Alpha Testing

This is the first stage of testing. The objective of alpha testing is to test the integration and exchange of messages between the PPA and the GP and Pharmacy system suppliers. Alpha testing will test that both the structure and content of the message is valid and the encryption methodology is operating correctly.

This will be a two stage process.

• Firstly each supplier who is part of the ETP pilot will transmit a set of encrypted and digitally signed test messages from their system to the PPA.
  
  
• Secondly the PPA will provide a test pack of prescriptions covering a range of circumstances. Each consortium will be required to produce these messages in the agreed electronic message format. The GP system will be required to produce paper prescription forms from the test pack, and the pharmacy system will process the paper prescriptions in line with current dispensing practice. These paper prescriptions will be sent to the PPA for checking against the electronic message.
  

ACCEPTANCE TESTING

BETA TESTING