User Acceptance Tests (UATs) should be treated seriously as they provide the final opportunity for users to decide whether the system meets their needs. Unfortunately, UATs are often overlooked on internal software projects because users had previously participated in a series of interface and system tests.
What Is a UAT?
A UAT is a test procedure that leads to formal acceptance of a new or changed system. It is a formal means ensuring that a new system or process actually meets essential user requirements. Each module to be implemented should be subjected to one or more UATs before being signed off on as meeting user needs. The final part of the UAT can also include a parallel run to demonstrate the value of the new system against the current one.