Web automation (Canadian Tire)

1. The Challenge

Canadian Tire, one of Canada’s largest retail chains, faced the challenge of modernizing its outdated command-line inventory management system. Despite its legacy design, the system performed critical functions, and the client had several key requirements:

1. Preserving Functionality and Interface: The new system needed to retain the functionality and logic of the old one, with minimal changes for users.
2. Modernizing Technology: The legacy system had to be migrated to a modern web platform.
3. Scaling Testing Processes: A robust test automation framework was required to ensure the stability of the new system and reduce regression testing time.
4. CI/CD Integration: Automated testing needed to be integrated into continuous integration and delivery pipelines to identify defects quickly.

This was a unique reverse engineering project that aimed to modernize the system while preserving its proven functionality.

2. The Solution

qantum.one implemented a comprehensive approach to test automation, which included:

1. Developing a Test Automation Framework:
   • Designed a modern web automation framework to support all critical inventory management scenarios.
   • Ensured the framework was scalable and adaptable for future enhancements.
2. Implementing Regression Testing:
   • Automated key functional scenarios to validate the stability of the system.
   • Created tests that accurately replicated the logic of the old system to minimize risks for end-users.
3. CI/CD Integration:
   • Integrated automated tests into CI/CD pipelines, enabling automatic test execution for every release.
   • Provided fast feedback to developers about potential issues.
4. Reverse Engineering Execution:
   • Analyzed and replicated the behavior of the old system in the new web application to avoid disruptions for end-users.

3. The Result

The collaboration with qantum.one delivered significant outcomes for Canadian Tire:

1. Preserved Functionality: The new system replicated the logic of the old one with minimal changes, ensuring a smooth transition for users.
2. Reduced Testing Time: Automation cut regression testing time by over 50%, accelerating the release of new features.
3. Improved Stability: Automated testing reduced the number of defects in production, ensuring the reliability of the new product.
4. Enhanced CI/CD Efficiency: Integrating automated tests into CI/CD pipelines enabled faster defect detection, reducing resolution time.
5. Modernization with Minimal Risk: The reverse engineering process successfully migrated the system to a modern platform without losing critical functionality.

Conclusion

qantum.one helped Canadian Tire successfully modernize their inventory management system, ensuring high-quality web solutions and rapid defect detection through test automation. This project demonstrated the effectiveness of reverse engineering combined with modern automation practices.