Client Overview

The Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) is a globally recognised professional body that sets standards for the procurement and supply industry. With thousands of members relying on their digital platforms for membership management, training and certification, CIPS needed a robust testing solution to ensure the quality and reliability of their systems. To achieve this, they partnered with PSP to outsource both manual and automated software testing to a dedicated Quality Assurance (QA) team.

Challenge

CIPS was facing challenges in maintaining the quality of their membership systems and member-facing websites due to limited internal QA resources and expertise. Their existing testing processes lacked the structure and coverage necessary to support the growing complexity of their digital platforms. They needed a more comprehensive approach to software testing that included both functional and non-functional tests to identify and resolve issues before they impacted users. CIPS sought a partner who could provide an experienced, structured QA team to manage all aspects of testing, from test case design to execution and reporting.

Solution

PSP assigned an office-based team of software testers, led by our experienced QA Manager, to handle CIPS’s testing needs. We began by thoroughly reviewing the system specifications and requirements to gain a detailed understanding of the platforms and their functionalities. Our QA Manager then developed a series of comprehensive test cases that covered a wide range of scenarios, from basic functionality checks to complex user interactions and edge cases.

The test cases were tailored to both functional and non-functional aspects of the systems, ensuring that the testing team could evaluate performance, usability, security and compatibility. Using these test cases as a framework, our team conducted a rigorous testing cycle, incorporating manual testing for nuanced, user-centric scenarios and automated testing for repetitive tasks and regression testing. Regular feedback sessions with CIPS ensured that the testing process remained aligned with their expectations and evolving requirements.

Results

The engagement significantly improved the overall quality and stability of CIPS’s membership systems and member-facing sites. By implementing a structured testing approach, PSP identified and resolved a variety of critical issues before they could affect end-users, enhancing system reliability and user satisfaction. Our thorough testing process also provided CIPS with detailed documentation and insights into potential areas for further optimisation. Outsourcing the QA function to PSP not only ensured higher quality standards but also allowed CIPS to focus on core activities, confident that their digital platforms were in safe hands.

Conclusion

By partnering with PSP for QA testing, CIPS gained access to a highly skilled, structured testing team capable of delivering comprehensive software quality assurance. Our expertise in developing detailed test cases, combined with our use of both manual and automated testing strategies, ensured that CIPS’s platforms were thoroughly tested and optimised for performance and usability. This collaboration enabled CIPS to elevate their digital offerings, maintain high standards of service and support the needs of their global membership base more effectively.