Current Edition: Accessibility

back To Overview of Edition

Leading Articles

SAP's Accessibility Approach

Regulations and More

Assistive and Other Technology

Personal Report

For Your Reference

CSUN 2007

CSUN 2008

ICCHP 2008

 

SAP Application and Technology Tests for Accessibility

By Urte Thölke & Reyhan Delibas, Accessibility Competence Center, SAP User Experience, SAP AG – June 7, 2005

German Version

Introduction

During product development cycles, various tests are run in the different phases. These ensure that SAP adheres to product standards and implements required functions.

All accessibility tests taking place at SAP are very high priority. As well as the above-mentioned goals, they also help to define the status of individual applications with regard to accessibility. The tests include both application and technology tests.

 

Test Infrastructure

There is a test laboratory in Walldorf for those employees interested. This provides the necessary equipment including PCs and assistive technologies, such as screen readers. The Accessibility Competence Center (ACC) provides support such as documents containing the most important details on the infrastructure and frequently asked questions on testing options and processes. An illustrative video on using a screen reader fills in any gap. If requested, the ACC can provide support with the tests.

 

Technology Tests

Let's first take a look at the technology tests. When closely inspecting a new technology, the ACC draws up a plan for technology certification. The technology experts meet together and using a standard that is independent of the technology, they determine which checkpoints are valid for this particular technology. They create a new check list for it, for example, for ABAP Webdynpro, HTMLB, or PDF Printforms. In addition, guidelines for application development are compiled during the technology certification and these describe in more detail how to implement the individual checkpoints. FAQs for application tests are also compiled. These indicate any corrections scheduled. They also facilitate assignment of errors detected to the correct components and permit an application test at a later date.

 

Application Tests

For application tests, a decision is made to do the test directly within the development department, where the colleagues decide whether to do the test themselves, or to write a test case and pass on the work to the accessibility test team in India. If they decide on the latter, they need to combine various information. They need to provide exact requirements of the test environment and on the software versions to be tested, as well as precise instructions on using the application.

There are several testers available for accessibility tests in India. The ACC provided training on the necessary applications and processes for them in Walldorf, so that they are familiar with using a screen reader or a system to record problem messages. They use the checklists available and the FAQs for the respective technology during testing to ensure adherence to the standard.

Depending on the scope of the test, additional users may be required for the test period. After completing an application test, the findings are summarized within a status report and afterwards incorporated within the guidelines and checklists.

 

Summary

Technology and application tests are carried out according to the Accessibility Standard at various points in the product development cycle using defined test processes. This ensures that the technologies used as well as the applications conform to the valid internal accessibility requirements thereby assuring customers that our products and services meet statutory specifications.

 

top top