Introducing changes in OpenText Exstream applications is often tricky. Any time a company makes the smallest change to the document layout, applies patches or performs a regular version upgrade, regression testing must happen to make sure that the recent changes did not adversely affect existing features.
For many years, a standard approach to regression testing of document template-related changes was to print large volumes of sample output before and after the changes. Users would then perform a visual check for differences by hand. Overall, this approach required a lot of manual and time-consuming steps. Another approach that we’ve seen was using a 3rd party solution, which most likely would require an additional license purchase.
OpenText Exstream can perform regression testing electronically, eliminating duplicate pages and allowing you to focus only on affected pages, saving time and paper. The solution offers extension modules, which allow facilitating document application testing entirely through electronic means. And the best part – a lot of the customers already own licenses for these modules and don’t have to pay any extra fees.
OpenText Exstream comes with a variety of tools that makes document template testing easier:
- Output Compare – allows comparing PDF, PostScript and AFP generated by the old version and the new version, in the Workstation. Please note: there is no ability to compare PDF or PS files on the mainframe for Exstream Output Compare products.
- Output Batch Compare – performs the same job as Output Compare but with larger files. This module compares two fully-composed AFP/PDF or PostScript documents to verify output quality before production. Batch output files are too large for a manual comparison process. Batch Compare uses the same technology as the Output Compare module, allowing you to test document applications in a fraction of the time it would take with manual processes. If you are making changes to applications, Batch Compare allows you to verify and note these differences before running production processes. When upgrading software or performing an infrastructure update (such as an operating system upgrade), the Output Batch Compare tool may be used to verify that an existing application has not been impacted or modified. By running the output batch comparison of two print files, users can quickly and easily recognize whether or not changes have occurred in the entire print file. As you can see, by automating the regression testing process you can achieve an immediate impact.
- Rule Analyzer – another great tool that comes in handy during your next regression testing. Rule analyzer checks whether or not your business rules were triggered. Business rules control the content that allows you to develop ongoing, meaningful customer relationships. By ensuring appropriate and applicable rules are in place, you can quickly generate personal communications that can help generate revenue. Help ensure that every rule in an application is executed with the minimal amount of data possible. You’ll clean up your applications, save engine processing time, and reduce the amount of regression testing needed.
Wrap-up & Advice
OpenText Exstream and other products offer a variety of useful features and functionalities. Customers are often not fully aware of all of them. In order to make the most out of your investment in OpenText solutions, make sure to partner with a professional OpenText service provider, who will advise and educate you on latest product updates that are relevant to your way of using the software, your industry, and your business. Make sure to do regular health checks to proactively determine which areas of your solution landscape require extra attention before they become an actual production issue. As always, if you have any further questions make sure to contact us. We’re looking forward to hearing from you!