It enlisted Apexon in 2015 to analyze its existing systems, architecture and testing strategy to improve its quality engineering (QE) processes to ensure an enhanced user experience across all channels of engagement. Eventually extending the engagement to include Microservices, DevOps, cart and checkout automation and digital analytics automation lasting for over four years.
Success Story Retail
Leading Retailer Elevates Digital Service Levels for CustomersApexon delivers unified, automated QE framework for all digital channels 
This leading retailer offers customers a broad assortment of national, private and exclusive brands to fit all budgets. In order to better engage with customers, the company leverages a wide range of digital solutions for web, mobile, tablet and kiosk.
The company observed that the performance of its different channels was inconsistent, threatening customer satisfaction and increasing operational costs for management and upkeep.
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An iconic US retailer in business for more than 100 years
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Hundreds of stores in the U.S.
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Over $11B in annual revenue
the Customer Journey
- Automation for web and mobile
- Quality engineering engagement
- Microservices – API automation
- Automation – data analytics
- DevOps
- Cart and checkout automation
- Digital analytics automation
- Delphi automation
- Digital analytics automation
- API gateway
the Results
Key Outcomes
Higher
Service Levels
Service Levels
Reduced defects and improved test case execution leading to greater customer engagement and satisfaction
50% Faster
Time-to-Market
Time-to-Market
For new digital apps and services due to increased use of automation and greater agility
Improved
Resource Efficiency
Resource Efficiency
Increased automation coverage reduced testing resource requirements by 60% and implementation time by 68%
Go Digital
Accelerating the delivery of new digital initiatives with confidence
Be digital
Creating the infrastructure and foundation to scale digital initiatives
Evolve Digital
Leveraging data and analytics to continuously improve digital delivery processes
Enable digital adoption in a quick, and agile manner
After analyzing the existing application architecture and testing environment, Apexon proposed a phased QA approach.
Build digital infrastructure and foundation for enterprises to scale
Apexon deployed automated testing for all digital channels including web, mobile web and all related APIs.
To keep up with frequent build releases, Apexon installed Continuous Integration using Jenkins and QMetry Automation Studio.
Leverage data engineering to make strategic decisions and get digital right every time
Apexon’s QE engagement delivered reduced defects and improved test case execution leading to improved customer engagement and satisfaction.
Enhanced reporting with actionable intelligence to measure overall product quality, automation progress, trends, and more.
The challenge
To identify and overcome several critical barriers
Recognizing their digital channels needed to deliver higher service levels to customers, the company engaged Apexon to assess its existing systems, architecture and testing strategy.
This uncovered several critical challenges including:
Multiple stakeholders involved in frequent build releases causing confusion and inefficiencies
Unstable test environments creating unreliable test data and unnecessary rework
An inability to re-use code and a lack of regression testing in its existing strategy
No consideration of functionality behavior and performance in test validation
A lack of robust test data management and actionable quality metrics
Different test automation frameworks being used by different teams and channels
Software defects leaking into production releases
Ongoing struggles with its omni-channel test strategy
No CI/CD process in place
The Solution
Phased QE approach enhancing qe processes and UX
After analyzing the existing application architecture and testing environment, Apexon proposed a phased QE approach focused on enhancing the effectiveness of the company’s QE processes to ensure a quality user experience regardless of channel. It also wanted to reduce unnecessary operational costs and resources.
The engagement included several key initiatives:
95% automated testing for all digital channels including web, mobile web, point-of-sale, tablet, and all related APIs
Full test coverage of multiple platforms, browsers, devices, and OS
Use of Agile test methodologies to facilitate faster, more immediate feedback to development teams and eliminate defect leakage
Continuous Integration using Jenkins with QMetry Automation Studio to keep up with frequent build releases
Metadata definition for enhanced report execution and requirement tracking
Deployment of integration with partners’ tools: QMetry Automation Studio and HP-ALM
Modularized test cases providing granular functional and performance details
The development of common re-usable components to test APIs, mobile web, native app, and desktop
By collaborating with the company from the beginning to define test case priorities and metadata, Apexon was able to implement a single unified framework to automate, web, mobile and API testing.
This approach also delivered enhanced reporting with actionable intelligence to help measure overall product quality, automation progress and QE trends.