Pilot Testing

What is Pilot Testing?

Pilot testing is software testing where a user verifies the software before their final deployment or launch. In other words, it verifies the core functionality of the software before it goes into production. The main purpose this testing is to evaluate the cost, project performance, feasibility, time, and risk. Pilot testing is performed between production and User Acceptance Testing (UAT).

In this testing, a user tries to confirm the software under test and provides a feedback report before full deployment of the software. It helps in the quick detection of errors in the software. It relates to installing a system at a user site for regular use. Typically, pilot testing depends on the scope and size of the user system.

The most common form of pilot testing is to continuously test the entire software so that its weak areas can be detected. Then, these weaknesses are sent to the team of developers in the form of bug reports so that the developer's team can fix these bugs.

How to do Pilot Testing

Generally, pilot testing is done in a dedicated field where the users work on the multiple programs and components of the S/W.

Steps of Pilot testing

S. No	Steps	Description
1.	Planning of test	The first phase of pilot testing involves the formulation of important plans about the testing process. This is the major part of the testing process because all the steps ahead are derived from and related to it.
2.	Prepare the Pilot test	Once planning is done, preparations are made to gather various features for the testing process. Much preparation is done to carry out the test successfully. The group of end users is selected in this phase.
3.	Implement the Pilot test	When all the preparations are completed and the group of end-users is selected, the software is implemented. Each end-user is placed, a situation that the target audience face.
4.	Evaluate the Pilot test	The result is now evaluated by a group of examiners and recorded as a response to the software. If the software performs the required tasks, further steps are taken.
5.	Launch the product	This is the last phase of pilot testing. In this phase, the software is released in the market.

Objectives of Pilot Testing

The following are the objectives of pilot testing:

The main objective of this testing is to evaluate the cost, project performance, feasibility, time, and risk.
The objective of pilot testing is also to find out the end-user's response to the software.
To make better use of time and resources.
To explore the possibilities of software success before launch.

Why Pilot Testing is Important

Pilot testing is important because it checks the debugging software, process used for testing, and product readiness for full-scale implementation.

Examples of Pilot Testing

HP runs online to test its products and services.
The Microsoft company runs the window insider programs for the windows 10 operating system.

Difference between Pilot Testing, Beta Testing, and Alpha Testing?

Pilot Testing: Pilot testing is S/W testing where a user verifies the software before their final deployment or launch. In other words, it verifies the core functionality of the software before it goes into production. This testing's main purpose is to evaluate the cost, project performance, feasibility, time, and risk. Pilot testing is performed between production and User Acceptance Testing (UAT).

Beta Testing: Beta testing is done in real environments by real users of the software. A beta version of the S/W, which requires feedback, is released to a limited number of product users to receive feedback on product quality. Beta testing helps to reduce the risk of product failure, and it provides increased product quality through customer verification.

Alpha Testing: Alpha testing is a type of S/W testing that is done to identify bugs before the launch of the product. The alpha test is one of the User Acceptance Test. It is referred to as an alpha test because it is done early, at the end of software development. Alpha testing is usually performed by quality assurance staff. This is the final testing phase before the software is launched to the public.

S. No	Pilot Testing	Beta Testing
1.	Pilot testing is done to verify the entire software before the launch of the software in the market.	Beta testing is done to minimize the failure risks of the software.
2.	The selected users do pilot testing.	The end-users do the beta testing.
3.	Pilot testing is done in the real-environment of the software.	Beta testing is done in the development environment of the software.
4.	Pilot testing is done before the launch of s/w.	Beta testing is done after the launch of the s/w.
5.	Pilot testing feedback report is received from some selected users.	Beta test feedback report is received directly from the end-users.
6.	Pilot testing is done before beta testing.	Beta testing is done after pilot testing.

S. No	Pilot Testing	Alpha Testing
1.	Pilot testing is done to verify the entire system before the launch of the software in the market.	Alpha testing is done to identify the bugs before the launch of the software to the public.
2.	Pilot testing is done by the selected users.	Alpha testing is done by the developers.
3.	Pilot testing is done in the real-environment of the software.	Alpha testing is done in the development environment of the software.
4.	The pilot testing feedback report is received from some selected users.	The alpha testing feedback report is received from the employees of the organization.
5.	Pilot testing is done before beta testing.	Alpha testing is done before the beta testing and pilot testing.
6.	It does not require a long execution cycle. It requires a long execution cycle.

Requisites for Pilot Testing

The main requisites for performing the Pilot Testing are:

1. Correct group of Testers

While conducting this test, the tester team manager has to ensure that there is the right group of testers who represent the target audience. If the tester's right group is not selected for pilot testing, the pilot testing cannot be done successfully.

2. Appropriate Environment

Any test process requires a suitable environment. This is a requirement to carry out the test successfully. To do pilot testing, we need a real environment. After that, proper hardware and software have to be introduced. Therefore, the testing process must create the same conditions that end-users must face.

3. Adequate Planning

Planning for any testing or development is necessary. While conducting pilot testing, it is necessary to ensure that all resources are in the correct measurements.

Advantages of Pilot Testing

Pilot testing overcomes the difficulties of the software.
Pilot testing fixes all bugs before the release of the software.
In this testing, it is easy to measure the software's chances of success before launch.

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