A Case Study on Transforming Maximo Testing Efficiency

Introduction

IBM Maximo is an essential tool for utilities and asset-intensive industries, providing powerful capabilities for managing complex workflows and assets. Testing these capabilities, however, can be a major challenge, especially when dealing with customizations and integrations common in real-world Maximo environments. In this blog, we explore how a leading electricity company achieved significant time savings and increased operational efficiency across their software delivery lifecycle by implementing test automation for Maximo.

Background

Our client, a multi-billion-dollar electricity generation and retail company faced a critical challenge: enhancing the efficiency and reliability of their testing processes for IBM Maximo. The organization had recently initiated a series of upgrades to keep their Maximo system aligned with evolving business needs and industry best practices. Unfortunately, several obstacles stood in their way:

• Manual Testing Challenges: With a heavy reliance on manual testing, the team struggled to keep pace with frequent updates and customizations. Testing cycles were lengthy and resource-intensive, leading to high operational costs and delayed project timelines.
• Lack of Test Automation Experience: The organization had no prior experience with test automation, and they needed a trusted partner to guide them through the process, introduce best practices, and upskill their teams.
• Desire for Long-Term Solutions: Beyond addressing immediate pain points, they wanted a scalable, sustainable automation strategy that would continue delivering value well into the future.

Our mission was to introduce a structured approach to Maximo test automation, reduce testing effort, and empower their team to maintain quality as the system evolved.

Solution

To meet the client’s goals, we developed a comprehensive solution focused on implementing automation, optimizing processes, and building internal capabilities. Our approach included the following key steps:

1. Automated Test Case Development: We began by identifying and automating approximately 1,000 high-priority test cases for Maximo. By focusing on core workflows and frequently used functionalities, we ensured maximum coverage for critical paths within the system. This automation effort targeted previously resource-intensive areas, significantly reducing the need for manual intervention.
2. Custom Maximo Test Automation Framework: TTC Global implemented a Custom Maximo Test Automation Engine and Accelerator Pack, built on Tricentis Tosca, the leading test automation platform. This custom framework included pre-built automated Maximo test cases and provided a tailored solution that could also be extended to test other systems in the client’s technology landscape.
3. Best Practices for Test Automation: Leveraging TTC Global's extensive experience in test automation, we introduced industry best practices, ensuring the automation framework was robust, scalable, and easy to maintain. This included developing modular test cases that could be reused and adapted for future system updates, minimizing maintenance efforts.
4. Training & Empowerment: Recognizing that the client's team had limited experience with test automation, we conducted tailored training sessions for both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Non-technical business analysts were trained to execute and analyze automated test results, enabling a broader team to contribute to quality assurance. This approach fostered a culture of shared responsibility for testing, improving alignment and communication between technical and business teams.
5. Long-Term Sustainability: We emphasized knowledge transfer and thorough documentation, setting the foundation for long-term success. Our goal was not only to address immediate testing needs but to empower the organization to maintain and expand the automation framework independently over time. More than five years later, the client continues to benefit from the efficiency and stability this automation solution provides.

Results

The Maximo Test Automation project was transformational, delivering both immediate and long-term benefits to the client’s testing approach and overall operations:

Approximately 1,000 Automated Maximo Test Cases

Automating around 1,000 test cases provided broad coverage of critical Maximo functionalities, significantly reducing the time and effort required for each testing cycle.

Approx. 260 Person-Hours Saved per Execution

Each time the automated tests were executed, the organization saved an estimated 260 person-hours. This time savings allowed the team to reallocate resources to more strategic activities, accelerating project timelines and reducing costs.

Approx. 80% Speed Increase

Automation increased the speed of test execution by approximately 80%, enabling faster feedback loops and allowing the team to identify and address issues earlier in the development process.

Sustained Impact

Even more than five years after the initial implementation, the client is still utilizing the automated test cases and processes we developed. This long-term impact underscores the value of a well-planned and sustainable automation solution, demonstrating how upfront investment in test automation can continue paying dividends over time.

Conclusion

For organizations looking to enhance their IBM Maximo testing processes, our client’s story serves as a compelling example of how test automation can drive efficiency, reduce costs, and improve quality. By combining technical implementation with process optimization and team empowerment, TTC Global delivered a sustainable automation solution that continues to provide value years after the initial deployment.

Are you considering test automation for Maximo or another enterprise solution? TTC Global has the expertise to guide you through this journey. Reach out to us today to learn more about how we can support your test automation goals.