. It automatically updates scripts when application changes are detected and continuously learns from test executions to improve accuracy.
2. Predictive Analytics: It is used for test planning and prioritizing high-risk areas to improve defect detection. Additionally, they guide strategic decisions with data-driven insights and proactively identify potential issues.
3. AI-powered Test Data Management: It ensures secure and relevant testing by automating data anonymization, generating realistic test data based on production patterns, and creating smaller, accurate data subsets.
4. AI-enhanced Test Coverage: It improves test coverage by identifying gaps in existing test cases and suggesting new scenarios. It leverages machine learning algorithms to recommend additional tests based on usage and defect patterns.

Case Study

A healthcare client faces significant challenges with their native application due to limited scalability, high costs, and inefficiencies, which lead to errors and inconsistencies. To address these issues, the client decided to migrate to Salesforce. QASource facilitated this transition by identifying the migration scope, setting realistic goals, and mapping existing data to the Salesforce model. The implementation and rigorous testing ensures a seamless integration with the client's workflows. As a result, the client achieved improved scalability, reliability, and flexibility, significantly reducing operational costs and enhancing overall business operations.

QASource’s Solutions to Salesforce QA Testing Challenges

Yet, your Salesforce quality assurance team may find this difficult due to challenges in SFDC testing, which can limit the quality and relevancy of test data. However, to address these challenges, QASource recommends the following best practices:

• Challenge 1: Expensive to Maintain Multiple Salesforce Sandboxes

  One sandbox can take as much as 20–30% of the total cost of your production. The cost of Salesforce QA testing can add up, especially when it’s ideal to maintain multiple sandboxes.

  Solution: Optimize Sandbox Usage and Costs

  • Efficient Sandbox Management: Limit the number of sandboxes to what is necessary. Regularly clean up and refresh sandboxes to keep them lean and relevant.
  • Cost-Effective Tools: Use tools and practices that allow data and metadata to be selectively refreshed or migrated, reducing the need for multiple full sandboxes.
  • Shared Sandboxes: Where possible, use shared sandboxes for development and testing to optimize resource usage without compromising the quality.

• Challenge 2: Irrelevant Data Prevents Full Testing

  Getting relevant, sized-to-fit data is complex, especially when SFDC testing is done in smaller sandboxes that only fit part of the production’s data. Weeding out all irrelevant data means filtering and refining your test data while maintaining the integrity of the relationships in your selected data.

  Solution: Streamline Data Management

  • Data Subsetting: Use data subsetting techniques to create smaller, relevant datasets that reflect the production environment without overwhelming the sandbox.
  • Data Masking and Anonymization: Mask or anonymize sensitive data to protect confidentiality while maintaining data integrity for testing.
  • Automated Data Generation: Implement tools that automatically generate relevant test data, ensuring it is comprehensive and appropriate for the testing scenarios.

• Challenge 3: Difficulty in Protecting Confidential Data

  A company faces legal consequences whenever an unauthorized user retrieves personal or confidential information. Without anonymizing sensitive data before sending it to your sandboxes, your data can be vulnerable to attacks across environments.

  Solution: Enhance Data Security Measures

  • Data Anonymization Tools: Data anonymization tools protect sensitive information before it is moved to the sandbox environment.
  • Access Controls: Implement strict access controls and permissions to ensure only authorized users can access sensitive data during testing.
  • Encryption: Encrypt data at rest and in transit to prevent unauthorized access and ensure compliance with data protection regulations.

• Challenge 4: Delayed Release Deadlines Due to Slow, Inefficient Development Cycles

  Sandbox refreshes can take hours or days to complete. Using the Salesforce data loader tool “dataloader.io” to move data between organizations is a time-consuming, manual process, mainly when not using a complete sandbox. When loading data, problems arise as unnecessary triggers and automatic workflows fire from your sandbox.

  Solution: Accelerate Development Cycles

  • Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment (CI/CD): Adopt CI/CD practices to streamline development and testing, allowing faster iterations and releases.
  • Automated Testing: Implement automated testing to reduce the time required for manual tests and speed up the testing cycle.
  • Efficient Data Loading: Use efficient data loading tools and techniques to minimize the time and manual effort required to move data between environments.

• Challenge 5: Maintaining User Permission Sets on Sandboxes and Production

  Moving permission profiles for metadata objects between different environments in Salesforce presents challenges in terms of maintaining security, quality, and compliance.

  Solution: Streamline Permission Management

  • Automated Permission Management: Use tools to manage and synchronize permissions and profiles across different environments.
  • Version Control for Metadata: Implement version control systems for metadata to track changes and ensure consistency across environments.
  • Regular Audits: Conduct audits of permissions and profiles to ensure they remain aligned with security policies and compliance requirements.

• Challenge 6: Salesforce Seasonal Releases

  Salesforce announces seasonal releases for new features every spring, summer, and winter. However, it could concern testers during regression testing.

  Solution: Proactive Release Management

  • Regular Regression Testing: Conduct regular regression tests to ensure new Salesforce releases do not break existing functionalities.
  • Stay Updated: Keep up-to-date with Salesforce release notes and features to anticipate and prepare for changes.
  • Automated Testing Scripts: Maintain and update automated testing scripts to quickly adapt to changes introduced in seasonal releases.

Final Thought

When developed and tested correctly, Salesforce can deliver value and increase ROI for its businesses. Sufficient SFDC testing and a thorough understanding of the software application can prevent deployment delays, increase efficiency, and introduce instant returns.

Ready to implement best practices within your Salesforce QA testing process? A great place to start is by partnering with a QA services provider like QASource. Our team of SFDC testing experts is skilled in Salesforce testing and can help you refine your QA checklist so that your team can enjoy the benefits of streamlined testing practices. Get a free quote today.